Delegate Reports From the 2007 AHA Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Anita Anderson Grant - anitag@deskmedia.com
This being my 4th AHA convention, I am still learning exactly how everything works. I find that trying to attend all the committee meetings that I would like to attend, next to impossible as many conflict with one another. This year I attended the Breeders Forum and the Amateur Committee. The convention is always an exhilarating time when everyone is excited about the resolutions that are not “housekeeping” and those that could stand to make a huge impact on our breed. The way we vote on resolutions that are “hot topics” I find undesirable. I have learned that for whatever reason many delegates would find it much easier to vote with a clear conscience if those hot resolutions were voted by written ballot. It is intimidating for some on whatever level to vote against others that they know and respect. That was obvious by the number of delegates who abstained on the three resolutions that were passionately debated. More than me question the rules of Roberts Rules after a delegate calls the question from the floor. It would seem appropriate to me that those standing should be allowed to speak. Our President did assure me that the Parliamentarian did direct him to not allow any more discussion once the question was called. A couple resolutions were calling for changes in heights in jumping classes and delegates from across the country were unsure as to what was best. Those asking for the resolution feel we should trust them. If there is truth in the following example “The Dressage World does not understand the Working Western World and vice versa…” then many delegates believe that either we need to be better informed or leave it up to those who work and exhibit in those disciplines.
Visiting what will be our next National Show grounds was most interesting and a wonderful evening. Having attended Nationals at Albuquerque and Louisville, I found the main coliseum to be small and wonder how we will all fit in. On the up side the trainers will be happy as it would appear that there will be ample workspace. The people of Tulsa are excited to have us and it will be interesting to watch how it all plays out.
The Breeders forum was informative as usual in that our numbers of foals being registered each year seem to decline and as a result they are hoping that bringing back the stallion breeding certificate will provide some needed answers to those questions. One theme that is revisited yearly is the need for mentors for those new breeders. Many new to the breed or industry need the help from long time breeders big or small in making the right decisions for the health and well-being of the breed. Having bred more litters of purebred dogs then horses, I know that breeding FiFi to Foo Foo down the street because they are adorable champions, does not assure them of quality offspring. We need to educate people as to what lines carry what attributes, and what crosses have produced the best. This is an area that not only individuals could prosper but the breed could be the biggest winner of all. On the subject of cloning, most believe it is never going to be acceptable in this breed.
The Amateur committee is of special interest to me. I believe along with the Youth they are the future of the breed. As we entered the meeting, people were whispering and asking why “Mary Trowbridge (an English Trainer from the East coast) was the chair of this committee? Mary Trowbridge came in and took her place at the table and explained to the members why she felt she will be successful as the chair. She believes that she can do much for the amateur committee because of her ability to share with the Professional arena and to help get our concerns across as a group. Much discussion continued about the failure of having fun at our horse shows and the cost of showing. A big push for this was due to the cost of showing and the price of gas. No one has figured out that nearly all the fees will be doubled and if your horse has a bad week-end, you are out a lot more. Plus most show secretaries believe it will be the death of smaller shows. Before the committee meeting ended I asked to speak and addressed Mary Trowbridge explaining that my comments had nothing to do with her, but that I felt “a professional as the chair of the Amateur committee sent all the wrong perceptions back home to the ‘grass roots & amateurs.” The topic was discussed and another vote as to whether or not Mary should remain Chair was taken, but Ms. Trowbridge was asked to remain in the room as the vote was retaken. She was voted in again. The lady sitting next to me got up to speak and referred to me as having a lot of nerve to raise the question. I said I simply was doing my job and this way those back home will know I did so. Upon leaving and over the next two days I was stopped numerous times by AHA officers, regional directors and delegates to speak to the subject. I can tell you that many told me with Ms. Trowbridge in the room, they did not want to vote against her for various reasons. I do know that she was asked by a Regional Director to step down but she refused. I could not help but notice all these amateurs in the room treating her like a rock star….I do not know where this will end, but I do know I did my part. I still strongly agree that a professional has no business as the chair of this committee, I also question if a professional should even be on the committee after what I witnessed.
I attended the Regional Public Relations training, where we exchanged ideas and were given direction from AHA as to what they would like to see us accomplish in 2008. I came away energized with lots of ideas to promote our impeccable Arabians.
I thank MAHA for giving me the opportunity to be a voice for you at convention.