2009 AHA Convention Report
Anita Anderson Grant
The Arabian Horse Association 2009 Convention was held November 18-22, 2009 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. This being my 5th Convention, I found everyone to be abuzz about the financial crisis AHA has found themselves in. Be assured, AHA is solvent and we are in no danger at this time of loosing any of our National shows. AHA has a plan in place to correct the problem at hand, starting with the election of a new treasurer, controller and auditing company. Financial reports will be available to the members quarterly on the website.
At all the committee sessions it was apparent that all are aware of the economic downward spiral in Arabians and all other breeds as well. Whether it is showing on a local level, regional or national level all shows seem to show a decline in horses and or participation. Registrations and memberships also are an indication of this. We all need to step up to the plate and do whatever to support and promote the Arabian horse at every level.
RESOLUTIONS
*Amended
2009 Approved Resolutions Effective Date
01-09 *bylaw change allowing voting by electronic means 12/31/10
02-09 Handbook Clarify/Consolidation 01/01/11
03-09 Amend Code of Ethics,
Require disclosure of Cerebellar Abiotrophy 12/31/09
04-09 *amend code of Ethics
Require disclosure of Lavender foal syndrome 12/31/09
05-09 *Requires USEF Arabian Committee to propose rule When approved
Change to USEF by USEF
06-09 Exception for Arabian Shows Extra CPR staff when approved
By USEF
08-09 Ban of tying stirrups to sadle when approved
USEF/EC
09-09 *allow Single Triangle in sport Horse When approved
By USEF/EC
12-09 *Allow S.S. Equit. Riders to change horses when approved
By USEF/EC
13-09 *Amended Park Horse to require balance & cadence When approved
By USEF/EC
14-09 * Amend Select Rider qualifications When approved
By USEF/EC
17-09 *Amended Equitation Qualifications 12/31/09
18-09 Full Top Ten at all National shows 12/31/10
2009 Disapproved Resolutions
15-09 * North American Halter Procedure
19-09 *Use MOS in Halter Classes
2009 Withdrawn Resolutions
07-09 shoe/Pad limits
10/09 *sport horse in hand splits
11-09 *sport horse under saddle splits
16-09 sport horse under Saddle Qualif.
Resolution 15-09
was brought to the floor by Region 15 member Robert Langlois. I quickly realized how fortunate we are to be in Region 10 and MAHA, with members who are on numerous committees’ and knowledgable about the writing of resolutions. This poor gentleman, I am sure had worked himself sick trying to get this ready for the convention, without the proper guidance needed to write a resolution. At one point he simply said to the floor to please allow him the courtesy to rewrite and correct what needed to be done. It was a fight but he was allowed to bring it back the next day. Laura Mickelson is to be commended for coming up to the plate and offering to help. Mr. Langlois already had obtained the supposed help he needed. In the end the resolution still needed allot of work and was defeated. Our Lori Conway did speak to the concerns he cited and said they are still hard at work finetuning the Halter procedure that was put into place.
Resolution 18-09
brought forth discussion in every committee season I attended. A fair number of delegates seemed to be on both sides of the coin. Myself I must agree with a full TOP TEN. I can see both sides but in today’s world where economics play a big part in our horse shows, I think you deserve a full top ten and should not be penalized for lack of other horses or exhibitors in the class. A horse or rider must qualify to attend, pay the fees, all expenses and deserve a Top Ten. We need to encourage everyone to show. The obvious is obvious.
I still maintain we need to make a change in how we vote at convention. Any resolution that is heated should always be voted by a written ballot.
525 Delegates attended this year, more than last, but for some reason it seemed smaller.
Officers elected to serve were David Corning as Treasurer, Dale Harville as Vice President and Jan Decker as Secretary.
Arabian Horse Galleries
Evie Tubbs brought us up to date on the Arabian Horse Gallery at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Regions, Clubs and individuals pledged over $30,000. Towards a goal of $50,000 that will be dedicated to one of the most exciting interactive exhibits at the park…The Arabian Horse Galleries. The building is up and will hopefully be done and open in time for the World Equestrian Games to be held at the park in 2010.
The Arabian Horse Gallery will be a permanent wing added to the Museum of the horse and will house the collection of the Arabian Horse Trust. If you ever visited the museum in Westminster, Colorado, that was the previous home of the Arabian Horse Trust.
“A Gift from the Desert” will be a second Exhibition open only May 29-October 15th, 2010 and is funded by a Saudi Foundation. This exhibit will tell the history and legacy of the Arabian horse as it is known in its homeland.
AHYA President of the year, Austin Garrett
spoke to the convention on the state of the youth and reported that the 2009 AHYA Convention had 128 delegates from 16 regions attending this year. The youth brought fourth resolution 12-09 which passed and
Thanked us for giving it consideration and seeing it through. AHYA intends to build stronger relationships with 4H, FFA Scouts and increase participation at convention (delegates from all regions). Austin explained the financial drain on the youth with the loss of the trailer auction and temporary diversion of funds to the Arabian Horse Galleries. All Regions need to step up to the plate with as much youth donations they can afford to give.
Youth of the Year is Katie Pelphrey from Region 14
1st Runner up is Amanda Kelly from Region 3
Arabian Horse Foundation
Larry Kinnear updated the delegates on the successes of the foundation. There are 3 main areas in which they plan to focus on. Larry asks for your continued support and to remember that the donations are tax deductible.
Youth Scholarships and Education
$40,000 was awarded in 2009
Patrick Swayze Scholarship for the Performing Arts
$25,000. Was pledged towards this new scholarship
Research in those diseases and health problems that affect the Arabian Horse
$18,500 awarded to Cornell & UC Davis for research
DNA test has been developed by Cornell for Lavender Foal syndrome
$15,000. Awarded for Equine rehoming and rescue
American Horse Council
President James Hickey informed us that AHA has been a long time supporter of the AHC and that AHA is one of only three horse associations involved in all aspects of the industry. He informed us that horses are a 102 billion dollar industry that offers millions of jobs. AHC works hard to protect equine heritage (right to ride) legistration in Congress, aimed at keeping horse trails open on federal lands. AHC covers a multitude of important issues to equines some of which are slaughter issues and options. Mr. Hickey warned us to be on the look out for anti horse legislation in your local areas, from limiting ownership, neutering, and attempts to reclassify horse as pets.
Adequan New Corporate sponsor
.Joyce Winiger a rep. for Adequan informed us that Adequan will supply speakers for meetings and equine events, for additional information go to: www.adequan.com
In conclusion I enjoyed my time at convention and met numerous Arabian enthusiasts from around the country. It is always interesting to meet and hear about other areas of the USA involved in the world of Arabian horses. If there is one thing that we all agree on it is that the Arabian horse is without question the most impeccable equine created.