Leadership AQHA Application Deadlines Approaching

Applications due August 1 and 15

Amarillo, Texas, July 21, 2005 – You can help lead the largest equine breed association in the world, the American Quarter Horse Association, by applying for Leadership AQHA, the Association’s training program to identify and train future leaders.

AQHA is accepting applications for the 2006 leadership class. The 12-month program begins October 1, 2005, and provides 100 participants with a unique opportunity to gain more knowledge about various aspects of the industry, as well as maximize their leadership talents.

AQHA will choose one program participant from each of its 10 regions and the additional 90 participants will be determined through AQHA’s state and provincial affiliates. AQHA is accepting applications for the 10 AQHA regional positions until August 1. Each AQHA Affiliate will be submitting their program participants to AQHA on August 15. Anyone interested in representing an AQHA Affiliate is encouraged to contact his or her local affiliate representatives. Selected participants will be notified by September 1.

The program curriculum includes a training session in October 2005 at AQHA headquarters in Amarillo, Texas. Hotel and travel expenses will be covered by AQHA. To further their educational experience, participants are expected to attend the 2006 AQHA Convention held in Seattle, Washington, March 3-7. This trip is at the participant’s expense.

In addition, each class member will be required to attend one industry event, at AQHA’s expense, such as the AQHA Affiliate Management Workshop, Youth Excellence Seminar, AQHA Youth World Show, American Horse Council Convention, AQHA Racing Conference or the AQHA World Show. Online training also will be available to program participants to further their knowledge and understanding of AQHA.

Applicants need to be current AQHA members in good standing. Due to travel requirements, participants should not be enrolled in an institution of higher learning. After participating in the leadership training program, members will be more aware of industry involvement options within AQHA including affiliates, standing committees, task forces and national directorships.

For more information and to download an application for one of the 10 regional positions, visit http://www.aqha.com , e-mail :leadership@aqha.org or call AQHA at (806) 376-4811.

For information on participation through an AQHA Affiliate and a complete listing of AQHA Affiliates, http://www.aqha.com/partners/affiliate/index.html .