Directors

President - Hall of Fame, Cattle & Timed Events Director

Ricky Glen

President - Hall of Fame, Cattle & Timed Events Director

Dear Members,

I have been a member of the AQHA for the past 50 odd years starting off as a youth, then into the trainers ranks and also as a breeder.

My passion for the AQHA is tremendous and this has seen me serve as a board member for the past 28 years or so years and have served as your President for the past two terms and in the past have held various portfolios including the formation of the Hall of Fame and, chairperson on the Stud Book for many years, Cattle and Timed Events Portfolio, Rules Portfolio, as well as Deputy and Vice President.

I currently chair the Hall of Fame and Cattle and Timed Events portfolios.

The AQHA has a long history here since the introduction of the Quarter Horse in 1954 with three stallions going to the King Ranch and the other to the Hordern Family.

It has been my focus to ensure that the past of the AQHA is available to AQHA members of the future so they understand the great people and horses which has shaped the AQHA into one of the leading breed associations in Australia today.

My time as a youth competitor was a great grounding for me and I was able to learn from some of the leading trainers and breeders both here in Australia and also in America.  Back then, we showed in all classes and often on the same horse as there was not the specialist horses for a particular event as there is today and many of the horses back then are still prominent in the bloodlines of the AQHA today.

I live in the Southern Highlands of NSW and manage Velvet Quarter Horse Ranch which has become one of the leading forces in the performance horse industry since its formation.  Our foundation sire is Peptos Stylish Oak that I chose at a sale at Fort Worth in Texas 25 years ago and three years ago he returned to the USA.

In closing, the AQHA continues to grow and grow and I have been honoured to be part of that growth for many many years.

As always, I am contactable by any member of the AQHA.

Kind regards

Ricky Glen

E: ricky@vqhr.com.au  P: 0407 440 937

Deputy President - Studbook, International Director

Kim Johnson

Deputy President - Studbook, International Director

With nearly 40 years of involvement in the Australian Quarter Horse Association, I’ve proudly served as a Director for the past eight years, including time as President. I’ve also held key roles overseeing the Stud Book and Youth portfolios and have represented AQHA internationally, keeping members connected to global developments.

My husband Fred and I run a Quarter Horse stud and breeding farm on 200 acres in Locksley, Victoria, with a strong focus on the cutting industry. Breeding and promoting quality Quarter Horses has been a lifelong passion, and our family is deeply involved in the industry. Two of our three grown children are involved in training, breeding, and competition, one in the Pleasure arena and the other in Cutting. We’re also proud grandparents to four wonderful grandsons.

The future of AQHA is full of opportunity, and I’m excited to continue supporting the growth and diversity of Quarter Horse competition in Australia and beyond.

E: cuttabarqhstud@gmail.com   P: 0427 667 886

Vice President - Marketing Director

Kane Skopp

Vice President - Marketing Director

I have been actively involved in the western performance horse industry for over 20 years as proud member of the Australian Quarter Horse Association. Together with my wife Holly, I co-own and operate HK Show Horses, based in Haigslea, QLD. Our program specialises in breeding and training futurity horses for western pleasure and hunter under saddle, as well as developing competitive youth and amateur all around horses.

Over the years, we’ve produced and trained multiple major futurity winners and national champions, while also coaching a broad range of riders, from complete novices to seasoned competitors, on their path to the winner’s circle.

Our breeding program has found success both in Australia and the United States, and we remain committed to improving the gene pool by importing top-quality stallions and mares. With a strong passion for coaching, we regularly conduct clinics across Australia and internationally.

I’m deeply passionate about the Quarter Horse and look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and future of this incredible breed.

E: AQHADir12@aqha.com.au   P: 0402 836 607

Treasurer, Show & Performance Director

Trish Wettenhall

Treasurer, Show & Performance Director

I have been involved in the Quarter Horse industry for 42 years as the owner and operator of Triandibo Quarter Horse Stud since 1983, breeding and training western performances horses.

My introduction to the Quarter Horse was through the Melbourne Quarter Horse Association, riding in the improver program.

I have been a member of the NCHA, ARCHA, NRHA competing at State and National levels.

I’m proud to say I’ve bred and trained many AQHA Hi Point Award winners and 2 Hall of Fame recipients.   

#aqhaproud 

E: triandibo@bigpond.com    P: 0418 567 180

Amateur Director

Rachel Turner

Amateur Director

I have grown up in the industry with my family (nee Elliott) breeding and showing Quarter Horses in the performance, cutting & sporting events.

I started showing myself over 25 years ago and still compete in the all round  performance events today as an Amateur. 

Based in Strathfieldsaye, Central Victoria with my husband, I work in the Agribusiness finance sector.

I’m passionate about supporting our industry from the grass roots up as well as growing our youth and amateur divisions.

