Press Release

James O'Neal: Leader, Innovator, Friend of the Arabian Horse

Aurora, CO (June 6, 2012) - Former International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) President James O'Neal of O'Neal Ranch in Canton, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

O'Neal started life on a farm in North East Texas, moved to Dallas and started two businesses: O'Neal Business Forms and Amelia Printing Company. His three children had a strong interest in horses and he became a "horse show dad" in 1977. Eventually O'Neal becoming interested in breeding horses as well. He bred more than 130 Arabian and Half-Arabian horses and showed and bred many Regional and National Champions.

He moved up the ranks of the Association, and his unflagging energy was put to good use. He was the driving force behind many IAHA programs and played active roles in initiating the Arabian Horse Fairs, Breeders Sweepstakes program and the Snaffle Bit Futurity/Maturity Championship which has become one of the industry's most popular programs as the AHA Performance Futurities/Maturities. He played active roles, often as Chair, on the following Committees, Commissions and Boards:

• IAHA President 1993-1994
• IAHA First Vice President 1991-1992
• Director IAHA Region 9 1984-1987
• American Horse Shows Association (now USEF) Board of Directors 1993-1995
• AHSA Executive Committee 1993-1994
• Region 9 Championship Show Chair
• Chair of first Region 9 Mini Convention
• Chair of first Region Mini Fair
• Chair of IAHA National Convention in Dallas 1980
• Co-Chair IAHA National Convention in San Antonio 1989
• Chair of IAHA Snaffle Bit Performance Futurity/Maturity 1988-1989
• IAHA Fair Board 1980-1988
• IAHA Sweepstakes Commissioner 1983-1994, Chair of Sweepstakes Commission 1988-1990
• U.S. National Show Commission, 1990-1991
• Youth Nationals Executive Committee

He received the following awards:

• IAHA President's Award - 1988
• IAHA Director's Award - 1984
• IAHA Distinguished Volunteer Award

Lance Walters, AHA President, stated: "The passion James O'Neal had for the Arabian, Half Arabian, and Anglo Arabian Horse was exemplified by the service he gave the breed through his vast participation as an industry leader. He will long be remembered and forever appreciated."

O'Neal was a force wherever he found himself, and his family and friends will miss him.

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