Happy Spring PHBA Family,
Hard to believe we are already three months into 2024. The 2024 Convention was again a big success. We had 184 join us in Tulsa, Oklahoma earlier this month.
Highlights from this year’s convention include an amazing Welcome Reception hosted by PHBA and the Heritage Foundation, with special thanks to Carmen O’Donnell for inviting our live music by Dalton Webb. Thanks to all who attended and kicked up their heels on the dance floor. I think it was a great way to start the week. The festivities resumed on Friday Night with our annual live Benefit Auction, which again was a rousing success raising over $20,000 when combined with the silent auction totals this year. Big THANK YOU to this year’s committee headed up by Mr. Matthew Heinz. We want to also thank auctioneers Mike and Brian Bendele for once again doing an awesome job. The week ended with the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday night. This is always an amazing night where those who have worked hard all year are recognized for their achievements. Whether you won an All-Around Award or were first in your class for the year, I want to say again Congratulations, job well done. In addition, the Hall of Fame inductees, Amateur Board members, and Open Board members were announced for 2024.
We didn’t just have fun, as always at the PHBA Convention, standing and ad hoc committees met over three days to discuss the business of PHBA. There were many rule change proposals this year and once those are ratified by the executive board will be available on the website for review.
The 2024 PHBA World Championship Show in Springfield, IL July 8th -20th is fast approaching. This year’s world show is gearing up to be one of our biggest and best yet. The schedule includes two AQHA Ranch Classes, Ranch Riding and Ranch Rail, offered in the Youth, Amateur, and Open divisions for 2024. This is in addition to all the wonderful PHBA and Palomino Bred Classes you know and love.
The World Show would not be possible without all our great sponsors. If you would like to support your World Show by sponsoring a class or two, or by having an ad in the World Show Program visit the website for details. Don’t hesitate, ads are due May 25th and you don’t want to be left out.
I hope to see you all down the road and please support our APAs.
Good luck, have fun, and safe travels.
Gene Ray