IBHA & MHBHA INFORMATION

Curious about the history of the organization, local and national activities or show circuit info? Read on!

Mile Hi is a charter association of the International Buckskin Horse Association, which is entering its 29th year. Formed in 1971 to register and promote activities of the buckskin, dun, red dun and grulla horses, IBHA has proven to be the largest and most progressive registry for these colored horses, creating interest and demand through national, state, family and individual activities plus increased marketability of IBHA registered horses. IBHA has been featured in national horse publications and promotes its activities through its official publication, the Horse Circuit News.

Many out standing programs are offered through the auspices of IBHA. Continuing this year, IBHA and Mile Hi will include an approved amateur program at their state and national shows. Honor roll titles for national year end award winners in every IBHA point class category are presented annually at the IBHA Convention in the spring of each year. Register of Merits, Superior Event Titles, Champions and Supreme Championships are awarded in both Open and Youth Divisions. An Amateur program has been implemented, and is the fastest growing division. The quality of awards presented surpasses those given in many other breed associations.

The Dunarama World Classic is the crowning jewel of the International Buckskin Horse Association. The Dunarama first conceived as a national show in 1973, and was hosted by local associations over the next 16 years in different parts of the United States. As IBHA matured, it became apparent there was a need to standardize and upgrade to a world championship format. In 1989, the first World Championship Show was held in Columbia, Missouri. The largest buckskin circuit of shows, Gateway to the World Shows, are held three days prior to the world show and feature the National Halter and Pleasure Futurities. Circuit Awards are presented in each class and high point overall youth and open winners are each presented a saddle.

The title of Miss Buckskin World can be achieved by any young woman ages 17 to 24. Local charter associations select a queen to represent their area in the national contest held during the Dunarama World Classic in August. Hundreds of young women have participated and gained valuable experiences and new friends from across the nation. Charter queens attend parades, shows and other functions to promote their local association during the year.

During the World Championship show, a Youth Team competition is also held. Each state cheers on its youth members as they vie for the title of World Champion Youth Team. It.s always great fun to see the stall areas decorated to display the buckskin breed and the many states represented by the various youth groups. Other highlights during the World Week include an ice cream social during the Gateway shows, Exhibitors party and dance on Wednesday evening, and on Saturday evening Miss Buckskin World is crowned and custom saddles are presented to the All Around Champions. A World-Class horse sale is held Friday evening during the World Show.

A Youth Scholarship Fund was founded in 1985 to benefit outstanding young people actively involved in IBHA activities. The fund is a separate non-profit corporation established to help deserving members pursue educa- tional goals through college or vocational programs. Live and silent auctions have been the major source of funding for the program, although private donations are also accepted.

A National Convention is held each spring to conduct the business of the association. Educational activities such as a Judges Forum and Horse Show Management Seminar have been held in the past. National committees and the general membership meeting are held during this time. A banquet is held in honor of national year end award winners and superior and supreme awards are presented.