Don’t forget to remind members about the Aged Horse Special, which runs until March 31st. Eligible Appaloosas may register now for the reduced fee of only $150. Non-characteristic Appaloosas looking to apply for Performance Permits are especially encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
The marketing department has made arrangements with USLGE to utilize leftover funding from the past two years, totaling $35,000, to translate and print 4 foreign language versions of the mini Appaloosa Journal. The magazine will be translated into German, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. We intend to use this new tool to reach out to more countries in our international marketing efforts.
Several breed and specialty associations join forces each year to host a week-long session for carded judges and applicants. For many, it’s a review and recertification process. For those hoping to become judges, the schedule includes interviews, testing, education, and practice. The Color Breed Council includes ApHC, APHA, the Buckskin,Palomino and Pinto associations, POA and others. Show Department staff from ApHC will be in Oklahoma City January 29 - February 4 to help with the program.
The American Horse Council (AHC) and member organizations are initiating “The Congressional Cavalry Program,” a new direct grassroots effort, to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC.
The purpose of the program is to identify at least one member of participating organizations in each Congressional District across America who will agree to contact his/her Representative/Senator or other federal officials when asked.
ApHC is not yet listed as a participant in this program, but we will be discussing it soon.
An excerpt from my February Journal page:
Some of the smarty-pants trend watchers are justifiably declaring to the non-profit world that volunteers are getting hard to find. We’ve heard from regional clubs and other folks that many of our breed’s “old reliable” worker bees are getting tired. It’s one thing to pitch in and help put on a show or other activity, but it’s another to be given perpetual status with no hint of relief.
The trend is real. Whether caused by generational differences, self-interest, time crunches, or too many competing choices, we do find that fewer individuals are willing to invest sizable quantities of personal time to organizations. Part of the solution might be shorter assignments with specific expiration dates. Give people a job, let them do it, and then let them “nominate” a replacement.
We can also remind ourselves that others can perform just as well as we can, if given a reason and an opportunity. Sometimes we forget to share the load, thinking that work won’t get done if we don’t do it ourselves. I tend to believe that today’s “young” people are more interested in the greater good than we give them credit for. Let’s find ways to get people involved in volunteer efforts that suit them, not just us.
You may have noticed that AQHA has instituted a new rule allowing stallion owners to retain the right to use frozen semen obtained from a horse while it was under their ownership, even after the horse has been sold. The ownership of retained semen rights permits may be transferred. The rules for transfer of ownership of a horse would apply to semen rights permits, except the request to transfer ownership of the permit is accompanied by the permit instead of the certificate of registration.
ApHC is considering a similar rule, partly to address the needs of breeders in other countries. It would probably have a significant impact on U.S. breeders as well. Cattle breed groups have been utilizing retained semen rights and certificates for quite some time, with apparent success.
What do you think?
Faced with rising costs related to several aspects of hosting the Appaloosa National, Youth World, and Appaloosa World shows, the ApHC Board of Directors approved increases in entry and stall fees for both shows, effective in 2007. However, the board stipulated that 50 percent of the entry fee increases be distributed as additional payout money for eligible classes at those shows, and that non-monetary awards would be enhanced for youth and non-pro classes ineligible for cash payouts.
Specifically, Youth entry fees will increase from $45 to $50 per class. Non-Pro entry fees will increase from $55 per class to $60 (in equitation, novice, and showmanship) and all other Non-Pro class fees will increase from $85 to $95. Open class entry fees will also increase from $85 to $95. Stall fees will be adjusted from $175 to $195 for premium stalls; $150 to $165 for “regular” stalls, and from $60 to $65 for daily stalls.
While noting that World Show fees have not increased since 1998 and National Show fees were raised in 2001, the board acknowledged that members/exhibitors are dealing with the same challenges of escalating costs. Part of the Club’s ongoing responsibility is to produce high-level events worthy of members’ time and financial commitment. Board members noted that revenue projections for future shows are difficult to gauge, but the increases in entry and stall fees are considered necessary to provide some measure of stability to the overall show management budget.
The ApHC partners with many of our regional clubs to increase Appaloosa representation at horse fairs and trade shows. Upcoming events include: Equine Affaire in Pamona, California, February 1 - 4; San Antonio Livestock Expo February 2 - 18; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, February 27 - March 18; Illinois Horse Fair March 2 - 4, Springfield, Illinois; Horse Fest March 9 - 11, Springfield, Missouri. Anyone can add an Appaloosa-related event to our online events calendar by going here: http://www.appaloosa.com/asna/ecalendar/CalendarOfEvents.aspx.
We asked the Show Department to provide a brief review of new or amended rules for 2007:
1. Performance Permit – information is on the website and this blog page.
2. Double pointing livestock shows and state fairs:
All major livestock shows and state fairs that meet eligibility requirements as determined solely by the ApHC based upon the size, scope and marketing potential of the show or fair, will be allowed one double-judged, double-pointed show per year, which is defined as an eligible livestock show or state fair at which a maximum of two judges judge independently of each other at one show judging either concurrently or on different days; therefore requiring a show approval application listing both judges and requiring two separate sets of show results and two sets of judge’s cards at which exhibitors will receive two sets of points for each judge’s placings. Each class may only be conducted once per judge and each judge may only turn in one set of judge’s cards for that show. Show management is required to submit approval and point fees for only 2 judges even though double points will be earned.
3. The ApHC adopted standards for evaluating the gaits of western horses. These rules outline the characteristics of movements/carriage and define those that are desirable and those that are not acceptable. This is detailed in rule 715.H beginning on page 157.
4. Non-pro versatility award added - This is an annual award for the year-end high point non-pro who competes and earns the most points with one horse in non-pro events.
Visit appaloosa.com website for a complete list of 2006 ApHC Running Champions. Congratulations to horses with great names such as Hammer, Perky Patsy, and You R My Sunshine! You’ll also find year-end leading owner, breeder, trainer and jockey.
You may recall that we had a film crew at the 2006 National Championship Endurance Ride and the Youth World Show. Horseflicks is in the final stages of the Endurance Ride episode and we should have a review copy by the end of the month.
The independent movie, Trail’s End, starring Chippen Gold the Appaloosa and Barry Corbin the actor, is in post production and should be completed by the end of February. The ApHC is partnering with the filmmaker, Shannan Keenan, to help promote screenings to our members in the Kansas/Oklahoma area, and we hope to have a copy to show at the National Show.
The ApHC will be working with Lyons Press and author Cheryl Dudley to promote Cheryl’s book, The Legendary Appaloosa. The book has a narrative and is filled with gorgeous photos of Appaloosas. The ApHC will have a page in the back of the book. We’ll be selling copies through our website and at the National Show. The Appaloosa Museum is planning to market the book as well.
We’re excited about celebrating the 60th National Appaloosa Show in 2007. Plans are being made to spotlight some pioneers of the breed, perhaps throw a party, utilize special designs for ribbons, and develop other commemorative keepsakes. Let us know if you have specific ideas about how we might observe this important milestone.
Feb 15th - Regional Club reports are due. (We’re taking a look at specific “requirements” for regional club reporting and may be able to reduce at least some of the paperwork)
Feb 28th - Deadline for declaration of candidacy for ApHC Board of Directors.
Mar 15th - Membership deadline for eligibility to vote in director elections.
The Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors voted in a December meeting to oppose passage of Senate Bill1915 (H.R. 503), the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. According to President Dennis Dean, “ApHC agrees with other opposition groups that believe this legislation sets a dangerous precedent by banning a livestock product for reasons other than food safety or public health.”
A more detailed explanation of the board’s position will be posted soon on the appaloosa.com web site.
All Posts