The Horse Industry Association of Alberta (HIAA) was informally established in 1982 to act as an organizing body for the Horse Breeders & Owners Conference. Until this time, the conference had been hosted by the University of Calgary Continuing Education Department under the direction of Ron Cole. With Ron's retirement, the conference was in danger of discontinuing, so a dedicated group took it on
and moved it to its current location in Red Deer. By 1991, the growth of the conference necessitated the incorporation of the Horse Industry Association of Alberta under the Alberta Society's Act as a non-profit organization. In 2003, the Board of Directors of HIAA saw opportunities for a broad-based industry organization to assist in the development and growth of the horse industry. A business plan, mission and vision were established through a series of meetings and facilitated sessions, and funding was acquired for the first of a series of projects, the Alberta Horse Industry Profile and Economic Impact Survey. As a result of the survey, it was determined that an industry-wide marketing tool was needed for Alberta's horse industry and the association took on the task of creating "The Alberta Horse all ways!" DVD. In 2005, HIAA hired a new manager, with the intent of further establishing the association as an advocate and educator for the industry. A new logo was developed, along with a marketing plan for HIAA and the horse industry, which was launched at Spruce Meadows at the beginning the 2006 "Masters" tournament and Equi-Fair.
