Leading APHA into a prosperous future is not a one-man job—it’s an endeavor that requires the help of Paint industry leaders across the country. With a renewed focus on education, the 2015 APHA Convention offers three exciting opportunities for attendees to grow their knowledge and reignite their passion for our colorful breed. 

If you’re an APHA member, national director, breeder, trainer, exhibitor or just a Paint Horse enthusiast, YOU’RE invited to attend Convention. Attendance is free, but seats are limited, so register today. 

Three seminars are designed to educate attendees in vital areas of the horse industry:

Shared Leadership: Working Together

Renowned speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby made a splash at last year’s Convention, and he’s back again to help APHA leaders to grow together to improve the association and industry. This is the first in a confirmed three-year series of workshops with Rick.

Effective leaders maximize efficiency because they always—without exception—place the team first. Leadership expert John Maxwell was quoted as saying, “One is too small a number to achieve greatness.”  Great leaders learn how to build cultural value through working together. In 2015 module, attendees will explore how to implement the theoretical construct of teamwork into a profitable practice.

“Rick’s seminars are designed to provide guidance, direction and training for APHA leadership across the country,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. “The idea is to help create a national harmony of purpose, so we can become more productive and effective association as a whole.”

Rick will continue to guide National Directors throughout the year by providing periodic curriculums with helpful tips for efficient and effective leadership.

VR³: Volunteer Recruiting, Retention and Recognition

Presented by the Regional Club Committee, VR³ is an interactive discussion on the unique challenges of leading volunteers.

Paint Horse lovers are passionate people, and harnessing that passion is vital to the future growth of Regional Clubs and the entire association. With National Director and Regional Club Committee member David Lands from Gloucester, Virginia, at the helm, this seminar will cover proven methods to attract new volunteers and recognize their contributions that, ultimately, leads to success retention of passionate leaders.

The Game Plan

Introduced in 2014 and back by popular demand, The Game Plan seminar is an in-depth dissection of of key classes by APHA judges. APHA Director of Judges David Dellin and APHA Judge Dave Denniston from Mead, Colorado, will discuss what judges look for in a winning run of ranch horse pleasure, showmanship and trail. 

“There is no better way to be competitive than to know how you will be evaluated,” David said. 

Information presented is the same as that given to APHA judges at educational seminars, and audience members are encouraged to ask questions regarding the featured classes. The Paint Horse Journal staff will be live-tweeting the event; if you cannot attend Convention, catch this seminar’s highlights with @APHAnews. 

The Game Plan is also a 12-month series of in-depth articles in the Paint Horse Journal throughout 2014. Order back-issues or catch video interviews with APHA judges to up your knowledge. 

In addition to seminars and official APHA business, that APHA Convention offers fun socials and opportunities to network with Paint Horse enthusiasts from across the nation. Make plans to attend this can’t-miss event. 

Check out the full Convention schedule online.

Convention Director Theresa Brown is available to answer questions about the 2015 APHA Convention—contact her at (817) 222-6403 or by email.