AQHA Appoints Permanent CFO, Launches New Trail Riding Partnerships

What Happened

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has announced several high-level leadership transitions and community initiatives heading into the second half of 2026. Highlighting the administrative updates is the appointment of Cory Randall as the permanent Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Randall, who previously served in an interim capacity, will now lead the association’s long-term financial strategy and operations.

In the community sphere, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas, officially opened the new Wagonhound Paddock. The space, debuted during a local Family Fun Day, is designed to enhance the museum's engagement with both the local community and visiting enthusiasts.

On the programming front, the AQHA Horseback Riding Program has entered a new partnership with Equine Trail Sports. This collaboration introduces new high-point awards, incentivizing members to participate in trail-based competitions that emphasize horsemanship and practical riding skills.

Why It Matters

These developments signal a period of stabilization and modernization for the world’s largest breed registry. For the everyday AQHA member, the appointment of a permanent CFO ensures fiscal oversight during a time when the association is expanding its digital and physical infrastructure.

The partnership with Equine Trail Sports is particularly significant for recreational riders. By creating new awards for trail riding, the AQHA is formally recognizing the value of the "non-show" horse and rider, providing competitive incentives for those who prefer the trail to the arena. This moves the needle on member retention by offering more ways to win outside of traditional circuit showing.

Furthermore, the election of the 2026-27 AQHYA Executive Committee and the presentation of the Aspire Award to Brylee Leach underscore the association's ongoing investment in youth leadership, ensuring the next generation of trainers and owners are prepared to steward the breed.

Competition Context

The AQHA remains one of the busiest governing bodies in the equestrian world. The schedule through late July and early August includes a diverse array of sanctioned events, ranging from the Rose Circuit in Utah to the North Star Spectacular in Alaska. Notably, the association is also seeing growth in Western Dressage, with specialized shows recently held in Colorado and Virginia.

Discipline Context

While the American Quarter Horse is known as the "versatile" breed, these specific updates touch on several key niches:

• Recreational & Trail: The new Equine Trail Sports partnership directly impacts the Horseback Riding Program.
• Youth & Amateur: The election of new AQHYA directors and the Aspire Award focus on youth development.
• Ranching & Performance: The Hall of Fame expansion (Wagonhound Paddock) celebrates the breed’s working heritage.
• International: The upcoming 2027 European Show Seminar in Spain demonstrates the AQHA’s focus on expanding the Western community across the Atlantic.

Quick Facts

• Governing Body: American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
• New CFO: Cory Randall
• Location: Amarillo, Texas (Headquarters and Hall of Fame)
• Youth Leadership: 2026-27 AQHYA Executive Committee elected at the Youth Excellence Seminar
• New Partner: Equine Trail Sports (for the Horseback Riding Program)
• Key Award: Brylee Leach received the 2026 AQHYA Aspire Award

Riders who want to talk this through with others can join TurnoutHQ community groups.