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. 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!
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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!
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We can’t wait to see you there and make more unforgettable memories together! 🎨✨ Our annual youth tubing event was a blast! On January 18th, we gathered at Cannonsburg Ski Area for an afternoon filled with laughter, excitement, and winter fun. This event has become a cherished tradition for WMAHA, bringing together our club’s youth for a thrilling outing on the snowy slopes. Participants bundled up and took to the tubing hills, enjoying the exhilarating rides and making memories with friends. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, share in the excitement, and embrace the joys of Michigan winters. A big thank you to everyone who joined us, as well as to Cannonsburg for providing such a great venue. Events like this highlight the importance of coming together as a community and fostering connections among our youth. Check out some of the highlights from the day in the photos below, and be sure to join us next year for more winter fun! |
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