Each year ACHA collaborates with a local chapter to host the annual national convention. Students and faculty in attendance benefit from horse industry tours, professional speakers, panel discussions, and other leadership, service and social activities.
Learn about national convention host proposals here.
The 2024 ACHA National Convention will be held April 10-13, 2024 in Murray, Kentucky. The full itinerary, travel and registration details are posted here. Register early and book your hotel rooms by March 1st for the most competitive pricing.
The 2023 national convention was held in Morgantown, West Virginia. Students learned from renowned Saddlebred trainers at Mercer Springs Farm, Veterinarians practicing acupuncture and chiropractic, and equine sports massage therapists at the JW Ruby Research Farm. They also networked with equine professionals in animal health, reproduction, media, equine assisted therapy and more.
The 2022 national convention was held in Ocala, Florida. Students toured Chestnuthill Arabians, the Besilu Collective, a renowned Paso Fino farm, Rohara Arabians, Equine Performance Innovative Center, a treatment and rehabilitation facility for equine athletes, and the World Equestrian Center – Ocala. They also networked with equine professionals in feed and animal health sales, veterinary medicine, and cooperative extension.
Postponed due to travel restrictions
The 2020 national convention was held in Terre Haute, Indiana. Students toured C Bar C Expo Center; The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Horse Patrol Association, and the Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, home of the Indiana Derby. They also networked with equine professionals in equine nutrition, media, racing, and more.
The 2019 national convention was held in Charleston, South Carolina. Students toured Middleton Farms, a carriage driving facility that provided guided tours of the city. They also visited Mullet Hall to learn about the Marsh Tacky horse. They networked with equine professionals in all-around training, saddle fitting, farrier care, hippotherapy, and mounted shooting.
ADVISOR: Dr. Crystal Smith, Teaching Professor of Equine Management
PHONE: 304-980-3040 | EMAIL: [email protected]
ADVISOR: Dr. Katheryn Cerny, Associate Professor of Animal Science
PHONE: 229-391-4822 | EMAIL: [email protected]