The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) announced March 19 that Gary Carpenter will join the organization as Executive Director of the American Quarter Horse Foundation (AQHF). Carpenter, who will bring more than 20 years of service and leadership in the equine industry to AQHF, begins May 6.

A native of San Angelo, Texas who grew up in Quanah, Texas, Carpenter most recently was Executive Vice President and Executive Director of The Jockey Club (TJC) since May 2000. Prior to that, he was Executive Director of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) for 10 years.

“We couldn’t be happier to have a person of Gary’s reputation joining the American Quarter Horse Foundation,” said Bill Brewer AQHA Executive Vice President. “Gary’s career is a distinguished one with many accomplishments that have enhanced the equine industry. To have him bring his expertise and knowledge to the Foundation and help it reach its goals and expand its role is exciting to all of us.”

As Executive Director of AQHF, Carpenter will be responsible for overseeing management of all Foundation activities. Carpenter will direct AQHF’s educational initiatives, development campaigns, outreach programs, scholarships, equine research projects and day-to-day operations of the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum. His team includes Patti Colbert, who will continue to spearhead fund-raising activities; Robin Devin, who took over as Education Director last August; and James May, who oversees the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum. The American Quarter Horse Foundation is the charitable and benevolent organization of AQHA and through contributions and gifts provides scholarships for AQHA and AQHYA Members, implements educational outreach programs, provides funds for dozens of equine research projects and operates the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum in Amarillo