E: AQHADir3@aqha.com.au     P: 0438 374 068

Youth Director

Liz Keating

Youth Director

Based in central Victoria near Kyabram, my husband and I have a small farm approx 200 acres where we run beef cattle, along with my boutique training facility, Lifestyle Performance Horses P/L. Between Sam and myself, we have 5 adult children and 6 grandchildren. 

I have been an active member of the AQHA for over 40 years, firstly competing as an Amateur, then becoming a professional coach and trainer in 2009. I have also been actively involved with AQHA affiliates over the years and am presently the treasurer for on the Goulburn Valley QHA & WRC, which involves running one of Australia’s premium shows Summer Sizzler, so I have an understanding of what is involved from an Affiliate prospective.

My passion is the grass roots of our industry.  I love introducing newcomers to our beloved Quarter Horses and being a part of their journey through my lesson and training program. From the basics to competing successfully at elite levels, my program ensures the bond between horse and rider is utmost.

I have been a Board member for 8 years, in that time holding the Affiliate, Traditional, and now the Youth portfolio. Our youth are the future of the AQHA  and I look forward to steering the portfolio with the input from our youth members.

E: AQHADir10@aqha.com.au     P: 0418 354 917

Versatility Ranch Director

Paul Lorimer

Versatility Ranch Director

I am 65 years of age, married with two adult daughters and one beautiful grandaughter. I am a partner in our family’s western saddlery business. As a family we have been actively breeding and showing quarter horses for over 40years.

I have been an active member of regional affiliates and the AQHA Board. As a Director, I have always tried to consider all the possible impacts of decisions to be made by the Board and have never been afraid to stand up for anything I believe is in the best interests of the members. 

 E: paul@horsemanstradingpost.com.au   P: 0412 740 065

Judging Director

Joanne Gregory

Judging Director

I have been a director for the past 8 years and I work full time as a Business Analyst. I have had extensive experience in the Quarter Horse industry through judging, showing and organising shows and other events.

I have previously held the judging and Show and Performance portfolios on the board and this   year have taken on the Affiliates portfolio. I am hoping to assist our clubs dealing with a downturn in numbers attending their events and will work with the other affiliates to come up with some suggestions that may help them to run a healthy and fun club.

I am always free to assist any member who has any queries so contact me if you wish.

 E:jo-greg@bigpond.net.au  P: 0437 703 353

Traditional Director

Lorelei Payne

Traditional Director

From Sunny Coast Qld, Lorelei Payne, now travels extensively across Australia and overseas for private and clinic coaching, and judging. The ultimate “rider” coach, Lorelei’s discerning eye does not miss a trick.

Credentials include AQHA Professional Horseman (level 3), AA accredited AQHA Judge, Ranch Judge (level 2), EA International Judge, HSAA Judge, Western Dressage Judge and on the Board of Directors AQHA. 

She has dedicated over 50 years to her horses from English, Hacking, to Western and Western Dressage as a fierce competitor, a trainer and judge. She has flawless Rule Book knowledge and inspires greatness in all her students; just as she expects it in the ring.

E: loreleipayne@gmail.com      P: 0412 277 712

National Show Director

Kyle Mobberley

National Show Director

I have been actively involved with AQHA and the equine industry for over 30 years and a trainer for approximately 23 years. 

My experience in the Quarter Horse industry includes being actively involved and coaching 3 Youth World Cup Teams, a Clinician, showing and I am an active member of Goulburn Valley Quarter Horse & Western Riding Club, and have been President for the last 6 years, as well as a member of the AQHA Professional Horsemens Group. 

E: solitaireperformancehorses@gmail.com     P: 0438 306 121

Pro Horseman Director

David Caleo

Pro Horseman Director

I’m a AQHA Prohorseman and I love my job as a horse trainer, being privileged to help youth, beginner and amateur riders achieve their goals and dreams. I am currently the AQHA Prohorsemen Director, in addition to having served on the committee of the Sydney Quarter Horse Association for many years.

I am passionate about our industry and prepared to face any challenges that may arise to help promote the AQHA and support its members.

E: caleodave@gmail.com    P: 0400 160 766

Investigative Officer, Affiliate Director

John Steel

Investigative Officer, Affiliate Director

I have been involved in the Equestrian industry for most of my live.  I began my journey in Pony Club before progressing to Eventing and Show Jumping. For over two decades, I have  been an active member and competitor with the AQHA.  

Currently, I serve as Vice President for two of our Victorian affiliates and also contribute my time at numerous shows throughout the year.  As a member-elected director, I hold key portfolios in Affiliates and Investigative Officer. Along with my fellow board members I am dedicated to continuing to build the future of our industry.

E: Kiwijohn55@hotmail.com P: 0488 687 014