Two North Dakota State University Collegiate Horsemen’s Association members have been elected as officers of the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association.

Codie Miller, a junior from Prior Lake, Minn., was named vice president. Brandi Houghton, a junior from Fargo, is the association’s treasurer.

They were elected during the association’s national convention in Gainesville, Fla., on Feb. 29-March 3. Brianne Zaeske, a senior from Fargo, and NDSU Collegiate Horsemen’s Association adviser Carrie Hammer also attended the convention. Miller, Houghton and Zaeske were among about 60 students from 11 universities throughout the U.S. at the convention.

Highlights of the trip included tours of Gold Mark Farm, the HITS Horse Shows in the Sun circuit, Ocala Breeders Sales, Florida Thoroughbred Owners Association and The Sanctuary, an equine sports therapy and rehabilitation center.

The students also attended leadership seminars with industry speakers, including Summer Best, executive director of the Florida Horse Park; Frank Barnett, a Florida horse trainer; and Bryan and Brandon Rice, Thoroughbred trainers and sales agents.

“The national convention provided the students with an incredible experience,” Hammer says. “Not only did they gain exposure to aspects of the horse industry not found in North Dakota, but they also had the chance to meet students with similar interests from around the U.S.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication - March 27, 2012