The Northern Minnesota Arabian Horse Association was incorporated August 5, 1966.  Its first officers were Lee Sellnow, President; Reynard Arvidson, Vice-President; Dawn Lundgren, Secretary; and Don Gilbertson, Treasurer.  Other charter members were Muriel Besser, Shirley Motley, Virginina Reed, Willie Hargest, Mrs. Ed. Hargest, and Steve Vollmer.

The purpose of NMAHA was to stimulate popular interest in Arabians, to cooperate with other organizations to develop and maintain the highest qualities of this incomparable breed, and to encourage exhibits and shows to exploit the outstanding qualities of the Arabian horse.

NMAHA promoted the Arabian as an endurance horse with its Pillager Endurance and Competitive Rides, which were discontinued in the 1980's.  Club members camped out at the Pillager State Forest overnight to assist with an endurance ride and a competitive ride.  Many members continue to trail ride on the Pillager and Carlos State Park trails, and NMAHA supported recreational riders with trail rides, clinics, and booths at horse expos for a number of years.

From the late '60s to 1984, the annual NMAHA Arabian show was held in Brainerd, MN.  In 1985, the show moved to Sauk Centre, where it remains.  It is now the May Double the Fun show, and we work together with the North Dakota Association to put on two shows in three days so that exhibitors can qualify for both Region 10 and Region 6.

NMAHA also participates in the Region 10 Presidents' awards program which provides beautiful plaques to help affiliated clubs honor hard working members.