AQHA Hires Director of International Activities
The American Quarter Horse Association is pleased to announce that Tate Eck has been named director of international activities. Eck will begin his new role on May 1.
“The love of the American Quarter Horse was instilled in me at a young age by my aunt who bred, raised and trained them for the rodeo and show arenas. I was given the opportunity to take my gift of teaching and my love of the horse to an international level as a clinician for the AQHA Educational Marketplace,” said Eck. “During these trips to Europe, I witnessed a new enthusiasm and desire to learn about the Quarter Horse and our western heritage. Promoting the American Quarter Horse on an international scale will be an honor. I look forward to meeting and working with the international affiliates and advancing AQHA into the future.”
As the director of international activities, Eck will be responsible for AQHA’s international member support by providing activities of value to the international membership through partnerships with AQHA international affiliates, U. S. Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE)/United States Department of Agriculture cooperator contract and programs sponsored through AQHA, such as Educational Marketplace. He will oversee policies and procedures to provide an overall direction of AQHA’s international affairs. Additionally, Eck will assist with maintaining and advancing AQHA’s international market by continuously examining, locating and developing international business relationships.
“We are proud to have Tate on board to serve our international members and their American Quarter Horses,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “He brings a broad skillset to the table alongside a long history of equine knowledge, and understands where our international members are coming from. We do business in over 90 countries and serve approximately 31,000 members and 440,000 registered American Quarter Horses and our goal is to provide more services to more members worldwide.”
Eck will lead an enthusiastic team that serves international affiliates and members, serve as the staff liaison for the AQHA International Committee, organize international events and travel internationally.
Eck received a master’s degree in agriculture education from North Dakota State University and also served as an equine science instructor at NDSU for 15 years. Eck brings over 30 years of experience in equine management and training. He is an avid supporter of AQHA and held multiple professional titles, such as the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association faculty president and is an AQHA Professional Horseman.
For more information on AQHA staff, visit AQHA’s staff directory.
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