DIRECTORS REPORTS 2017/2018
country with great stories. These
stories have encouraged more
members to “have a go” at the
non-traditional classes on offer.
Next year will see many of the above
initiatives continuing with the
Quarter Horses greatly
represented in the non-traditional
portfolio throughout Australia.
Lorelei Payne
SHOW & PERFORMANCE
REPORT
The 2017- 2018 show season
approvals were slightly down on
previous years, however the
Association recorded points from
126 ‘A’ shows, 28 ‘AA” shows, 6 ‘AAA’
State Shows and 1 ‘AAAA’ National
Show.
The huge variety of events that
Quarter Horses participate in will
keep our breed at the forefront of the
equine industry.
I would like to this opportunity to
thank the hard working staff of the
AQHA for their contribution to Show
and Performance.
The new iCompete Computer
program was introduced and any
minor issues experienced are being
remedied as they are identified. It
will continue to grow in capabilities
over the next few years and I am
certain it will be of great benefit to
Affiliates and members in the future.
As of 1st August the new Rule Book
was released and which will be in
place for the next two years.
The introduction of Ranch Riding
in 2016 has been very successful
and has demonstrated the need for
Ranch Versatility Shows have been
introduced with this new Rule Book.
I believe Ranch Versatility Shows,
will continue to grow the populari-
ty of showing Quarter Horses right
across Australia.
Paul Lorimer
STUD BOOK REPORT
The AQHA has recently introduced
colour genetic testing. This is not
compulsory, but a service to those
members that have been interested
in the colour makeup of their horses.
The Stud Book Committee continues
to be diligent in making sure that the
integrity and pedigree of the Quarter
Horse breed in Australia is protected.
With the advancement of technology
and research, there will always be
the discovery of new genetic diseases
within our industry and the
committee will continue to monitor
this over the coming years to the
betterment of our breed.
Carol Ricketts
JUDGING REPORT
The Annual Judge’s Seminar took
place in Brisbane this year, with a
good turnout of both refresher and
applicant judges. We have changed
the seminar format over the last
couple of years to add in an extra day
at the commencement of the seminar
for applicant and upgrade judges
only. This day is dedicated to training
for our scored classes, which are by
far the most difficult to understand.
This has proven to increase the pass
rate for our applicant judges and we
have had good feedback regarding
this change to the seminars.
This year we have also been busy
organising the training of our Ranch
judges, so they can officiate over our
new Ranch Versatility classes. I am
sure these classes will become very
popular in the near future similar to
Ranch Riding. We have also been con-
ducting audits of our judges and I am
pleased to say this has emphasised
the high standard of our judges.
Joanne Gregory
INTERNATIONAL
REPORT
The American Quarter Horse
Association has recently implement-
ed rule changes and they are avail-
able on the AQHA website for mem-
bers to peruse. The 2018 AmQHA
Convention agendas and reports are
also accessible for consideration.
The Youth World Cup Team had great
success in 2018 finishing 4th overall
out of 19 countries.
I would like to extend a very big
thank you to Pauline Stuart-Fox, our
coach, for a great job and I was very
proud member of the Team Australia.
Kim Johnson
PROFESSIONAL
HORSEMAN
The Committee and I are further
developing the Professional Horse-
man’s division and will continue to
do so over the next 12 months.
This year saw the initiation of an
inclusive criterion to increase
numbers and progress made towards
an end of year Recognition Award to
commence in 2019.
With the Committee’s concepts
and the AQHA Board’s support the
Division will advance further in the
impending year.
Kyle Mobberley
YOUTH REPORT
The AQHA Youth Portfolio through-
out the 2017/18 year continued to
proactively support the Australian
Youth, ensuring Youth competing
within AQHA did so in a fun, safe and
supportive environment.
The selection and ultimately the
2018 Youth World Cup Team did Aus-
tralia proud, further demonstrating
the enjoyment, friendships, horse-
manship and leadership skills the
Youth of Australia have. Not without
challenges, the Youth Development
Squad continued to gain momentum,
however, stay tuned for a refreshed
look of the Youth Division in the
2018/19 year.
The Association continues to
emphasise the need for education,
information sharing and develop-
ment of our Youth Membership,
ensuring the future leaders of our
industry are developed, nurtured
and supported throughout their
journey with the Australian Quarter
Horse.
Craig Rath
September • October • 2018 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • 17