The ApHC Board of Directors held a special meeting August 28th to clarify some key issues for members and exhibitors. Regarding the trial period for announcing finalists in National and World Show open classes, rather than individual line-ups under each judge, the Board agreed to suspend the experiment. At the upcoming World Show, individual line-ups will continue for those classes in which this procedure has traditionally been used.
On the subject of pay-outs from the Performance Permit “incentive fund,” the Board clarified the process for determining how and where a horse qualifies for awards. A qualified horse can win only one award, but may certainly be shown in more than one zone. The award will be based on whichever zone provides the horse with the highest money-earning potential. If there is a tie, meaning the horse ends up ranked the same (for instance in second place) in two or more zones, the horse will earn the monetary award in the zone in which it earned the most points and will be removed from contention in the other zones leaving that money to be paid to the other eligible winning horses. Or, if the horse places first in one zone and second in another zone, it will receive the first place monies and be removed from contention in the zone in which it placed second.
A clarification was made to an earlier decision to accept horses registered with the Appaloosa Horse Association of New Zealand into the International Registration Incentive Program. The rule will specifically identify the Studbook Registry of AHANZ, and not apply to horses in a recently developed “Non-Studbook Registry.”
Exhibitors in Masters division of non-pro Trail, Western Riding and Reining are not required to earn a qualifying point in order to compete at the 2008 World Show. These classes are currently non-pointed classes at regional shows, therefore the qualification requirement forced exhibitors to compete and earn points in regular Non-Pro classes. The Board of Directors will continue to evaluate the various Non-Pro categories and requirements, but agreed that an immediate adjustment was necessary in this case.
Performance Department
We will be mailing premium checks from the National Show at the end of this week.
The World Show premium book is at the printer.
We are processing show results from the 10th of August. All shows held through the end of August count toward World qualifying.
Newly elected Appaloosa Horse Club President Frank Larrabee and ApHC senior staff met recently to develop specific financial goals for the current fiscal year and to initiate a specific response to the realities of a changing economic climate. Rising costs are affecting the horse industry, the Club and its members. The strategy sessions were meant to address both the revenue side of the Club’s activities and all categories of expenditures with the primary goal of preserving members’ equity in the association and to end the year with a balanced budget.
“Our job as directors and staff is to work harder and smarter to maintain the core strengths of the Appaloosa Horse Club, provide honest stewardship of the resources necessary to maintain a high level of member services and sponsored programs, and to enhance the overall appeal of the Appaloosa breed” Larrabee said.
A number of cost-cutting measures and basic savings are included in the plans. Some of the key areas include reductions in staff travel, personnel costs and administrative expenses. Several proposals for cuts related to Board of Director meetings will be considered for both the short and long term. According to President Larrabee, the serious work of maintaining members’ equity should start with the board leading by example to evaluate all costs of doing the Club’s business. A reduction in the number of face-to-face board meetings, limits on travel expenses for directors and other controls are expected to be implemented.
Program expenditures specific to shows, trail rides and awards will be adjusted to account for significant savings as well. In combination with administrative cuts by the board and ApHC management, the club expects to realize a savings of at least $250,000 to help sustain current levels of member equity.
Additional strategies on the revenue side include repackaging sponsorship agreements, being more aggressive in reaching out to potential new supporters, providing a variety of Journal and web site advertising options and promoting the benefits of programs such as the International Registration Incentive.
July 6, 2008
National/Youth Shows
The Board of Directors will gather input and consider swapping schedules so that the National Show (open and non-pro) is held during the first week and the Youth World is the second week. Part of the reason for considering such a move is to give youth exhibitors more of a break between the end of school and the shows. There are also conflicts with mandated testing in some states.
Appaloosa Foundation
A new 501(c)(3) foundation will be formed to provide ApHC members with expanded opportunities to invest in research, education, youth programs and other charitable activities.
Breed Standard
The Planning & Review Committee will update the currently inactive breed standard for inclusion in the Appaloosa Handbook.
World Qualifying Points
A group of directors is looking at possible adjustments to the number of points required to qualify for the World Show. It is being suggested that points be adjusted annually to more appropriately reflect the level of competition in various classes and categories.
International Registration Incentive Program
The board accepted the Asociacion del Caballo Appaloosa de Mexico as an approved registry for the international incentive program.
