2009 AHA Convention Report

Laura Mickelson

This convention, my 28th, centered on financial issues with AHA management explaining and apologizing for the mishandling of the sweepstakes funds as well as discussing the financial stability of AHA.  First let me say that despite the rumors, AHA is solvent and all of the National shows will continue.  AHA will survive a net loss of $312,000 for 2009 with 2010 projected as a break even year partly due to staff cuts and other changes.  

I encourage all members to read the speeches or AHA president, Lance Walters, and Executive Vice President, Glenn Petty's speech that can be found at
http://www.arabianhorses.org/membership/convention/2009/ as these provide the background for and the resolution of this problem as well as summarizing the shows and other significant AHA events.  

It appears that the AHA officers and board were not getting 'real' numbers from the Controller, who has since been replaced along with the company doing the auditing.  In fact the Financial Report handed out at the Convention is not reliable and will be re-issued and made available to all members. A new treasurer was elected and a new controller is in place and hopefully the financial reporting with be complete and accurate.  Financial reports will be published on the website quarterly. 

The tough economic times and the impact on showing and breeding were again 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.  Registrations and memberships all declined again.  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.

More delegates attended this year: 525.  A new treasurer was elected: David Corning.  Re-elected were Dale Harville, vice president and Jan Decker, secretary. 
To view:

 

Resolution 15-09 which sought to add a comparative scoring system to the current scorecard system failed by a wide margin.  The procedures and score card itself were a hot topic again.  The changes promised for 2009 did not really materialize, but MAHA president Lori Conway in her role as chair of the Equine Stress Committee reassured delegates and guests that there are changes in the works and asked that people give this time to work.   I did not attend the forums that discussed the halter procedures, but several of our delegates did and I am sure that they will provide details.

The most significant other resolutions, 18-09 (to award a full top ten in all national classes) and a change in the qualifications for select rider classes both passed.

Congratulations to Ann Benson, winner of a Regional Level Service Award.  

There were also a number of interesting committee reports and speakers.

Registration Commission
Scott Benjamin, a well-known pedigree expert and AHA Level 1 Judge, gave an informative and entertaining presentation on Arabian Horse Breeding.  He also was the Convention Keynote Speaker and gave a shorter presentation focusing on Arabian Type. 

For me the key point from both presentations is that Arabian type is NOT about the head but is about a balanced horse that shows the best characteristics of all light horses.  Second key point concerning Arabian characteristics is that Arabians are naturally animated at all gaits including the trot.  Most of Arab is flat rocky ground and the trot was an important gait.

The four essential elements of Arabian type are:

  1. balance
  2. quality
  3. movement
  4. disposition

The five hallmarks of the breed are:

  1. head
  2. neck
  3. back and loin
  4. croup
  5. tail carriage

The longer presentation covered the following:

  • The horse and civilization
  • Objectives of all planned animal breeding
  • Science of genetics
  • Selection
  • The usefulness of pedigree
  • Breeder essentials
  • Arabian Horse Evaluation

Sweepstakes
There was no Sweepstakes presentation so I would assume that there are no changes for 2010. 

Marketing
Evie Tubbs updated delegates on the Arabian Horse Galleries by and many regions, clubs, and individuals pledged over $30,000 as part of a drive to raise $50,000 that will be used to create an enhanced full sensory, interactive museum experience.  The Gallery is built and will open in April 2010, in time for the World Equestrian Games that will be held at the Park in 2010.  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.  For more information, go to www.purebredarabiantrust.com.

A second Arabian exhibition, A Gift from the Desert, will be open from May 29 - October 15, 2010 and will be open during 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.

Dan Lawrence, Sr. Director, Marketing, presented the highlights of activities for the past year including:

  • a very successful T.A.I.L. program at the US Nationals with over 200 children attending
  • the Arabian horse documentary that was seen by over 50 million people on the Family Network
  • booth in the breed pavilion at Spruce Meadows (over 70,000 spectators per day)
  • booth at 6-7 Equine Affair events
  • Discovery Farms program has been relaunched
  • Corporate sponsorships, Adequan added.

