Club Essentials > Special Interest Groups

Forming Special Interest Groups  

Some Regional Clubs may have a large number of members who are interested in a particular equine activity such as trail riding, or they may have a large group of amateur or youth members. When such a group exists, it may petition an APHA-approved Regional club to form a special-interest club.  

Such a club is not recognized by APHA as an entity separate from the Regional Club, but rather as a subsidiary.  A special-interest club must conform to the rules and regulations of both APHA and its parent Regional Club. Ten members of the Regional Club, five of which should also be APHA members, must be interested in forming the special-interest group. The Regional Club must appoint a liaison to the special-interest group to coordinate activities between both parties. Youth clubs are very popular, and amateur clubs have been formed by several Regional Clubs. Opportunities for new types of groups abound. 

Trail Rides
Special-interest groups that engage in trail riding would be an asset to the Regional Club, helping it to expand the number of interesting activities it can offer its members. At the 2003 APHA Annual Convention, an amendment to the charter requirements was made to allow clubs to host trail rides in lieu of or in combination with shows.    

For more information on hosting a trail ride, visit the Trail Rides section of this website.