The American Horse Council has elected John Long, Scott Wells and Don Treadway to the Board of Trustees.
“This is a great class. The AHC is pleased to have John Long, Scott Wells and Don Treadway join its board,” said AHC president, Jay Hickey. “The experience they have from a lifelong involvement and dedication to the various segments of the horse industry is outstanding. Our members are pleased to have them working in yet another capacity to keep our industry strong.”
John Long comes to the Board as the first chief executive officer of the United States Equestrian Federation, which is the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in theUnited States. The USEF supports a membership of over 90,000; 28 breeds and disciplines are represented in the Federation. Internationally, Mr. Long serves as Secretary General to the International Equestrian Federation. He was Chairman of the World Games 2010 Foundation Board of Directors, which developed the planning process for the FEI World Equestrian Games held inLexington,Kentuckyin 2010.
Prior to assuming his position at the USEF, Mr. Long served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.
“The role the American Horse Council plays in virtually every aspect of the Equine industry is more important today than ever,” said Long. “The challenges and opportunities each segment faces can best be explored when they are explored together. I look forward to my personal involvement and that of the United States Equestrian Federation’s.”
As current president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, Scott Wells is no stranger to the horse industry. He is a third generation horseman from New Mexico and has been a licensed trainer in 14 states. He has managed racetracks and racetrack openings both in the U.S.and abroad. He was project manager in the reopening of the national racetrack in Mexico in 2001 and later inUruguayin 2005. Mr. Wells is the General Manager of Remington Park in Oklahoma City.
“The board of trustees of the American Horse Council has always been comprised of thoughtful, experienced people who share a passion for horses and horse activities,” Wells stated. “I consider it an honor to serve on the board and I look forward to it as an opportunity to learn from my colleagues and to collaborate with them on issues which affect horse lovers everywhere.”
Don Treadway is the executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association, the world’s largest horse organization and breed registry.
During his 38 year tenure at AQHA, and prior to becoming executive vice president, Mr. Treadway was responsible for directing all marketing, communications, and development plans for Association programs including publicity, advertising, membership and customer service, youth activities, the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, corporate sponsors, AQHA-sponsored programs, AQHA affiliates and public policy. Under Mr. Treadway’s leadership, AQHA’s corporate partner program grew from zero to more than $9 million in contributions to Association programs and services.
Mr. Treadway was responsible for developing the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission, which has greatly intensified the Association’s focus on the welfare of the horse by defining and then managing key issues related to animal welfare.
Mr. Treadway is from Kaw City,Oklahoma where his family farmed and ranched. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1974 with a degree in agricultural journalism. He and his wife, Robyn, have two children.
“The American Quarter Horse Association has been actively involved with the American Horse Council since its formation in 1969. Over those many years, the legislative issues facing horse owners and our industry have changed dramatically and now more than ever it’s critical for us to be involved in Washington,” said Treadway. “As an AHC trustee, I am dedicated to facing the challenges ahead and representing the members of AQHA, as well as working closer with our Q-Contacts and Public Policy Committee, to ensure the horse industry is represented in Washington. Being an AHC trustee facilitates this.”