Foundation Pedigree
Beginning in 2009, and every 10 years thereafter, the minimum percentage of FPD eligibility will increase incrementally by requiring one additional horse in the preceding four generations of the applicant horse to be registered with the ApHC; that is 23 out of 30 beginning in 2009, then 24 out of 30 beginning in 2014, and so on.
Horses may enter the FPD program at the percentage level requirements that were in place at the time of their birth.
Medications
Approved administration guidelines for Omeprazole (GastroGard or UlcerGard).
July, 2008
Officers elected for 2008-09 include: Frank Larrabee, President; Chuck McWhirter, Vice President; Chair of Planning & Review, Laura Lyon; Chair of Finance, Jack Zuidema; Chair of Rules Committee, Debby Letham; and Chair of Marketing, Dennis Dean.
The Board of Directors made a temporary appointment to fill a vacancy in Territory V, Zone A (Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi). Monty Holmes, Cabot, Arkansas, will serve until a special election in the spring of 2009. At that time, he may also run as a candidate for a full term.
Lynette Thompson, Garfield, Washington, was sworn in as the new director from Territory I, Zone A (Washington, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia and Yukon).
Board Notes
No action was taken on the subject of changing Non-Pro age divisions (a previous motion to study the issue had caused some concern).
Discussion in the Regional Club Committee focused on the need for ongoing communications and ApHC support for non-show activities. There was a question about whether recommendations from town hall meetings have been addressed. In many cases, the suggestions became board motions or discussion topics. Several of the items have also been incorporated into program planning and customer service procedures in the office. We’ll work on a complete checklist that will be distributed.
The ApHC World Sale will include a silent auction of stallion services. Resulting foals will be eligible for Sale Incentive Classes. Owners of stallions sold in the service auction will also be eligible to pay entry into the incentive classes.
There was definite enthusiasm about a “National Appaloosa Day,” which could involve a variety of promotional activities at the regional club level. Stay tuned for more plans but let us know what you think and how your regional club might participate.
It is a consensus of interested folks that we need to bring back a more complete and more regular Journal listing of leading sires and leading-the-nation categories.
We are also exploring ways to get ApHC moving forward to make on-line registration a reality.
A proposal for double-pointed “Zone Shows” was discussed. Also on the table is a proposal to support smaller regional clubs by double pointing some two-judge shows. The board will be working on both ideas during the next few weeks.
ApHC will conduct a “workshop” at the 2009 National Show involving regional clubs, show secretaries and/or others.
A summary of board motions will follow soon.
Although not an active campaigner for the position, Frank Larrabee, Corrales, New Mexico, was elected Appaloosa Horse Club President at the Board of Directors meeting last week in Jackson, Mississippi. Frank is a past-president and has been active for several years as the lead guy in international marketing. Several important intiatives have been launched in places such as Brazil, Australia and South Africa because of Frank’s efforts. The new International Registration Incentive Program in particular, came about due to his work toward a more global Appaloosa reach.
Newly elected from Territory I, Zone A, is Lynette Thompson. She’s from Garfield, Washington, and has been active at the regional club level for many years.
By virtue of a vacancy in Territory V, Zone A, the ApHC Board of Directors made a temporary appointment to serve members of that area. Monty Holmes (right) from Cabot, Arkansas, will serve until a special election is held next spring. At that time, he will also be eligible to run as a candidate for the complete three-year term.
Even as the 61st National Show was yet to conclude, ApHC directors began a series of committee meetings and board sessions to deal with various issues and program topics. The first order of business was an election of officers for the coming year. After a slow start, the choices were made for members of the Executive Committee and for a vacancy in Territory 5.
Frank Larrabee will serve as president and Chuck McWhirter is the ApHC vice president. Other members of the leadership team are: Jack Zuidema, chair of the finance committee; Debby Letham, chair of the rules committee; Laura Lyon, chair of planning and review; and Dennis Dean, chair of marketing.
One of the ApHC board members here at the National Show is Jim Jirkovsky from Kearney, NE where he trains horses with his wife. He says they train all around horses. He thinks these horses can do more than one thing.
He’s enjoying Jackson and thinks the facilities are nice and the town is friendly. He says the security has been good and that he’ll come back.
I asked him what he thinks about the horse industry and he says it’s down right now but that things go in cycles and that it will come back. He says we’ll turn things around. He’d like to see the board make current members happy since they’ll be the ones to go out and get new ones.
