WCHA Names Don Falcon as Interim Director and Kate Jackson as Administrative Assistant
WCHA
Don Falcon has been named Interim Executive Director for the World Conformation Horse Association to manage day to day operations of the association. He will also continue to serve as Coordinator for the WCHA Breeder’s Championship and Big Money Futurities as well as Chairman of the Breeder’s Committee.
Don has a wealth of association experience having served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of state and regional associations in his home state of Montana. As show coordinator/manager of the Silver Chalice Shows, he took a show that had a class C rating in 1980 to one of the largest shows in the nation. It held that distinction for a 20-year span until Don and wife, Berta, moved to Texas with their stallion, Touchdown Kid. Falcon was a National Director for AQHA and served on the Youth, Membership, Professional Horsemen, and the Show Committees. He also served on World Show and Halter Task Force committees. As a WCHA director, he chaired the Breeder’s Committee and was instrumental in developing the WCHA Breeder’s Championship. Each year that he’s been the coordinator, the event has increased in participation and dollars paid out. Although he lives in Louisiana, he formed a small group out west and put the Best in the West Futurity in place and still serves as its coordinator. The first Get of Sire Class that packed the coliseum at the AQHA World Show was the result of his vision and coordination. Don holds specialized Halter judging credentials with AQHA, APHA and WCHA and has judged the AQHA Open World Show, AQHA Select World Show, APHA Open World Show, and the BHF Futurity.
Don and Berta live in Columbia, LA. They have a daughter, Dawn, and son Ben, who were successful youth and amateur exhibitors winning AQHA World titles. Now, their granddaughters, Olivia, Taylor, and Bella compete, so it’s a family tradition!
Falcon says, “I’ve been a trainer, stallion owner, mare owner, judge, horse show manager, and futurity coordinator, which gives me insight to the needs and concerns of our membership from different perspectives. I firmly believe that a strong non-pro program is the engine that drives the train. I also feel that more emphasis needs to be directed to those breeders and exhibitors that have quit showing and have quit breeding and raising Halter horses. They still want to compete but feel left behind. My goal is to develop programs to be all inclusive to everyone that has a passion for raising and showing Halter horses. Furthermore, I couldn’t be more encouraged with the future for WCHA because of the really good people on the Executive Committee, our BOD, and our energetic committee chairs! With Krissy Colbath and Kate Jackson, who bring innovative skills as administrative consultants, we have a GREAT TEAM to move the association forward.“
The World Conformation Horse Association welcomes Kate Jackson of Cisco, Texas as a new administrative consultant. Kate brings several years of experience from inside and outside of the arena with her to WCHA. In addition to competing as an exhibitor, Jackson has worked on the management and communications teams for breed associations as well as management roles in large horse shows.
Jackson truly knows no other way of life besides being in the horse industry. “When you are the product of parents who are two horse trainers, you really don’t have any other options,” laughs Jackson. Although her involvement might have started as involuntary immersion, her love for the industry has proven true as it has guided her entire professional career.
After graduating from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations, she joined the Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc. in the Communications Department and also served as the Director of Youth and Amateur Activities. From there, her path led her to the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) where she served as the Director of Marketing, working to promote the Appaloosa Horse. While working for the ApHC, she relocated to Cisco, TX and teamed up with Three Nails Ranch, where her husband, Jarrell Jackson, is the Equine Division Manager for ranch owners, Billy and Suzonne Franks.
Jackson said she’s thrilled to be jumping on board with WCHA. “I never knew my life would lead me to have such an appreciation and respect for the conformation horse. I look forward to using my experience and skills to prove that respect.”
Executive Director Don Falcon says, “We are both thrilled and very fortunate to have Kate accept the position as Administrative Consultant. Everyone in the western horse show world respects and adores her outgoing personality, and she comes to us highly recommended by other associations. A real bonus for our membership is that Kate will be attending many APHA, AQHA, PHBA, ApHC, ABRA and ARHA events throughout the year and will be our WCHA Ambassador in the field. On behalf of the EC and BOD, welcome to our team, Kate Jackson!”
