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Dr. Jim Heird - 2017

  • Writer: TCHOF
    TCHOF
  • Nov 20, 2016
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 13

Equine professor, trainer, and current AQHA Vice President

Induction Year: 2017

Born: Texas

Primary Discipline: Equine Education and Leadership

Profession / Role: Equine Professor; Horse Trainer; Industry Leader; American Quarter Horse Association Executive

Primary Skills: Equine Conformation EvaluationEquine BehaviorHorse Judging and CoachingProgram Development and Academic Leadership

Known For: Equine professor and program builder at multiple universities. President and Vice President of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Inductee, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2017). Inductee, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame (2024).


Early Life and Education

Dr. Jim Heird earned his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Tennessee, where he also coached the university’s horse judging team. During this period, he actively showed horses and earned recognition in all-around competition.

He later completed a doctorate in Animal Behavior at Texas Tech University. His academic training in behavior, combined with practical experience in horse training and evaluation, formed the foundation for a career that would span more than five decades.


Academic Career and Program Development

Dr. Heird began his professional career in 1972 as horse extension specialist at North Carolina State University. There, he expanded the state’s 4-H horse program to include shows, judging contests, public speaking, and demonstration competitions.


In 1976, he returned to Texas as an instructor at Texas Tech University. At the time, the university had no formal horse-related curriculum. Dr. Heird raised funds to build an equine breeding facility, instituted colt-starting and training classes, and established a competitive horse judging team. Under his leadership, Texas Tech consistently ranked among the top collegiate judging programs in the nation, competing at major events including the AQHA World Championship Show.


In 1986, Dr. Heird joined Colorado State University, where he expanded the collegiate horse program, developed new facilities, and coached judging teams. He also served in administrative leadership roles including associate dean of agriculture, interim dean of agriculture, and interim dean of business.


In 2009, Dr. Heird moved to Texas A&M University to establish and coordinate the university’s Equine Initiative. As the Dr. Glenn Blodgett Equine Chair, he worked to integrate equine curriculum between animal science and veterinary programs while expanding outreach statewide, nationally, and internationally.


Service to the American Quarter Horse Industry

An AQHA judge since 1977, Dr. Heird served as chairman of the AQHA Judges Committee and helped organize the Association’s first judge applicant schools in the United States, later assisting with similar programs in South America and Europe.

He contributed to the development of educational materials for 4-H and collegiate judging teams and helped author casebooks for judging working hunter and jumping classes. He served on task forces that revised halter class rules and helped establish rules for Versatility Ranch Horse competition.


Dr. Heird served AQHA in numerous leadership capacities, including chairman of the judges, international, and show committees, as well as the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission. Elected to the AQHA Executive Committee in 2015, he became AQHA President in 2018 and later served as Vice President. Heird also started working for Lincoln Memorial University as coordinator of their Equine Veterinary Education program since 2022.


Honors and Recognition

Dr. Heird has received national recognition for his contributions to equine education and leadership. His honors include:

  • Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame – Inducted 2017

  • American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame – Inducted 2024

  • Award for Excellence – United States Department of Agriculture

  • Horseman of the Year – Colorado Horse Council

  • Director – Texas Racing Hall of Fame

Throughout his career, Dr. Heird has been recognized for his expertise in equine conformation and behavior, his mentorship of students and professionals, and his leadership in building sustainable collegiate equine programs.


Legacy and Impact

Dr. Jim Heird’s career spans more than fifty years of teaching, judging, administration, and industry service. His work strengthened university equine programs across multiple states and influenced generations of students, trainers, judges, and horse owners.

Through his academic leadership and executive service within AQHA, he has contributed to the advancement of equine education, responsible judging standards, and the promotion of sound horsemanship worldwide.


LINKS AND REFERENCES

 



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