You can listen to my interview with the Jim here: 
Interview With Jim Jirkovsky (3 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
The Appaloosa Horse Club is pleased to announce the results from the 2008 Board of Directors election.
There were contested elections in two territories. In Territory I (Zone A) the new director will be Lynette Thompson, Garfield, Washington. In Territory III (Zone A) Jim Jirkovsky, Kearney, Nebraska, is re-elected. Each will serve a three-term on the board.
The following directors ran unopposed and are therefore re-elected to an additional three-year term:
In Territory II (Zone A), Dennis Dean, Apple Valley, California;
In Territory IV (Zone A), Larry Baker, Sumner, Texas;
In Territory VI (Zone A), Laura Lyon, Howell, Michigan;
*In Territory V (Zone A), Although technically “properly nominated and deemed” re-elected, Eric Beené has declined the directorship term which begins July 3, 2008. According to ApHC bylaws, the Board of Directors may make a termporary appointment of any directorship to be filled by appointing an ApHC member domiciled in the affected geographical zone, but a special election is required when the unexpired term of the vacancy exceeds one year.
The bylaws do not require a special election to be held immediately, therefore a temporary appointment could be made and remain in effect for the period of time between swearing in and the next regularly scheduled election. Of course, the appointed person may then run as a candidate for the unexpired term.
Representatives of ApHC and Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada are discussing ways to solidify the relationship between the two organizations. At the March board meeting, it was decided to extend an opportunity for ApHCC-registered horses to be registered with ApHC. The “invitation” would be in effect for at least a one-year period beginning July 1, 2008. There is ongoing discussion about how the International Registration Incentive Program might apply to ApHCC-registered horses and whether the program is of interest to Canadian owners.
A separate proposal currently on the table would allow class winners (champions) at the Canadian National Show to be automatically qualified for the ApHC World Show. These horses would need to be registered with ApHC prior to participating in the World Show and owners/exhibitors would need to be ApHC members. Part of the conversation then extended to whether ApHC should also automatically qualify winners of our own National Show and if World Show qualification could or should be offered to champions from, for example, the European Championships and other “National” shows in other parts of the world. As most of you know, winners at the World Show are currently given automatic qualifying for the next year’s World.
It is understood that regional club shows have been the normal/traditional route for World Show qualifying and that there may be some concern about taking away some of the incentive to participate locally. One related strategy that will be implemented in 2009, no matter what the decision happens to be about other countries, is a revised point system for qualifying. As with some other associations, the magic number of points required will be adjusted each year thereafter and will be determined using a formula that includes actual points earned in the previous year by horses in the top 10 or 20 from each class. Other factors, such as the number of shows with specific classes, average class size, etc., will also be part of the equation.
Some of these items may have already been mentioned in earlier posts, but we wanted to take one more stab at providing an overview of board action. We’re working on unofficial minutes and will post them on the website as soon as possible.
Among the agenda items considered but NOT approved:
The Board did not approve a proposal for Novice Youth to accrue points whether they own the horse or not and to become ineligible for novice after accumulating 50 points.
The Board did not approve a proposal to add foster family as part of the extended definition of youth horse ownership.
The Board did not approve a proposal to prohibit leased horses from being shown in youth classes (they do not currently qualify for points, but can be shown).
The Board did not approve a proposal to eliminate the minimum height requirement for mature Appaloosas.
The Board did not approve a proposal to allow running the right rein through the left ring in a legal snaffle bit in English Showmanship.
The Board did not approve a proposal to require open exhibitors at the ApHC World Show to have qualified by earning one point in any open class.
Among agenda items that were approved:
On a trial basis at the 2008 National and World Shows, the top 16 horses/exhibitors will be recognized. Placings 11-16 will receive finalist ribbons and be announced. Top ten will receive place ribbons and be announced. This trial does not affect youth or non-pro classes.
Masters Cutting Class will be managed by the Appaloosa Cutting Horse Association and not ApHC.
ApHC will affiliate with the Unwanted Horse Coalition.
A draft of articles of incorporation for an Appaloosa Horse Club Foundation will be considered at the July Board meeting.
The Board will review the existing (but inactive) breed standard and make appropriate adjustments for publication.
World qualifying points will be calculated and adjusted annually to reflect the level of participation in each class, the percentage of qualifiers, number of points earned by the top twenty from the previous year and other factors.
