The 2010 AQHA Convention has adjourned in Kissimmee, Florida. For the first time in history, the AQHA Board of Directors flexed its muscle and went against the Past President’s recommendation for an Executive Committee nomination and approved a nomination that was brought from the floor.

By a two-thirds majority, Johne Dobbs of Champaign, Illinois won the fourth spot on the AQHA Executive Committee and becomes just the second woman to serve on the AQHA Executive Committee.

"It was very exciting," Dobbs told GoHorseShow.com, after being named to the Executive Committee. "For the first time ever, the Board of Directors voted for someone who had not been nominated by the Past President. Patty Colbert nominated me and Suzy Jeane seconded me. All 188 Directors got to vote and it showed that the democratic process is alive and well in the AQHA by-laws.

There is so much emotion involved. I am so pleased to be the first mother and grandmother on the Executive Committee. Seventy one percent of AQHA’s membership are women, so this is a really good time to be involved and I really look forward to making a difference.  I am honored and am going to work hard. I want to be visible and try to help be an ambassador for our wonderful horse." 

Dobbs owns and operates Johne Dobbs Equine Insurance and has been involved in the equine industry for over 35 years. Most recently, she has been a National Director for the AQHA where she serves as chairman of the Nominations and Credentials Committee.

Johnny Trotter of Hereford, Texas, was also elected to the AQHA Executive Committee.

In other news from Kissimmee...

• As examined recently on GoHorseShow.com, AQHA Hot Topics: Specialized Halter Judges, the Judges Committee and the Board of Directors have approved the use of AQHA Specialized Halter Judges.

• Additionally, the World Show Sub Committee of the Show Committee and the Board of Directors have approved changes to Rule 448. It is now recommended that a horse that shows in the Performance Halter at the World Show must also be qualified for the World Show in a performance event. The new recommendation does not state that the horse must show in in a performance event at the World Show to be eligible.

These topics and others will be voted on by the Executive Committee in April.