REGION 1
Sara MacKenzie — Region 1 Director
Happy 2025 Region 1!
Did you know that Region 1 has 13 Affiliate Organizations?
We have AOs in all five states! I reached out to our current AO leaders and asked a few questions!
What is the benefit of being an AO versus just hanging out and riding with friends?
Being an affiliate organization helps build more community and provides a space to enjoy the sport. Janet Phinney (Walla Walla Valley WE) added “it is a way to get more involved, feel part of USAWE and help the sport grow from the inside.” Kristine Strasburger (Idaho Panhandle WE) says “it adds legitimacy when you are an AO because you are listed on the USAWE site and recognized officially. This is free advertising and quite valuable.” She also spoke of the level of accountability that comes with being an affiliate and how it pushed her to expand her knowledge base. For Rachel Stout (Team Idaho) the AO was “born out of the passion of five close friends.” Becoming an AO allowed them to go beyond casual riding. It focused them on providing Idaho riders access to education and competition in a more structured way, ensuring consistency in training, accuracy of information, and a sense of legitimacy.
What types of activities do you organize and why?
Janet’s group focuses on education and practice, so folks build stronger partnerships with their horses and feel prepared to show. They host clinics, schooling shows and monthly play practices at different locations. They also host cattle practices at their facility. They don’t host recognized shows as there are already shows in the area. This year they expanded their AO leadership team, and they get together for planning. Kristine’s AO primarily provided entry-level clinics to introduce the sport. She moved in 2022 but kept the AO active in hopes USAWE members in the Idaho panhandle will restart activities or partner with others nearby. Rachel’s group is very active organizing monthly Play Days at various facilities and hosting more formal activities including an annual “Ride-a-Test” clinic, a Boot Camp, and recognized shows with the aim of building a community that grows together.
What do you wish you had known prior to starting an AO?
The consensus is that people felt prepared for the process of establishing an AO. They mentioned the many USAWE AO resources. The Affiliate Organization Handbook provides a step-by-step guide. The quarterly AO meeting was identified as a great support in maintaining an active AO. The meeting is a place to share ideas as AOs often do things differently. The meeting is said to be very supportive and worthwhile.
Challenges raised include sustaining riders and volunteers while managing costs for hosting events. The solutions suggested included partnering with facility owners to lower expenses while building support. The best advice: set realistic goals, work together, and keep it simple (at least to begin).
Any final tidbits?
“Having or being a part of an AO helps one feel connected to the sport. You benefit from learning and helping it grow. It is like having your skin in the game. Relationships and life get better when you are giving as well as receiving.” Janey Phinney
“If you are an AO leader, it’s encouraging to attend the quarterly networking meetings. It’s nice to hear that you’re not alone in the struggle and make new friends who are trying to do the same thing. It is a great way to feel more connected to the sport.” Kristine Strasburger
Three cheers for our AOs! They do the grassroots work for our organization!