Dedicated Committees Supporting Quarter Horse Owners
2024 Chair: Wayne Burwash
The role of the Governance Committee is to focus on the by laws and governance structure of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, while making recommendations for updates and changes to the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors.
2024 Chair: Mary Ellen Robinson
The Finance Committee plays a key role in the overall financial management of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association. The committee oversees all financial components of the association, including planning, budgeting, tracking, and financial reporting.
Financial reports are prepared quarterly and for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Committee responsibilities also include overseeing revenue generated through the Affiliate Grant Program, Equestrian Canada, sponsorship programs, and other Canadian Quarter Horse Association revenue streams.
The committee is responsible for preparing the annual budget and obtaining approval from the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Executive and Board of Directors.
2024 Chair: Laurie Haughton
The Media, Marketing & Communications Committee provides strategic direction and leadership to the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Media Team, Board of Directors, committees, membership, and alliance partners.
This committee works to promote programs, activities, and events presented or supported by the Canadian Quarter Horse Association in partnership with AQHA, AQHA Provincial Affiliates, and industry alliance partners through electronic communications, the CQHA.ca website, social media platforms, print materials, and in-person communication efforts.
Key Objectives
- Communicate the purpose of the association in alignment with its mandate and partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association.
- Promote Canadian Quarter Horse Association programs and activities.
- Serve as a national representative and spokesperson group for the largest breed population within the Canadian equine industry.
- Address the concerns of Canadian owners of registered American Quarter Horses.
- Promote Canadian-bred and Canadian-owned registered American Quarter Horses.
- Uphold and communicate standards of equine welfare in Canada in accordance with AQHA’s humane treatment policies.
The Media, Marketing & Communications Committee works to achieve these objectives across both AQHA-sanctioned and non-sanctioned events and activities.
2024 Chair: Larry Clifford
The Special Events Committee is responsible for preparing, planning, budgeting, and implementing the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) and other general membership meetings.
2024 Chair: Holly Kress
The Awards Committee is responsible for coordinating and implementing the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Awards Program, which is presented annually.
Committee responsibilities include preparing the program budget and implementation plan, as well as coordinating communication efforts with the Media, Marketing & Communications Committee. The committee also manages award application forms, evaluation criteria, recipient recommendations, and communication with award recipients.
In addition, the committee oversees the ordering of award buckles based on evaluation results and may recommend additional awards based on committee review and analysis. The committee also prepares reports outlining program activities and outcomes for presentation during the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Awards Presentation.
2024 Chair: Wayne Burwash
The Shannon Burwash Memorial Scholarship Committee is responsible for the administration and management of the Shannon Burwash Scholarship Program.
2024 Chair: Gayle Pawley-Wilson
The Youth Committee is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of national programs that support and promote youth involvement with American Quarter Horses across Canada.
2024 Chair: Sandy Kirtzinger
Overall Purpose of The Committee
The Breeders Committee works to position Canada nationally and internationally as a source of quality Quarter Horses, breeding programs, stallion standings, reproductive technology information, and equine health and welfare resources.
The committee also focuses on improving the image and recognition of Canadian-bred Quarter Horses both, nationally and internationally.
2024 Chair: Kathy Patterson
The AQHA Youth World Cup Committee is responsible for supporting the Canadian Quarter Horse Association’s involvement with the AQHA Youth World Cup program.
Committee responsibilities include selecting the Youth Team Manager and Coach, preparing and submitting budgets related to the program, and presenting financial reports to the Board of Directors and during the Canadian Quarter Horse Association AGM.
The committee also plays an important role in promoting youth programs and activities across Canada.
2024 Chair: Gayle Pawley-Wilson
The objective of the Grant Committee is to provide funding opportunities that encourage the growth of AQHA and Canadian Quarter Horse Association membership, AQHA registrations, and the promotion of the American Quarter Horse breed across Canada.
The committee also supports initiatives focused on breed integrity, education, and showcasing the many talents of the American Quarter Horse.
Scope of Work
- Review, edit, and distribute Canadian Quarter Horse Association Grant Application Guidelines annually following Board approval.
- Coordinate communication and promotion through Canadian Quarter Horse Association Media and email channels/
- Provide approved application details, event dates, participant lists, and images to the Marketing & Media Committee/
- Collect and submit all required reimbursement documentation to AQHA by September 15, including applications, receipts, budget reports, post-event reports, and AQHA member participant lists in coordination with the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Treasurer.
2024 Chair: Lyle Jackson
The Officials & Professional Development Committee supports Canadian horse show officials, trainers, coaches, and individuals who professionally train, show, or coach Quarter Horses, as well as those pursuing opportunities and credentials within the industry.
The committee works to promote programs, activities, and events presented or supported by the Canadian Quarter Horse Association in partnership with AQHA, AQHA Provincial Affiliates, and industry alliance partners through electronic communications and the CQHA.ca website.
The committee also focuses on promoting Canadian talent, supporting continuing education, encouraging skill advancement, and helping qualified Canadians prepare for national and international certifications and credentials.
2024 Chair: Mel Burns
The Membership Committee works with the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Board and membership to create and support programs that benefit the Canadian Quarter Horse community.
The committee also collaborates with other Canadian Quarter Horse Association committees to establish membership communications and initiatives that encourage continued membership growth and engagement.
2024 Chair: Wayne Burwash
The purpose of the Nomination & Credentials Committee is to support the Canadian Quarter Horse Association by:
- Ensuring annual elections are conducted through a strong and organized nomination process.
- Recruiting qualified individuals to stand for election as directors.
- Presenting a slate of candidates for director elections in accordance with the Canadian Quarter Horse Association by laws and established nomination procedures.
2024 Chair: Brad Bowie
The Corporate Partnership Committee plays a vital role in supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association.
The committee is responsible for identifying sponsorship and partnership opportunities and connecting partners with Canadian Quarter Horse Association programs, including Awards and Grant initiatives.
The committee also supports Board members in building a nationwide network to strengthen engagement and secure partnership and sponsorship support across Canada.