1970 TO PRESENT
1968 and 1969 were formative years for the NHAHA. According to one account, a group of Arabian owners were enjoying regular get-togethers at Pat Iretons' farm in Deerfield, NH. Pat was an early breeder who stood the highly regarded stallion Sahdaf and inspired many new Arabian owners.
The spirited group proposed the formation of a club at a December 1971 meeting. Temporary officers were elected and NHAHA officially became a club on January 16, 1972 and elected its first president, Charlie Wildes. Also elected were Sue Buffum, VP and Lee Higbie, Secy/Treasurer. Members of the Board of Directors were Dr. Gerkin, Pat O'Shea, Buck Osborn and Chic Nightingale. Marcia York replaced Buck Osborn on the Board of Directors in 1972.
President, Chic Nightingale, headed up the club during 1972 and 1974 and the gavel was handed over to Paul Shane in 1975. 1976 Al Shore presided over the growing club.
NHAHA was incorporated in 1977 and Bob Bell began serving his two year term as president. Glen Reed was elected president in 1979 followed by George Gamble in 1980, Don Patcheider in 1981, Cathy Conn in 1982, Bob Bell in 1984 and Patsy Bell in 1986, George Gambel in 1987 and Roxie Reed in 1988, Julia Webb in 1989, Lisa Robinson 1992, Carol Iodice 1994, Joanna Hyatt 1999 and our current president June Barber.
NHAHA held its first show in Deerfield NH in June 1974 which was a combined effort of the Maine and NH horse clubs. In 1975, the show became the NHAHA All Arabian Horse Show and hosted approximately 100 horses. Some of the classes offered were halter, english pleasure, open jumper, western pleasure and park. Dressage and hunter classes were added in 1983.
NHAHA offers open meetings, education lectures, open all breed shows, pleasure rides, year-end awards as well as our Class A Show in August, and the opportunity for lively exchange and camaraderie with other Arabian enthusiasts.
NHAHA operates under the auspices of the Arabian Horse Association and members need not be Arabian owners.