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Meet your Council

The Council plays a vital role in guiding the Appaloosa Horse Association of New Zealand in serving our purpose and our members.

 

Composed of elected members, the Council is responsible for overseeing the association's operations:

- To record, register, file and issue certificates of registrations in respect of Appaloosa horse fit to be stock for the development of the breed.

- To collect records and historical data about the origin, importation and development of the strain of the Appaloosa horses.

- To compile, print and publish at intervals a Stud Book.

- To do any act or deed which may be conducive to the attainment of the mentioned.

- No members shall have a proprietary interest and the objects of the association shall not be carried out for the purpose of gain or profit to its individual members.

 

Ultimately working to preserve, improve, standardise and promote the horse known as Appaloosa. 

Charleen Allison - Southland
President

Charleen is a sheep and beef farmer and relief milker in Otautau, Southland. She first began riding Appaloosas as a junior youth, beginning with Glenview Lady before moving on to Decks Temptation. Since then, she has competed on too many Appaloosas to name, and now breeds a select few foals from her own mares.

A member since she was a wee kid, Charleen is relatively new to council compared to many others. She is dedicated to strengthening the association, financially and operationally, while uniting members behind common goals. Her mission is to preserve the Appaloosa history and the association's records while ensuring future registrations continue.

She enjoys connecting with other breeders, and appreciates that Appaloosas are known for their multi talented nature and cheekiness - there's always a funny story to share!

Charleen Allison.jpg

Liz Currie - Tasman
Vice President

Liz breeds Appaloosas and Quarter Horses in the Owen Valley, north of Murchison in the South Island. She has been breeding horses for a number of years and her interest in Appaloosas was sparked by Robert Thompson of LA Mesa Park.
She loves the Appaloosas' striking coat patterns (what's not to love) and the challenge of combining colour, conformation and good mindedness in one individual.
She runs a 200 acre farm with beef cattle, Wiltshire sheep, and black-headed Dorper sheep, while also working part-time work at Owen River Lodge.
As a councillor, Liz is keen to assist anyone requiring knowledge about bloodlines and pedigree information - a particular interest of hers.

Liz Currie.jpg

Dianne Udy - Northland
Treasurer

Dianne lives in rural Whangarei, where she has been breeding Appaloosa to Appaloosa for the past 21 years on her small farm alongside her beloved Hereford cattle.

She loves their adaptability, temperaments, and finds their diverse colours and genealogy fascinating. Dianne's focus is to strengthen Appaloosa bloodlines without outcrossing, for the betterment of the breed.

As a councillor, she's committed to building awareness of the Appaloosa, sharing her experience and knowledge to help grow membership, and contributing to a positive, proactive community that ensures the longevity of the Association.

Dianne Udy.jpg

Ileen Hunter -  Manawatū-Whanganui Region
Council Member

Ileen is based in Eketahuna, nestled east of the Tararua Ranges in the North Island. A former beef and dairy farmer who has always been around horses, she has been breeding Appaloosas for over 40 years and became an ApHANZ member roughly 20 years ago.

The colours and coat patterns initially drew Ileen to the breed, and every foaling season brings fresh anticipation and excitement to see what each mare will produce. Currently, she's particularly enjoying her newest stallion Stormcloud, who is putting out some nicely built progeny with striking colours and good temperaments.

As a councillor, Ileen's focus is on promoting the Appaloosa breed more widely to attract new enthusiasts to breeding and ensure these valuable bloodlines continue for future generations.

Ileen Hunter_edited.jpg

Judith Allison - Southland
Council Member

Judith is a sheep and beef farmer just outside Otautau, Southland. Her journey with Appaloosas began when she purchased Glenview Lady as her first competition horse, which inspired her to breed and establish Merrivale Stud.

Her horses have achieved considerable show success, with numerous offspring becoming ApHANZ Champions and award winners. Judith has been a dedicated ApHANZ member for over 30 years and has served on council intermittently throughout that time.

She loves the intelligence and versatility of Appaloosas most of all. Looking ahead, Judith is eager to see ApHANZ grow again and hopes to encourage more people to get out there competing on their Appaloosas.

Judith Allison.jpg

BJ Tyler - Manawatū-Whanganui
Council Member

BJ has had horses at the heart of her life since she was 10 years old. While she's tried many disciplines, the excitement of racing truly captured her as a teenager. These days, BJ enjoys the partnership and adventure of Competitive Trail Riding and Endurance. 
The horse featured here is her Quarter Horse, Kopanui Just Alonzo, bred by fellow council member Ileen Hunter. Although not an Appaloosa, Fonzie proved to be a remarkable partner who broadened her knowledge and shaped her approach to horsemanship. She can’t wait to explore new disciplines with her young Appaloosa filly, Kopunui Serenade (Nellie), also bred by Ileen Hunter and related to Fonzie. She couldn’t resist her!
BJ is excited to help bring ApHANZ to the forefront and work with passionate Appaloosa people to promote these incredible horses.

BJ Tyler

Jessie Hollis - Southland
Council Member

Jessie is a shepherd from Ohai at the bottom of the South Island. She competes on her horse during summer and participates in hunts throughout the winter months.
Jessie has been riding Appaloosas since she purchased her first one as a senior youth. What she loves most about the breed is their strong bond with their owners and their quirky personalities.

Jessie Hollis.jpg
Established in 1975, the foundation meeting was held on 24th February 1975 at Mrs Deirdre Allen's property in Cambridge. There were approximately 25 people in attendance and they elected 14 committee members. It was decided by vote the name of the association should be the 'Appaloosa Horse Association of New Zealand' which was officially incorporated on 30th May 1975. 
 
In our first year there were four stallions at stud;
Nevada Sundancer (Imp Australia) at Indian Hills
Major Alarm (Imp USA) at Claremont
Sunrise Personality (Imp Canada) at Saguaro
Wyalta War Bird (Imp Canada) at DoubleD
Many of todays NZ bloodlines trace back to these loud trailblazers.
 
The Cambridge A&P Show made history that year by holding the first class for Appaloosa anywhere in New Zealand...and after the initial shock of ALL THAT COLOUR the interest and popularity had been sparked!   
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