The American Quarter Horse Association has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of two experienced industry professionals who bring deep expertise in both operations and commercial development.
Building on this momentum, John Pipkin has been named Chief Operating Officer, while Steven Hayes will serve as Chief Commercial Officer. Both leaders are set to officially begin their roles in early May, bringing fresh energy and expertise to the organization’s next chapter.
John Pipkin Steps In as Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, John Pipkin will return to AQHA in a leadership capacity focused on strengthening the organization’s internal systems, improving operational efficiency, and supporting a high-performance culture built on accountability and long-term sustainability. In this role, he will oversee a broad range of AQHA departments and programs, including IT, Racing, Member Services, International, Competition, QData, Youth, Public Policy, Member Programs, and Affiliates—ensuring coordination and consistency across key areas of the organization.
Pipkin brings extensive experience in equine education, administration, and competition management, backed by a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Texas A&M University and a doctorate from Texas Tech University. Since 2024, he has led the Texas Tech Equestrian Center, overseeing academic, research, and outreach programs including therapeutic riding and competitive collegiate teams in equestrian, horse judging, ranch horse, and rodeo disciplines. He previously served as AQHA Director of Officials from 2023 to 2024, managing the judges and stewards programs. Before that, he spent 30 years at West Texas A&M University as Director of the Equine Program, where his horse judging teams earned 165 national or world champion or reserve champion titles, while his equestrian and ranch horse teams earned more than 60 national champion or reserve champion titles. A respected long-time horse show judge, Pipkin has officiated more than 500 shows across 13 countries and numerous world and national championship events. He was honored with the AQHA Don Burt Professional Horseman of the Year Award in 2023 and currently serves as an AQHA national director from Texas and a member of the AQHA Judges Committee.
Steven Hayes Takes on Chief Commercial Officer Role
With a focus on growth and industry engagement, Steven Hayes will serve as Chief Commercial Officer, leading AQHA’s commercial initiatives across marketing, communications, publications, sales, sponsorships, events, and business development. In this position, he will work to expand AQHA’s reach, strengthen member value, and further enhance the organization’s presence within the equine industry through strategic partnerships and engagement-driven programs.
Hayes brings a strong and diverse professional background, with more than 15 years of experience spanning equine associations, western sports organizations, animal health, marketing, and business development. His career includes leadership roles with the National Cutting Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, United States Team Roping Championships, Rodeo Logistics, and Boehringer Ingelheim Equine, giving him a well-rounded perspective across both operational and commercial aspects of the industry.
Adding to his professional experience is a lifelong connection to the horse industry. Hayes was raised in Comanche, Texas, on a cow-calf ranch where American Quarter Horses played an essential role in daily ranch operations. That foundation continues to shape his work today, as he remains actively involved in breeding, raising, and training Quarter Horses with his wife, Shantell, an accomplished horsewoman and barrel racer. Together, they have two sons, Jaxton and Hazen.
Future Direction
With Pipkin focused on operational leadership and Hayes driving commercial strategy, AQHA is positioning itself to further strengthen its internal structure, expand its industry impact, and continue supporting members and stakeholders across the American Quarter Horse community. These appointments reflect AQHA’s ongoing commitment to both operational excellence and strategic growth. With expertise spanning leadership and commercial development, the new executives are expected to play a key role in shaping programs, services, and opportunities that move the organization forward.
