Meet Jody Thurston, the dedicated President of the West Michigan Arabian Horse Association (WMAHA), now serving her second year in this leadership role. A lifelong Arabian horse enthusiast, Jody brings a deep passion for the breed, a commitment to youth involvement, and a strong vision for the future of WMAHA.

A Lifelong Love for Arabian HorsesJody’s journey with Arabian horses began at the age of 13 when she was given the choice between a new pair of roller skates or the opportunity to lease a horse. Without hesitation, she chose the horse—and never looked back. Since purchasing a horse wasn’t an option for her family, she worked as a groom at her trainer’s barn to cover the costs of lessons and leasing. This experience taught her hard work, dedication, and the value of commitment, shaping her into the leader she is today.

Because of her own experiences as a youth, Jody is passionate about creating opportunities for young equestrians to connect with Arabian horses. She actively seeks ways to engage the next generation and provide them with the same life-changing experiences she had growing up in the industry.
Leading WMAHA & the Fall Classic ShowIn addition to serving as WMAHA President, Jody stepped up as the Show Manager for the Fall Classic, playing a key role in elevating and reinvigorating this cherished event. Her dedication and fresh approach have helped the show flourish, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for participants and attendees alike.

Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the show’s foundation as WMAHA prepares for the milestone 50th Annual Fall Classic Show in 2025. Her passion, hard work, and commitment to the club have helped continue and grow WMAHA’s long-standing traditions.
Beyond the Show RingWhen she’s not busy with WMAHA or in the show ring with her Arabian horses, Jody is the owner of Glitzy Jane’s, a custom show and dance apparel company. Her family’s life revolves around Arabian horse shows, but when they’re not in the ring, you’ll find them at dance competitions or camping across the U.S.—always embracing adventure together.
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Jody’s leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm are what make WMAHA stronger. We are incredibly grateful for everything she does to support our club, our shows, and our community. Thank you, Jody, for your passion and commitment to the Arabian horse world!

Join us for a Painting Party at the beautiful Foxfield Arabians in Alto, Michigan. Last year’s event was such a hit—everyone had an amazing time exploring their creativity and connecting with friends. Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun this year!
Details:

• When: Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at 6:00 PM
• Where: Foxfield Arabians, 9404 100TH St. SE, Alto, MI 49302
• Cost: $25.00 (due at RSVP)
• RSVP By: January 30th, 2025
• Contact: Kim Frederick (616-560-3477)
• VENMO Payment: West Michigan Arabian Horse Assn @wmaha

Whether you’re an experienced artist or just want to try something new, this evening promises plenty of fun, creativity, and good company. Don’t forget to RSVP soon, as spots are limited!
We can’t wait to see you there and make more unforgettable memories together! 🎨✨

Discover the Beauty of Western Pleasure with Lindsay Rinehart – Trotwood Farm

Are you curious about the art and tradition of Western Pleasure? Lindsay Rinehart of Trotwood Farm takes us on a journey through the history and evolution of this elegant equestrian discipline in her latest video, What Is Western Pleasure?

In this insightful video, Lindsay highlights how Western Pleasure showcases the elegance, temperament, and smooth movements of horses. She also introduces us to four popular horse breeds that excel in this discipline, offering valuable insights for both seasoned equestrians and those new to the world of farm living.

Key Takeaways from the Video

• The history and evolution of Western Pleasure.
• Traits and movements that make this discipline unique.
• An overview of four horse breeds known for their excellence in Western Pleasure.
• Tips and insights to deepen your understanding of this beautiful equestrian tradition.

​We’re excited to feature this video as part of our effort to share valuable resources for our members and the equestrian community.

​Want to learn more?
Be sure to check out Lindsay’s YouTube channel, Trotwood Farm, for more engaging and educational videos. You can find her channel here: @LindsayRinehartTrotwoodFarm.