AZQHA Creates New CEO Position

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212 – May, 2016

By Kristen Spinning

The Arizona Quarter Horse Association has taken a bold step to keep it positioned as an influential and innovative organization in the American Quarter Horse industry. The Association has created a position of CEO and named Doug Huls to take the reins.

A Board of Directors and a number of committees have run AZQHA for decades. These hard working volunteers put in countless hours, usually on top of their already busy schedules as successful business people and accomplished horsemen. The fact that the organization maintains an active schedule of events through the year and produces two world-class horse shows is a testament of their dedication and passion to this industry. However, the board acknowledges that there is room to do more. A fulltime CEO can integrate the knowledge base of the committees, as well as administrate, coordinate and maximize their efforts.

Doug Huls believes his perspective brings a lot to the position, “I think the judging, training, and involvement with horses I’ve had over the years brings a wealth of knowledge. It allows me to understand what needs to be addressed to keep AZQHA a leading organization in the nation.”

Arizona is fortunate to have a rich history and tradition linked to horses. It’s also the home base for many top training barns. “The strength of the Quarter Horse industry in Arizona is huge,” Huls says. “We have some fantastic trainers in this state in the all-around field, rail and pattern events, trail and, of course, cow horse, cutting, and reining. There is a tremendous number of horses and quality individuals here; they’re some of the best people you’ll ever meet.” Though the quality of participants in Arizona ensures a solid membership, Huls sees there is even greater potential to expand AZQHA’s presence, citing the popularity of the winter ropings, barrel racing, rodeos, and the backyard horsemen. He fully embraces the organization’s goal of supporting all horse-related events in the state as a way to encourage greater American Quarter Horse ownership and participation. Another important focus will be to expand non-competitive and recreational activities as a way to include more horse owners.

Doug Huls grew up in Iowa as a kid with a passion for horses. His family didn’t own horses, but when there was an event close by that featured horses, he begged for a ride, just so he could have some small involvement. That’s all it took. He was hooked. Huls saved $375 from shoveling driveways and raking leaves. Then, he borrowed another $375 from his mom… with interest. He bought his first horse when he was 12. His brother had a place with acreage where he could keep it, and Huls rode his bike a few miles down a gravel road every day to take care of his horse. From those early days, he built one experience on top of another to forge a career centered around his passion.

Click here to read the complete article
212 – May, 2016