APHA Members Honor Past Presidents

Nearly 100 APHA members gathered early on February 23 to honor the association’s former leaders at the 2013 APHA Convention’s Past Presidents Breakfast. Among those past presidents in attendance included John Hertner (1996); Scot Jackson (2012); Diane Paris (1998); Paul Reinbolt (2005); Carl Thurow (2008); Travis Titlow (2011); and Linda Vance (2010).

Several former presidents reminisced about their experiences in the saddle of association leadership. One was Diane Paris, who shared how she got started in the Paint Horse business.

“Back then, I had a barn full of Quarter Horses,” Diane said. “I had a little tobiano mare come into the barn, and I thought, ‘That would be fun.’ A year later, we had a barn full of Paints.”

Getting involved in her local California Paint Horse club, Diane discovered a family-friendly environment and great friends—in addition to beautiful horses. Her involvement escalated to becoming a representative on the California Coordinating Committee, then an APHA national director and committee member, and finally a member of the Executive Committee.

“Nobody ever explained to me the bond you have with people you serve with,” Diane said. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“It was a challenge and fun, and it’s exciting for me to see all the new people who are starting to be involved. I see a great future for our association.”

Paul Reinbolt also shared his thoughts about the past, present and future of APHA. Though the worldwide economic downturn has challenged the horse industry, Paul says the future is bright for an association like APHA.

“You’ve got to be able to adjust, and the association has adjusted,” Paul said. “The key in this situation is that you have to be ready for the uptick. You can sell ice to Eskimos if you know what flavor they want. The ability to listen to the customer and understand what they need and have the customer service to make that happen, those are the most important things.”