National Convention

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.

2025 National Convention – Texas A&M University

The 2025 National Convention was held in College Station, Texas, where students engaged in an immersive learning experience. They explored topics such as equine exercise physiology, judging, and reproduction with academic experts. Additionally, students participated in wet labs on equine anatomy and physiology and toured state-of-the-art equine facilities

2024 National Convention – Murray State University

The 2024 national convention was held in Murray, Kentucky. Students learned about technical large animal rescue, risk management, fire safety and a variety of veterinary diagnostic services. They also networked with equine professionals in animal welfare, nutrition, racing, and more.

2023 National Convention – West Virginia University

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.

2022 National Convention – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

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. 

2021 National Convention

Postponed due to travel restrictions 

2020 National Convention – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods University 

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. 

2019 National Convention – Clemson University 

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. 

2018 National Convention – Texas A&M University

2017 National Convention – Murray State University

2016 National Convention – Oklahoma State University 

2015 National Convention – Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University

2014 National Convention – Clemson University

2013 National Convention – Kansas State University

2012 National Convention – University of Florida

2011 National Convention – Texas A&M University

2010 National Convention – Colorado State University

2009 National Convention – The Pennsylvania State University