An Organizational Meeting was held in Dallas/ Fort Worth January 12th, 1990.

On March 9th, 1990 There was an organizational workshop held in Austin, Texas where ITLA was actually formed. The Steering committee consisted of Jerry Williams. Bill Anthony, Happy Shahan, Stan Searle, and Pay Holt. Committees Were formed with Pat Holt in charge of By-Laws; Jerry Williams, membership; Stan Searle, promotion and advertising; Bill Anthony, registrations and transfers; and Carroll Shores, show systems.

The first headquarters was set up in Jerry Williams’ office in Austin, Texas. Jerry Williams was the first President, Executive Director, Registrar and whatever else came with the job. He did this with no cost to the Association. ITLA is now at home in Glen Rose Texas in their membership own headquarters which completely paid and is sit on land graciously donated by longtime Longhorn Breeder Larry P. Smith. ITLA started from a very humble beginning but has grown into a successful and productive Texas Longhorn Breed registry.

The success of the association is in great part due to the fact that the leadership remained focused on the founding principals of the association. The foundation of ITLA was to be a member focused and member driven association. The members elect not only their regional directors but they also elect their President and Vice President. Elections are handled by mail in voting. The members have a major say in the direction that the association takes as it moves forward. 

The first Convention and Show was held in Austin, TX October 25th, 1990. Bill Anthony was the first elected President; Jerry Williams, Vice President; Stan Searle, Treasurer. At the time of the convention, ITLA has 413 members, 99 of them were lifetime. By the end of the year, the membership had reached 500. Bill Anthony was President the year of 1991. In 2023 ITLA has a membership of  3000 plus including many international members in several countries. The Annual Convention and Championship Show still takes place in October. The show will draw in between 500 and 800 entries from exhibitors across the country bringing their best cattle to compete for the title if ITLA International Champion.

ITLA continues to provide quality serves and support to our members. The Annual Convention and Championship Show is hosted each October. The event now includes a Youth Show, Halter Open Show, Non-Haltered Show, and Futurity. There are also educational seminars for the adults and fun actives for the kids. The Annual ITLA Queen, ITLA Princess and Little Miss ITLA contested also takes place during this event. These talented young ladies representing the ITLA and the Texas Longhorn breed at events during their one year of serve. The Annual ITLA Awards Banquet caps of the event with a dinner, awards presentation and a live auction.

The ITLA Judges Clinic, which a requirement for all ITLA approved judges is still being held but with a modern twist. In keeping up with the times the Judges Clinic is now offered online annually. Members with an interest in learning more about the Longhorn Cattle breed can sign up to attend this detailed 6 hour online coarse from anywhere. The coarse has attendees from all across the US and around the World. The ITLA has set the standard for qualified Texas Longhorn Cattle Judges.

Continuing to Proudly Serving our members.