2008 AHA Convention Report

Laura Mickelson - lauramickelson@aol.com

This convention, my 27th, was all about the future of AHA. The addition of Glenn Petty as the new Executive Vice President is a huge step forward. Glenn is a horseman and experienced show and farm manager who understands what we are all about. The tough economic times and the impact on showing and breeding were discussed in many sessions and there is a true appreciation that we need to be united in our mission to promote the Arabian horse. We do face some significant challenges including declining memberships and registrations. For example, membership declined by 3,300. It was noted that all breed organizations are seeing a decline in membership and registrations, but that just means that there will be more competition between breeds and disciplines for a decreasing number of horse owners and breeders.

On a positive note, AHA has had four consecutive profitable years, but this was due in large part to a one time contribution from Albuquerque being added to the general fund. The treasurer noted that he was nervous about fiscal 2009 even though AHA is on target to hit budget. The Board is going to be paying very close attention to the budget and make adjustments as necessary. In addition, there will be significant efforts applied to the acquisition of corporate sponsors, consideration of new ways to generate revenue (e.g. naming rights, a new prize money program, continuation of streamlining process and costs in the AHA office), and a rainy day fund will be created.

A new president and vice president were elected: Lance Walters and Dale Harville. Reelected were Frank Galovic, treasurer, and Jan Decker, secretary. Overall the mood was positive and the discussions were honest and realistic.

To view:

Resolution 18-08, which sought to make the Arabian Scoring System optional for local and regional shows, failed by a wide margin. Resolution 17-08 which would have rescinded the system was withdrawn. The procedures and score card itself were a hot topic with the many halter trainers and exhibitors at the convention and there will be changes in 2009. I did not attend these forums, but several of our delegates did and I am sure that they will provide details.

Another controversial resolution, 25-08, would have rescinded last year's decision to allow a show to have two judges for the same class with two sets of placings. A number of shows are set to try this in 2009, but Region 10 delegates agreed that we should ask our clubs to not have double judged classes in 2009 while we study this. Review Jill Frieders' report for additional discussion and ramifications.

Outside of resolutions, there were contested elections (Lance Walters and Terry Andreason for President and Dale Harville and Chuck Mangan for VP), and a number of interesting committee reports and speakers.

Breeders Forum
Registrations continue to decline, but the decline has slowed so perhaps we have hit the bottom. There was much discussion on ways to encourage the breeding and registration of Arabians. The low end market is pretty much gone and breeders have to be able to market young horses to survive, but market research shows that most people are looking for riding horses. The need for a mentorship program for new breeders was discussed. The 2,300 stallion reports for 2008 show that 6000 purebred mares were bred. Of continuing concern is the aging purebred Arabian population and the decline of young horses. In 1995, 14% were 5 years and under, but by 2007 the number was 6%. Similarly, in 1995 14% were aged 6-10, but by 2007 this was 9%.

Sweepstakes
The changes in the Sweepstakes program have proved to be successful.

  • Sweepstakes is now a separate business entity which will ensure that the trust funds are protected
  • Points and in utero nominations are up
  • AHA Board returned $150,000 in interest money to Sweepstakes fund in 2008 and will return all of it by 2010
  • Anticipated points program pay out is $20 per point
  • In 2010 newly nominated stallions will no longer get 5% which will free up more money to pay to mare nominators
  • Classes added to points payout for 2009
    • Second Level Dressage ATR, Purebred Arabians
    • Second level Dressage ATR, HA/AA

Marketing
There was an update on the Arabian Horse Galleries by Evie Tubbs and many regions, clubs, and individuals pledged over $42,000 as part of a drive to raise $50,000 that will be used to create a full sensory, interactive museum experience. The Gallery is fully funded for construction. The Arabian Horse Gallery will be a permanent Arabian wing added to the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park that will house the collection of the Arabian Horse Trust and is on schedule to open in June of 2009, in time for the World Equestrian Games that will be held at the Park in 2010. For more information, go to www.purebredarabiantrust.com.

A second Arabian exhibition, The Gift from the Desert, will be open for the Games as well. This temporary exhibit is the latest in the International series held at the Park and is funded by a Saudi foundation. It will concentrate on the history and legacy of the Arabian horses.

The Marketing Development and Promotion committee showed part of the completed documentary that is being pitched to Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel and the History Channel among others. The Arabian commercial is running with programs and on websites aimed at children such as Discoverykids, Kewlopolis, and KidPlanet and is generating great response. Other information from the MDP included:

  • Community shows did not meet goal of 90 shows for 2008 but vast majority of the shows made money
  • MDP sponsored Joyce Lewis on her Arabian in the All Girl Cowboy Challenge. Joyce finished in the Final 8 on the only Arabian in the competition and changed a lot of minds in the process.
  • Modern Arabian Horse won several industry awards and is listed as a major benefit by members, ad revenue is up
  • Leg Up educational materials on website are very popular
  • New educational videos from EEC will be out in January

A representative from the Black Stallion Literacy program was in attendance and Tim Farley was there to sign books and generally promote the program. MAHA has been working on getting one of these programs going and hopefully now has the correct contact person so that we can proceed.

