Mr Graham Smith

I have been actively involved with Arabians and horses in general for over five decades predominantly in Canberra and surrounding districts.

As a teenager I developed a passion for Arabians eventually purchasing my first Partbred Arabian and successfully competing at Royal show level and at three-day eventing.

I have always owned and loved competing with Pure and Derivative Arabians, but I have also owned open show hacks, thoroughbreds, jumping horses, carriage horses and palominos. All have given me great pleasure, but the Arabian is the horse that continues to capture my imagination and heart.

I have been most fortunate to be accredited as an AHSA National judge. I have judged widely throughout Australia and internationally at some of the most prestigious shows around the world. Having the opportunity to judge internationally helps me appreciate and identify new and emerging issues for the AHSA as well as growing a strong and respectful relationship with other show societies and organisations globally.

Whenever circumstances permitted, I volunteered my services to a range of clubs and committees having served in official capacities as show secretary, publicity officer and committee member. I have previously served as a Board member with the AHSA in addition to previously being Chair of the Judges and Officials Committee. I continue to volunteer my time as a Board member to worthy charitable causes, including those around organ and tissue donation which I am also passionate about.

Professionally, I enjoyed a successful career in the high-profile Treasury department, heading amongst other activities the Audit function. I was fortunate to be Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer at both the Royal Australian Mint and National Museum of Australia.

Having both professional work experiences to draw on and my long and passionate history with the Arabian horse gives me confidence that I can successfully lead the AHSA. I remain committed and passionate about the AHSA, Its members and the Arabian horse in Australia.