AHP Equine Media Conferences Since 1970
By Christine Brune, July 20, 2024
What started out as a gathering of equine publishers evolved into a one day seminar held in conjunction with the American Horse Council Convention in Washington, DC. By the mid 80’s, AHP had branched out to hold its own annual conferences including a winter seminar until 1995.
“I’ve attended every conference since 1975. Each one of them holds a unique memory for me from meeting “Dallas” star Patrick Duffy in 1984 to holding the awards ceremony in a movie studio in 2000 to meeting the napkin folding king in New Orleans. But the most important memories are the AHP members who I have, and will continue, to travel to these conferences with me.”
– Chris Brune, AHP Executive Director Emeritus
Click on title above to see a complete list of the past AHP conferences held from 1970 to today. Recent conferences are listed below.
2024: Return to Horse Country Recap
By Kurt Pfund and Christine Brune, June 24, 2024
AHP members return to Lexington, Kentucky, for three days of educational sessions and building industry relationships. Meet and mingle with equine-related media professionals, organizations, and businesses at the annual AHP Equine Media Conference on May 16-18, 2024.
2023: AHP Meet at the Mesa Recap
By Christine Brune, June 24, 2023
Recap of the 2023 AHP Equine Media Conference in Tempe, Arizona. Includes schedule of events, speaker presentations, and links to videos and interviews.
2022: AHP Back to the Bluegrass
By Christine Brune, June 10, 2022
Recap the highlights of the 2022 Back to the Bluegrass Conference in Lexington, Kentucky.
2019: AHP High Desert Media Roundup
By Christine Brune, May 30, 2019
The AHP Equine Media Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico rounded up AHP members to experience real time conversations, collaborations, and connections. The focus of the 2019 High Desert Media Roundup was summed up in three words. NEVER. STOP. LEARNING
2018: AHP The Hunt for Excellence
By Christine Brune, April 18, 2018
2018 AHP Equine Media Conference, Hunt Valley, Maryland…where conversations started…learning continued…partnerships made…and excellence achieved
2017: AHP Saddle Up for Scottsdale
By Christine Brune, June 15, 2017
“The 2017 AHP conference was the best one yet! As someone in sales, the networking is phenomenal and topics this year gave me a lot to take home and build from. I go every year looking for that one connection and this year there are too many to count. Can’t wait for 2018.”
– Emily Alberti, Paulick Report
2016: May the Horse Be With You
By Christine Brune, June 16, 2016
“May The Horse Be with You is certainly my favorite of the seminars I’ve attended. The keynote address really had me energized for the rest of the sessions, and each session provided me with the fodder to take on 2016 and the future with confidence.”
– Kelsey Pecsek, Managing Editor, Quarter Horse News, Texas
2015: Tally-Ho at the Alamo
By Christine Brune, June 18, 2015
“If the only thing I did at the AHP seminar was network, it would be well worth the price of admission. But there is oh so much more! Lots of great speakers and presentations, interesting out-of-industry keynote speaker, and something for everyone no matter your involvement in the industry. Can’t wait for next year!”
– Kim Brown, EquiManagement/Stable Management
2014: Gallop n’ Grits Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 19, 2014
“It’s not just a seminar, but a gathering of the minds and spirit that makes the industry what it is.”
– Megan Arszman, Freelance writer
2013: Meet at the Peak Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 20, 2013
“AHP has kept my business alive with ideas and inspiration. I love the members, we’re like family. I always get great value from my membership.”
– Karen Pickering, Northwest Horse Source
2012: Ride Into History Seminar
By Christine Brune, May 31, 2012
“A great meeting of the horse world minds, the AHP seminar in Williamsburg, VA was enormously educational. Not to mention a good time!”
– Sean Black, W.F. Young
2011: Hoofprints in the Sand Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 16, 2011
“I love being a member of AHP! It seems more than just a “group”…it’s made me feel like being part of an “alumni”…where we return every year for a reunion to not only learn more about our industry but to socialize in person.”
– Denise Branco, Author
2010: 40th Anniversary Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 17, 2010
“From an attendee’s perspective, this seminar went off without a hitch. The facilities were first rate. Thanks for a great time in Lexington.”
2009: Free Rein in the Big Easy Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 25, 2009
“Remember New Orleans? If there was an unforgettable image, it was of all us doing the Second Line around the banquet room wearing masks and boas, waving napkins, and following a three-legged Katrina-surviving pony.”
– Fran Jurga, Hoofcare Publishing
2008: Break from the Gate in 2008 Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 19, 2008
“Having been one of the squeakier wheels in urging the AHP board to consider Saratoga as a seminar location, I was thrilled to see my colleagues enjoying this beautiful town and all it has to offer.”
– Jennifer Bryant, 2008-2009 AHP President
2007: Fiesta del Caballo Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 21, 2007
“I travel so much, but this is one trip I always look forward to. I come home with renewed enthusiasm and a sense that we truly do belong to a great organization and industry.”
– Mary Watts
2006: It’s A Horse World After All Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 22, 2006
Many thanks for all your fabulous organization and assistance leading up to and during the AHP convention last weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the event – better networking than ever, and I loved the team-building exercise – I am so glad I was able to do that!
– Janet Nittmann, Dover Saddlery
2005: Horse By Northwest Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 9, 2005
One of the highlights of the 2005 seminar was the Best of Seattle City Tour. The itinerary provided an opportunity to see the major attractions in downtown and nearby neighborhoods. From taking the elevator to the top of the Space Needle to strolling through Pike’s Place Market to watching artisans blow glass, the tour was a myriad of color and beauty.
2004: Red, White & Bluegrass Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 10, 2004
“As a student member, I’ve met valuable contacts at AHP conventions, some of which have led to great opportunities, and I strongly urge all student members to attend next year’s seminar in Seattle, Wash. After all, we are the future of the equine industry.”
– Jessica Bieber Hein, currently APHA Director of Publications
2003: Hunt Country Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 19, 2003
AHP got lost in the 50’s at the AHP Doo Wop Hoof Hop, a party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Student Award. Attendees also had an opportunity to visit the surrounding hunt country that included visits to the Maryland Hunt Cup race course, Shawan Downs, Sagamore Farms, and Ladew Gardens.
2002: Catch the Spirit Seminar
By Christine Brune, June 20, 2002
“What gave the Park City Seminar a distinct feeling was the spirit of family. AHP seminars have always been a reunion of friends, but first timers were eagerly welcomed into the family. In 2002, members brought their families and 12 children of AHP members became our very own “Children of the Light” as they participated in the Light the Fire Within ceremony to honor this year’s Student Award Winner.”
– Chris Brune