The AQHA Convention, held March 14–16 in Las Vegas, Nevada, brought together members from across the country to collaborate, discuss, and shape the future of the American Quarter Horse industry. The Tennessee Quarter Horse Association (TQHA) was proud to have a strong and engaged delegation in attendance, contributing meaningfully across multiple committees and leadership conversations.
Representing TQHA were Directors Rick Baker, Patrick Kayser (TQHA President), Paul Bailey, and Dave Whitaker, along with AQHYA Second Vice President and TQHYA President Madelyn McLaren, AQHYA Region 9 Representative Bethany Robertson, and TQHA First Vice President Sarah Chabot.
TQHA President Patrick Kayser served as Chairman of the Public Policy Committee, leading important discussions around horse welfare, agricultural industry concerns, and refining how the committee contributes to AQHA’s broader policy direction. His leadership ensured that key issues impacting horse owners and industry stakeholders remain at the forefront.
Past TQHA President and Director-at-Large Paul Bailey chaired the Nominations & Credentials Committee, a critical group responsible for guiding the selection of AQHA leaders, including directors, judges, and stewards. TQHA Director Dave Whitaker also served on this committee, supporting its important work.
TQHA First Vice President Sarah Chabot chaired the Marketing & Membership Committee, facilitating forward-thinking conversations focused on growing and strengthening AQHA membership. Key topics included tiered and bundled membership opportunities, enhanced international member benefits, improved transfer processes, and new pathways for engaging young adult members.
Director Rick Baker represented TQHA on the Show Committee, with a focus on the Halter Subcommittee, reviewing rule changes and proposals that impact the show division and ensure the continued integrity and evolution of competition.
Youth leadership was also well represented, as Madelyn McLaren delivered the invocation during Monday’s general membership meeting—one of the largest attended in recent history—highlighting the strength and future of AQHYA leadership.
One of the most notable outcomes from this year’s convention was the removal of the “Two-Year Rule” regarding frozen embryos and semen, a change expected to have meaningful implications for breeders and the industry at large.
The convention also celebrated the achievements of breeders, top professional horsemen, and leaders across the industry, while welcoming the new AQHA Executive Committee: President Jim Brinkman, First Vice President Lori Bucholz, Second Vice President Ross Roark, and Members Randy Ratliff and Victor Wolf. The association also welcomed new Chief Executive Officer Dave Dellin as he steps into leading AQHA into its next chapter.
TQHA is proud to have such dedicated leaders representing Tennessee at the national level. Their continued involvement ensures that our members’ voices are heard and that we remain actively engaged in shaping the future of the American Quarter Horse.
