Building Bridges and Sharing Knowledge Across the Pond

As one might expect, AQHA International supports members and affiliate organizations worldwide, but to actually see that support in action, and experience it, is a game changer.

Director of Competition Scott Neuman and Show Logistics Coordinator Conner Smith have been shaking up the international scene, and one of their latest accomplishments involved sending Jeremy May and Rebekah May of Jeremy May Show Horses of North Carolina to the UK.

The husband wife team worked with the American Quarter Horse Association UK, who had organized clinics in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and according to AQHA UK, that effort resulted in tremendous success and feedback from attendees.

Right away, the Mays were welcomed with open arms in Ireland, when Sandra Loder, the Representative for AQHA UK, greeted them upon arrival. Rebekah explains that Sandra “picked us up with a huge hug and beautiful smile in Belfast, Ireland, and made us feel at home the entire time. She is working so hard to Grow AQHA UK. I am so proud we were a small part in this.”

Northern Ireland clinic

The duo kicked off their first clinic at Danescroft Equestrian in Lisburn UK (Northern Ireland) with riders of all different calibers, and they were amazed by the beautiful horses and also surprised by some of the teams they met.

“One of the coolest things was Niamh Fitzpatrick, who has ridden and competed here in the states with trainers,” says Rebekah, who adds that Niamh brought imported her horse, Lacie, from the states to Northern Ireland, and she rode the clinic in a Harris saddle.”

“Another awesome story was Carin Herrick; she rode one of Niamh’s horses named Frankie who was from Italy! He was a ranch riding horse and reining horse! He was fantastic!”

The Mays explain that Sandra Loder, and Carin, often referred to Charlene Carter, who has helped them in the past and means a lot to both ladies. “It was so cool to hear this,” says Rebekah. “All the riders in this clinic grew with their horses and they were excited!”

She also reveals they met many wonderful riders, breeds of horses, and were introduced to the different ways horses travel in the UK, such as by ferry when needed.

“If you are a true horseman than you appreciate a good horse in any discipline, says Rebekah. “The wonderful owners of Danescroft Equestrian went above and beyond to give us everything we needed!! It was also awesome to meet people of all ages and that compete on an international level. All these women were very special In many different ways!”

Scotland clinic

Then it was on to Bishopton, Scotland, to Ingliston Country Club, which the Mays called breathtakingly beautiful with an amazing facility.

“All these ladies had a story with their horses… these are some tough women from both clinics. At this particular clinic, we were able to focus on Ranch Trail and Ranch Riding, and though some were very uncomfortable riding one handed, at the end they did it!” Rebekah says. “This group of ladies touched our hearts in many different ways. We never knew by going over there and doing these clinics that we would get so close so quickly to each horse and rider combination!”

Overall the experience for the clinicians was amazing for the entire May family, and they are excited to see more growth in the UK in the future. “It has so much potential and their will to learn is INCREDIBLE!”

Thank you to the Mays for sharing a glimpse of their experience in the UK with our readers! Thank you also to Katie Van Slyke for spreading the word about this opportunity; Feona and Patricia learned of the experience and were able to attend to audit.

Learn more about AQHA International: https://www.aqha.com/international-overview