Meredith, an APHA member since the 1970s, is enthusiastic about the APHF’s work and ready to contribute. She began showing with APHA at age 11 and has shown Paint Horses off and on throughout her life. From 1976–77, she served as AjPHA treasurer and was elected as AjPHA president in 1977. Meredith has shown many horses to world and reserve world championships in a wide variety of events, including Western pleasure, hunter under saddle, pleasure driving, Western riding and trail. She’s routinely earned spots on the annual Masters Amateur Top 20 and has won several Honor Roll championships.
The horsewoman also established a fund through APHF in honor of her niece, Suzanna Nelson; Meredith is in the process of funding this scholarship, “Suzanna Smiles,” in so it can award perennial scholarships. Her daughter Ashlyn, who is now 9 years old, showed at her first APHA Youth World Show in 2018 and won several scholarships, much to her delight.
In addition to horse activities, Meredith was on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Menlo Park, California, where she served on the Stewardship (fundraising) Committee; she also served on the Stewardship Committee for Session at Grace Presbyterian Church in Temecula, California, where she was also a member.
“We are fortunate as a foundation to have someone with Meredith’s compassion and knowledge of the Paint Horse community,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said.
Meredith joins APHF’s existing board members: President Tom Crowley of Kellogg, Minnesota; Capital Campaign Chair Marylyn Caliendo of Pilot Point, Texas; Kelly Boles Chapman of Bellevue, Michigan; Suzonne Franks of Cisco, Texas; Mike Holloway of Brandon, Mississippi; Ann Jones of Flowery Branch, Georgia; Laurie Roden of Phoenix, Arizona; Robin Robinett of Brazil, Indiana; Jennifer Sheriff of Collinsville, Texas; and Dr. Maurice Wilkinson of Shiner, Texas.
For more information about the foundation or to give a gift, visit apha.com/foundation or contact the APHF at (817) 222-6412 or [email protected].