How To Make Your Horse Breed Association Count

While most breeds of horses are widely supported by an associations that takes care of the registration of the horses in its breed, not all associations are quite equal. In fact, some are well known for their excellent support of their members base, while others are nothing more than glorified registries.

There are many different things that set apart breed associations, so that the membership benefits and the breed has the opportunity to grow. If you are a member of a horse breed association, check to see what your association offers to the membership. Remember, most associations are volunteer-run, and welcome those who are interested in helping to improve the association.

Here are some quick examples of how a breed association can support its members.

Breed-Specific Shows

Many horse breed associations offer specialized shows for their breed. These shows offer classes on the line, futurity classes, under saddle classes, and many other classes that are specific to their horse breed. Often these shows have special awards that are passed on year after year to the winners of each division.

Performance Award Programs

When a horse breed excels in a specific range of disciplines, it is not uncommon for an association to offer an award program for horses that excel in that discipline. The award winners are usually published on the association's web site, in the association's newsletter, and the owners and/or breeders receive a physical award to display at their farm.

Online Marketing

Well-built websites for horse breed associations offer a unique opportunity for members to list their horses for sale. With farm listings, breeder listings, stallion listings, and classified listings, the association website can be the perfect resource for anyone looking to purchase a horse of that breed. It is also effective, since it connects members who already have a specific interest in the breed.

National and International Marketing

Many horse breed associations have specialized marketing programs designed to promote their breed across the nation, and around the world. While these marketing programs may not list specific farms or animals, they do promote the breed as a whole, leading more people to choose to try a horse of that breed.

Membership Magazines or Newsletters

These publications keep the membership up-to-date and are great ways to help members advertise their services within the breed. Some such publications have classifieds or advertising space available.

Stallion Auctions and Young Stock Sales

One way that associations make money to run their offices, and help their membership, is to offer special stallion service auctions or young stock sales. With members gaining reduced rate breedings and breeders gaining a new venue to advertise, these breed-specific auctions and sales can be a great way to promote the breed.

If you are already a member of a breed association, get involved. Often the only reason a program is not in place is that there is no one available to run it. The more members become involved, the better support and better program choices the association is able to offer.