 

SPEAKERS
Austin Garrett, president of the AHA Youth Association (AHYA), indicated that the 2009 Convention exceeded expectations with 128 delegates from 16 regions attending.  The Youth brought a successful resolution (saddle seat equitation tests) to the convention.  Goals for next year included strong relationships with 4H, Scouts, and FFA and increasing youth participation both at the convention (all regions represented) and locally.    Austin went on to discuss the financial challenges facing the youth with the loss of the trailer auction and the temporary diversion of funds to the Arabian Horse Gallery project.

Youth of the Year:  Katie Pelphrey, Region 14
1st Runner Up: Amanda Kelly, Region 3

Stan Morey, new Judges and Stewards Commissioner, stated that he thinks the current process is good but that he intends to add transparency, accountability and confidence.  He plans on attending shows and evaluating the judging. 

Larry Kinnear, for the Arabian Horse Foundation, updated the delegates on progress made by the Foundation.  The three main areas of focus for the Foundation are:

  • Youth scholarships and education
    • $40,000 awarded in 2009
    • New scholarship started, Patrick Swayze Scholarship for the Performing Arts
      • $25,000 pledged
  • Research in diseases and health problems especially those the affect the Arabian horse
    • $18,500 awarded to UC Davies and Cornell for research
    • Cornell has developed a DNA test for Lavender Foal Syndrome
    • Awarded $15,000 for equine rehoming and rescue

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 and in fact is one of only three horse associations involved in all aspects of the industry.  He reminded delegates that horses are a 102 billion dollar industry that offers millions of jobs. 

Significant changes that affect horse owners include:

  • Section 179 expense deduction ($250,000) phases out in 2009
  • the 50% bonus depreciation on new assets are likely not to be renewed after this year
  • this would be a good time to take advantage of these and buy depreciable assets

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.  AHA is a member of the Coalition.

Mr. Hickey also provided an update on welfare and slaughter issues:

  • Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act which prohibits shipments of horses to slaughter for human consumption:  NO ACTION TAKEN
  • GAO study on horse welfare as it relates to slaughter operations is due to Congress in March, 2010
  • New EU regulations prohibiting consumption of horses that have every had bute may hamper desire to resume slaughter in US

Get involved with local horse council and be on the lookout for legislation to limit horse ownership, mandatory neutering, and attempts to reclassify horses as pets. 

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 and to lobby Congress.
 If you are interested, contact the AHC:

 

Joycalyn Winiger, representative from Adequan, stated that Adequan is thrilled to be a full corporate partner with AHA.  She mentioned that Adequan will supply speakers for meetings and also has educational materials available.  Go to www.adequan.com for additional information. 

RESOLUTIONS
* indicates resolution had been amended

2009 Approved Resolutions Effective
01-09 *Bylaw change allowing voting via electronic means 12/31/10
02-09 Handbook Clarification/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 Cerebellar Foal Syndrome 12/31/09
05-09 *Require USEF Arabian Committee to propose rule change to USEF When approved by USEF/EC
06-09 Exception for Arabian shows, extra CPR staff When approved by USEF/EC
08-09 Ban tying stirrups to saddle When approved by USEF/EC
09-09 *Allow single triangle in sport horse  When approved by USEF/EC
12-09 *Allow saddle seat eq. riders to change horses When approved by USEF/EC
13-09 *Amended park horse to require balance and cadence When approved by USEF/EC
14-09 *Amended select rider qualifications When approved by USEF/EC
17-09 *Amended equitation qualifications 12/31/10
18-09 Full Top T at all National shows 12/31/10

NOTE: Effective date for USEF is generally April 1, but unless extraordinary, AHA rules require effective date of Dec 31, 2009.

2009 Disapproved Resolutions
15-09   *North American Halter Procedure
19-09   *Use MOS in halter classes

2009 Withdrawn Resolutions
07-09   Shoe/Pad Limitations
10-09   *Sport horse in hand splits
11-09   *Sport horse under saddle splits
16-09   Sport horse under saddle qualifications