Delegate Reports From the 2007 AHA Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ann Benson - prairieviewfarm@msn.com
As I prepared for this convention, I found myself curious and excited about seeing the new facilities for US Nationals and checking out the drive for all of us from the Midwest. I was not disappointed, more to come.
In our first session, we had a review of all the resolutions by their respective sponsors. There was much discussion surrounding halter scoring and protocol, the three judge scoring systems, the two judge show proposal and several working hunter issues. There were also several housekeeping and Bylaw changes discussed. The intensity of some discussions was a preview of what would come when it was time to vote on the resolutions.
During the first general session, we heard that AHA continues to gain ground financially while at the same time, registrations and show participation continues to decrease. Also, our horse population is aging. The number of registered Arabian horses has decreased 50% over the last 20 years. Obviously, all reasons for concern.
I attended a session on Organizational Efficiencies. This was one of the 4 Cornerstones defined by Myron Krause last year. During 2007, emphasis was on IT issues. AHA is way behind with infrastructure updating due to the major task of integrating AHA and the Registry systems. The goal is to complete the integration in 2008. This has become a $150,000 expenditure. IT goals for 2009 are to complete a new competition module which will integrate show information, membership, etc. This will be a real boon for show managers and secretaries. During this session, we discussed the effectiveness of our current committee structure. Is this system effective enough to bring about the changes still needed to keep AHA on an upward path?
The Sweepstakes Committee, chaired by Region 10 Director Dean Meier, had all good news to report. The fund balance is good and has been sweetened by interest from the Trust Fund. Estimated point payout is approximately $20 per point for 2007. Total dollar payout for the program is allocated as such; 55% to points, 25% to Regional Championship Shows, and 20% to US and Canadian Nationals. Sweepstakes payments earned in 2007 will be paid in early March, 2008. Last year 50% of all registered foals were entered in the Sweepstakes program. This trend has risen even though registrations are down. Also, Open Western Pleasure has been added to the Sweepstakes program for 2008.
In 2007 we had an increase in Community Shows from 50 to 80. There will be an AHA commercial in 2008 to be shown on such channels as Tommy Garland, Discovery, Animal Planet and u-Tube. Montana Silversmith is a new corporate sponsor and there is a new Bank of America offer available to our members. See the AHA web site for details. Marketing also intends to increase event presence and to increase logo product sales.
We had a wonderful presentation on the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games by CEO Jack Kelly. The games are coming to the United States for the first time and will be held in Atlanta. USEF members were recently offered the opportunity to purchase early tickets. Horseman’s Council President, James Hickey, updated us on the activities of the organization. Their primary responsibility is to insure and protect all equines in regard to federal laws and regulations. He also spoke of the ongoing issue and controversy of dealing with unwanted horses. For more information go to unwantedhorses.org.
David O’Conner, President of USEF, spoke of a new spirit of cooperation between USEF and AHA. The organizations hope to join hands to eliminate redundancies and to provide additional support to promote our breed. They also plan to provide additional show support through their technology.
Lollie Ames and Larry Kenier announced the formation of the new Arabian Horse Foundation, a non-profit foundation started for the purpose of supporting youth through education and scholarships, funding equine health research and providing equine rescue assistance in times of need. Many individuals and clubs pledged financial support to the foundation. Our own MAHA club pledged $500 pending board approval. Over $100,000 was pledged at the convention.
We have over 200 Arabian judges but way fewer Stewards. There is a Judges and Stewards school in Michigan April 10-12, 2008. If you ever considered becoming a steward, now is the time.
On Friday evening we went to the Tulsa Expo Square. The grounds are very large and clean. There are several stalling facilities, and too many warm-up and lunging areas to count! The camping area is large and near both main arenas. The main venue arena is smaller that one would like and can be used only for small size classes such as finals. The second venue ring is huge with great seating. The sky box area is also somewhat lacking in amenities. There are nice outside and inside commercial areas, very spacious. Overall, the grounds seemed excellent to adequate. There are many motels, restaurants and shopping areas very close.
Lastly, we voted on our officers and resolutions. Laura Mickelson has prepared a complete overview of resolution results. Please refer to her report for details.
From my conclusion and perspective, we, as members of AHA, face many challenges; declining breeding and registration numbers, declining show participation, using new halter scoring, learning the MOS system one more time, understanding the impact of a 2 judge show and determining the effectiveness or lack of effectiveness of our current committee structure. Is AHA going to be able to provide us with ongoing support and service in 2008 and in years to come? We all need to take some time to think about this. All of your officers and delegates would welcome your comments.