SPEAKERS
Larry Kinnear, for the new Arabian Horse Foundation, updated the delegates on progress made by the Foundation. The Foundation is now incorporated in Colorado and has a new website, logo, and materials. The three main areas of focus for the Foundation are:

  • Youth scholarships and education
  • $30,000 awarded in 2008
  • New scholarship started, Myron Krause Equine Scholarship for research
  • Research in diseases and health problems especially those the affect the Arabian horse
  • Money awarded to UC Davies and Cornell
  • Catastrophic events aid and support
  • Money given to South Caroline Humane Society and another animal rescue organization

Larry made a plea for support and reminded delegates that monies donated are tax deductible and may be designated to one of the above areas.

James Hickey, President of the American Horse Council, talked about the efforts of the AHC to promote and protect the interests of horse owners at the US Congress and noted that AHA had been a long time supporter of the AHC. Significant changes that affect horse owners include:

  • Section 179 expense deduction increased to $250,000
  • Tax code reinstated the 50% bonus depreciation on new assets
  • Horses are declared to be livestock in recently passed 5 year Farm Bill so horse owners can apply for Federal disaster funds from the Permanent
    Disaster Trust Fund
  • The Equine Equity Act passed

A high priority with the AHC is passing immigration reform and the Protecting Equine Heritage (right to ride) legislation in Congress that is aimed at keeping horse trail open on federal lands. The AHC is an active participant in the Unwanted Horse Coalition. In addition, the AHC is looking for local people to help with letter writing campaigns and generally get the word out to the horse community. If you are interested, contact the AHC. Julia Anderson is the person to contact about being part of the speakers bureau.

RESOLUTIONS
* indicates resolution had been amended 2008 Approved Resolutions

Effective

01-08

Updated AHA Bylaws-nominating procedure

0 1/01/09

02-08

*Updated AHA Bylaws-voting methods

01/01/09

04-08

*Changed resolution process

01/01/09

05-08

*Executive committee restricted- number of committees

01/01/09

08-08

*Open Hunter/Jumper shows earn Achievement Awards

01/01/09

09-08

Eventing added to Arabian division, USEF

When approved by USEF/EC

10-08

*Carriage Driving, HA/AA halter cross entries

When approved by USEF/EC

11-08

Hunter Trail Hack specs changed, moved to Hunter

When approved by USEF/EC

12-08

*Trail course designers rules

When approved by USEF/EC

13-08

English Trail maneuvers changed

When approved by USEF/EC

14-08

*Trail course conduct changed

When approved by USEF/EC

15-08

*Trail penalties changed

When approved by USEF/EC

19-08

Callers no longer allowed, FEI classes (Regionals)

When approved by USEF/EC

20-08

*Added attire/modified tack rules for Jumper

When approved by USEF/EC

21-08

*Added 14.2/under Hunter classes

When approved by USEF/EC

22-08

*Changed appointment rules/sport horse in hand

When approved by USEF/EC

23-08

Change attire rules/sport horse show hack

When approved by USEF/EC

28-08

Made shoeing rules permanent

12/01/08

29-08

*Changed hunter pleasure class specs

When approved by USEF/EC

30-08

*Changed hunter pleasure attire rules

When approved by USEF/EC

32-08

*Changed who must sponsor show

01/01/09

34-08

*Changed scoring over fences classes

01/01/09

35-08

Add peer review panel for judges

01/01/09

NOTE: Effective date for USEF is generally April 1, but check www.usef.org for actual dates. May be as late as Dec 1, 2009.

2008 DISAPPROVED RESOLUTIONS
06-08 *Require mailed notice of fee or program changes
18-08 *Make Arabian scoring system optional for all shows except nationals 25-08 Rescind double judged classes
26-08 Require weanlings to have registration papers to show
36-08 Allow non-Level 1 R judges to judge regional/national shows

2008 WITHDRAWN RESOLUTIONS
03-08 Improve efficiency of committees, commissions
07-08 *Change membership year back to calendar year
16-08 Trail scoring system, maneuvers
17-08 Rescind the Arabian scoring system (halter)
24-08 Require sport horse classes to be split into dressage and hunter type
27-08 Unacceptable trail obstacles
31-08 Replace MOS with Added Total Points system
33-08 *Require several hunter/jumper classes to be added to the regional/nationals class list
37-08 National show judging required rotation and assignment