Community-Centered Capacity Building

Monitors and lobbies the New York State Legislature on policy matters affecting horse breeders and the equine industry to support favorable legal and regulatory conditions.

Provides two annual scholarships of $500 each to collegiate members pursuing higher education, supporting future leaders in equine-related or broader academic fields.

Organizes and supports equestrian events including the Genesee Valley Hunt Races, featuring tailgate competitions and prime viewing access, and hosts the annual Genesee Valley Breeder's Stakes and Breeder's Handicap races at Finger Lakes Racetrack, with recent runnings dating back to 2017.

Hosts annual horse shows and performance competitions, including hunter divisions, jumper derbies, and regional breeders' shows, to promote local Thoroughbred and sporthorse breeders. Events include the GVBA Breeders Show, the Annual GVBA Horse Fair, and participation in the Syracuse PHA show series, with recent events held at Avon Driving Park, Hasty Hills Farm, and other regional venues.

Hosts an annual November dinner featuring expert speakers on equine topics, organizes member events at Finger Lakes Race Track including a BBQ, and conducts educational programming to support breeder knowledge and community engagement.

Presents an annual award to the top money-earning owner, breeder, or trainer of locally bred horses at Finger Lakes Race Track, highlighting excellence in regional equine breeding and performance.

Provides small-group therapeutic riding classes for children ages 5 to 18 with emotional, developmental, and/or physical challenges, with sessions limited to four students and tailored to individual or group goals. Programs are conducted at an indoor facility in downtown Buffalo and have operated continuously for over 30 years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employs PATH International-certified instructors, including a certified head instructor, and maintains a stable of 15 to 20 lesson horses, differentiated by rider skill level, to support therapeutic horsemanship programs.

Organizes and hosts a series of annual horse shows from September through May, including the Buffalo International Horse Show—a USEF-rated "A" exhibition with a 75-year history—culminating in championship events and High Score awards. These events generate financial support for the organization’s therapeutic riding programs and facility operations, with recent editions drawing hundreds of participants and spectators.

Hosts special events such as Stephen's Fun Day, which served 50 children in a single event, and a year-end celebration for participants and volunteers, featuring therapeutic horse-related activities including riding, grooming, arts and crafts, and painting horse shoes.

Offers training for volunteers who support therapeutic riding programs and maintains organizational infrastructure through an active board of directors, office staff, and barn staff responsible for animal care and facility operations.

Provides a $1,000 academic scholarship annually to one qualified student.

Funds local outreach activities that introduce the public to Arabian and Half-Arabian horses through the AHA Local Outreach Grant Program, awarding grants ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Convenes an annual in-person spring meeting and holds three annual meetings for the Board of Directors and Delegates, with Spring and Fall meetings open to all members to discuss regional business.

Runs the Discovery Farm program, enrolling farms that host visitors to introduce them to Arabian horses.

Hosts and conducts qualifying horse shows, open shows, schooling shows, endurance rides, trail events, and regional championship events for Arabian and Half-Arabian horses across Region 16.

Develops educational programs, hosts community outreach events, participates in Equine Affaire Massachusetts with a booth and horse ambassadors, and promotes Arabian Horse Month in May to increase public awareness and appreciation of Arabian horses.

Acts as a referral and support conduit for Region 16 members during emergencies such as the pandemic, including making available a COVID-19 Emergency Fund application to prevent lasting harm to member horses.