The American Horse Council has announced the election of John Long, Scott Wells, and Don Treadway to the organization's board of trustees.
"The experience they have from a lifelong involvement and dedication to the various segments of the horse industry is outstanding," AHC president Jay Hickey said in a release. "Our members are pleased to have them working in yet another capacity to keep our industry strong."
Long is the first chief executive officer of the United States Equestrian Federation, which is the national governing body for equestrian sport in the United States. The USEF supports a membership of over 90,000 with 28 breeds and disciplines represented in the federation. Long also serves as secretary general to the International Equestrian Federation and was chairman of the World Games 2010 Foundation board of directors that developed the planning process for the FEI World Equestrian Games held in Lexington in 2010.
Prior to assuming his position at the USEF, Long was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Churchill Downs.
"The role the American Horse Council plays in virtually every aspect of the equine industry is more important today than ever," Long said. "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."
Wells is president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations and president and general manager of Remington Park. A third generation horseman, he was a licensed trainer in 14 states and in 1984 trained the winner of the first pari-mutuel Thoroughbred race in Oklahoma. In 1990 Wells joined the Remington Park marketing department and later served as assistant general manager at Hollywood Park and general manager of Ruidoso Downs. Wells was the racing project manager in the reopening of the national racetrack of Mexico from 1998 to 2001. He then served as general manager in the reopening of the national racetrack of Uruguay from 2001 until February of 2005 when assumed his Remington Park position. Wells served on the board of directors of the TRA eight years and was elected president of that organization in March of this year.
"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 said. "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."
Treadway is the executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association, the world's largest horse organization and breed registry, with which he has been associated for 38 years.
Prior to becoming the AQHA's executive vice president, Treadway was responsible for directing all marketing, communications, and development plans for the organization's 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. He was responsible for developing the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission, which focuses on the welfare of the horse by defining and then managing key issues related to animal welfare.
Treadway is from Kaw City, Okla., where his family farmed and ranched. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1974 with a degree in agricultural journalism.
"The American Quarter Horse Association has been actively involved with the American Horse Council since its formation in 1969," Treadway said. "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. 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."
