American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association (ACHA) unites collegiate horsemen of all levels and disciplines through the promotion of leadership, education, service and national affiliations. ACHA hosts a national convention each year to bring student and chapter members together to learn more about the horse industry and develop their leadership skills through tours, panel discussions and other networking opportunities. The organization also recognizes outstanding chapters and students through annual awards.
ACHA welcomes students from any four-year or two-year equine programs in the country. If you would like more information about the organization, the benefits of membership or how to start a local chapter, visit our Membership page for more information.
Our first career highlight is Nutritionist! NDSU decided to interview Rachel Mottet @legacyequinenutrition and here's her insight on the career.
What does your career entail?
"I have what's called an equine nutrition advisor program. I teach other people how to make nutrition recommendations. I also consult for a couple feed companies at any given time. Then a very small part of what I do is consulting one-on-one with horse owners. My courses probably take up most of what I do."
What kind of education is required?
"Equine Nutritionist is reserved for is someone with a PhD in animal science, ideally in the area of nutrition or something very, very closely related."
What is the range of compensation for this career?
"Small projects are priced around $125 to $350 an hour. Companies can pay you however much money a month, maybe $150. One-time consults for clients might be $350-$500."
What inspired you to choose this career?
"When I was in undergrad, I found that I really loved the nutrition stuff. I began teaching at a college and eventually switched to equine sales at Purina when I realized teaching wasn’t my calling. Incorporating my nutrition knowledge and to have a career out of that is something that I’ve really loved."
What is your favorite part of your job?
"Teaching is something I'm so passionate about, but my favorite thing would be when
someone tells me, you know, I took your advice and my horse is doing amazing."
What challenges do you face?
"When you do it independently you really have to be pretty business savvy, and when you go to school and get a PhD in science, you’re not always equipped with those tools. Additionally, clients can be difficult, and establishing boundaries, really, for any career with clients. Horses are people’s babies, so there’s a lot of emotion that gets wrapped into the job."
What advice can you offer for a student wanting to pursue a career in nutrition?
"I would say just sticking with it because there are jobs out there. Talk to people, talk to professionals, put yourself in the path of someone who could give you a job someday."
Thank you Rachel for your time!
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With just 21 days until convention, now is a great time to start thinking about applying for a national position!
This is a great opportunity to those who want to expand their professional skills and set themselves apart in their future careers. Swipe to find out which position might be a good fit for you!
#futureofequine #rideiea #collegiatehorsemens #americancollegiatehorsemensassociation #futureofhorsemenship #horses #collegeequestrain #collegiateclub #horsemens #equestrian #aqha #equestrain #equine #rideisha #collegeequestrian #Acha #achaconvention #ProfessionalDevelopment #NationalOfficer #RunForOffice #achanationalofficers
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Today's alumni spotlight is Rachel Widmaier! An active member in WVU's chapter, Rachel served as their vice president and as ACHA's treasurer. Rachel is a current veterinary student at Lincoln Memorial.
Her response to how CHA has impacted her was, "My involvement in CHA allowed me the opportunity to greatly develop my communication and networking skills. In veterinary school, this has been a huge asset to during my OSCE’s, and in making deeply rooted connections with industry leaders and veterinary professionals everywhere I go!"
Thank you for sharing your CHA story, Rachel!
#horsemens #equestrain #americancollegiatehorsemensassociation #collegeequestrain #horses #ACHA #rideisha #equestrian #collegiateclub #aqha #collegeequestrian #equine #futureofhorsemenship #futureofequine #collegiatehorsemens #rideiea #achaalum #alumni
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i love and miss you all dearly💔
Rachel Widmaier I MISS YOU!
Queen Rachel 👩👑
The countdown is on for our 2026 ACHA National Convention, 27 days to be exact!
This year, convention will be March 25th-28th and held in Lexington, KY. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is hosting!
We've provided a brief itinerary so you know what to expect for our four action-packed days!
Wednesday - Day 1: Check-in and Welcome Reception at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.
Thursday - Day 2: Local Equine Industry Tours, Lunch, More Tours of Local Equine Industries, and Tour of Turfway Park and Dinner.
Friday - Day 3: Tours of Kentucky Horse Park, Lunch and Business Meeting, NAEAA Graduate Panel, Hands-on Stations and Demos, Dinner and Dance at Spy Coast Farm.
Saturday - Day 4: Delegates Meeting, Industry Professional Panel, Industry Fair, and Banquet and Awards Luncheon.
We hope everyone is as excited as we are! Be on the lookout for more posts regarding attire, national officer positions, sponsors, and reminders for convention!
#equestrain #futureofhorsemenship #aqha #collegeequestrain #horses #equestrian #americancollegiatehorsemensassociation #collegeequestrian #collegiatehorsemens #horsemens #ACHA #equine #futureofequine #rideiea #rideisha #collegiateclub #Scholarships #philanthropy #achaconvention #ACHAscholarships #ProfessionalDevelopment #NAEAA #convention2026
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We cannot wait!
Brooklyn Fischbach is another one of our alum! She was a member of UMC's chapter and served as their president for the 2024-2025 school year. Brooklyn is currently interning at Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, KY.
We asked Brooklyn how has CHA impacted her after graduation and she replied, "it gives me another talking point in the equine world! I get to talk about traveling to different states for convention, the activities done at conventions, and my responsibilities during my time leading my school’s chapter."
Thank you for sharing, Brooklyn!
#futureofequine #horses #collegiatehorsemens #equine #horsemens #rideiea #aqha #rideisha #equestrain #collegeequestrain #futureofhorsemenship #americancollegiatehorsemensassociation #collegeequestrian #ACHA #equestrian #collegiateclub #alumni #achaalum
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🚨Important Reminder🚨
Both the philanthropy donations and scholarship applications are due in 1 week!
Don't delay in your submissions! Awards for the philanthropy challenge and scholarships will be given out at national convention.
#horsemens #collegiatehorsemens #equine #collegiateclub #collegeequestrain #ACHA #collegeequestrian #rideiea #equestrian #americancollegiatehorsemensassociation #horses #aqha #equestrain #futureofequine #rideisha #futureofhorsemenship #ACHAscholarships #Scholarships #philanthropy #achaconvention #convention2026
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