Since 1968, the Arabian horse has flourished in Florida.
Strong Traditions.
Dream it.
The history of the Arabian Horse Association of Florida dates back to the early 1950's when a group of people in south Florida who loved the Arabian horses banded together to plan the future of the Arab in the state.
That is how it all started.
Build it.
Among those active in organizing the association then were Mrs. Diane Schwartzberg, Mr. and Mrs. John Vance, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smathers, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Flick and Ms. Liz Langford. Shortly thereafter the Florida Association became a member of the International Arabian Horse Association. The primary purposes of the Florida Association are to promote the Arabian horse in the state, to maintain the annual high point awards and futurity programs and to encourage shows throughout the state.
Continue it.
Over the years, the organization has sustained it’s presence and influence in Florida as well as the national organization. The current board is focused not only on continuing to produce one of the premiere competitions in the region, it also holds grass roots development as a high priority.
Grow it.
In 1968 under the direction of Dr. Albert King and Mr. Snow Martin the first state directory listing all the members was produced. That year also saw the AHAF officially incorporation with the state on April 19. On a Regional level Karl Hart and Eric Wolfe have served as Chairman, for many, many years Willis Flick served on the Board of the Registry and Karl Hart served on the Board of International. These positions have given Florida a strong hand in deciding the future course of the Arabian business.
Who we are.
President: Laurie Ann Salmi
Vice President: Sue Rothman
Secretary: Danielle Contarino
Treasurer: Shanon Mueller
Area Directors: Gretchen Johnson, John Mueller, Alexis Maar, Lisa Robinson, Bob Burton Mike Wilson
Sell it.
Until 1970 the only classes offered to Arabian horses in Florida were in conjunction with all breed shows. The promoters of these shows had to be begged for six or eight Arabian classes. Thanksgiving of that year saw the first All Arabian horse show in Florida held in Winter Haven. It was a very ambitious project, with only $250.00 in the Treasury and 86 members to plan and fund a three day event. By 1972 the 108 classes at the Thanksgiving Show was attracted 324 horses and exhibitors from Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Michigan. When one looks at the number of horses and entries at today's shows it's hard to imagine the beginning.