Dr. Jim Heird

With a doctorate in animal behavior from Texas Tech University, Dr. Heird has a wealth of experience in the equine industry and academics. Though Heird’s career includes almost 50 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring at four universities, his command over the areas of equine conformation and behavior is recognized well beyond classrooms and labs.

He has trained champion horses and horse handlers and spent over five decades judging and working with the American Quarter Horse Association and elected as its President in 2018. He started the Equine Initiative at Texas A&M University in 2009, and other achievements include an Award for Excellence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dozens of national leadership accolades, being named Horseman of the Year by the Colorado Horse Council, an appointment as director of the Texas Racing Hall of Fame, and being inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.