Correction to earlier post:
HYPP – a proposed added rule will read: All foals born from AQHA stallions or mares registered as descendants of Impressive, born after January 1, 2007 (this date refers to the AQHA stallions or mares), that have HYPP status of N/H or H/H will be required to be tested for HYPP at the time they are parentage verified and have their HYPP status marked on their registration papers. Future descendants of N/H or H/H horses will also be required to be HYPP/parentage verified and have that status designated on their papers.
The Museum Committee was “dissolved.”
We should have more committee reports and discussion summaries posted later this week. Some of the motions voted on at the ApHC Board of Directors meeting in Albuquerque will need a second approval, while others don’t require a specific rule change. I’ve tried to identify which is which, but I’m assuming additional review and edits are required before anything gets the “official” stamp.
Rules Committee Recommendations to the Board
The Board gave approval to a rule adjustment allowing members to enroll in Appaloosa Competitive All-Breed Activities Program (ACAAP) on-site, the day of the event.
Directed staff to conduct an analysis (financial and program) for an ACAAP “Premium Promotion” Awards program.
The Board approved the “Asociacion del Caballo Appaloosa de Mexico” as an approved International Association Registry for the purpose of incorporating it into the International Registration Incentive Program (IRIP).
Modified the wording of an earlier motion to read that the “main registry” of AHBSSA (South Africa Appaloosas) would be part of the IRIP.
The Board adopted a revision to rule 236 which outlines percentages required for “FPD” designation. Beginning in 2009, the FPD percentage requirement increases to 77% and will remain at that level until 2019 (at which time an additional horse in the preceding four generations will be required – 23 out of 30).
A motion failed that would have added registered half-Arabs with AQHA or TB parents to the list of approved outcrosses for registration with ApHC.
The Board approved the addition of Omeprazole (Gastro Guard and Ulcer Guard) to the conditionally permitted medications list.
The Board also added Firocoxib (Equioxx) to the list of conditionally permitted medications. Equioxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral paste for horses for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses.
Finance Committee Recommendations to the Board
The Board approved a process whereby horses earning the titles of World or National champions or reserve may have the award listed on registration papers for a fee of $100.
The Board approved a four-year agreement with IEG, Inc., a sponsorship valuation, research and analysis company.
Approved: A plaque will (also) be awarded to any horse that completes 13 non-consecutive Chief Joseph Trail Rides.
Approved: A renewal of leases with the Appaloosa Museum for both the building and land for a five-year period.
The Board approved a supplement to the APEX program to be known as the APEX Color Program, which will pay an additional prize for eligible Appaloosa horses winning any of the events listed in the APEX category.
The Board approved the proposed FY 2009 ApHC budget of $5,394,260.
From the “Approval/Disapproval” Motions
The one-time transported semen fee of $100 for stallions was eliminated. *(In my original post, it only mentioned approved outcross stallions. The fee has been eliminated for all stallion owners).
From the ApHC Board of Directors meeting in Albuquerque, March 10-12, 2008.
Show Related
National/Youth Show Dates – We’ll be gathering information to determine if it would be helpful to switch the Youth World Show and have it after the open/non-pro National Show. There are some schedule conflicts with at least some states and their mandatory testing for high school students.
Class Line-Ups – On a TRIAL basis at this year’s National and World Shows (Open classes only – this will not apply to youth or non-pro classes) we will eliminate the line-ups under each judge and recognize (announce horse, exhibitor, and owner) the overall Top 16 exhibitors. Those placing 11th – 16th will receive finalist ribbons and the Top Ten will receive Top Ten ribbons.
Masters Cutting – The Appaloosa Cutting Horse Association will conduct the Masters Class rather than ApHC.
World Show Qualifying – In July, the board will consider a formula being developed to re-design the points system for qualifying for the ApHC World Show. The numbers would be adjusted annually based on the number of point earners, points earned, and other factors from the previous show year.
Non-Pro Age Divisions were discussed extensively. Directors and staff will be gathering information and comments from non-pro exhibitors to see if we need to re-align the age divisions for non-pro exhibitors. One suggestion is to have two divisions – 19-44 and 45-and-over, with no cross-entries.
Planning & Review Committee recommendations
ApHC will become part of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, to at least promote the concept of “responsible ownership.”
The board approved the development of guidelines to establish an ApHC Foundation. Contributions could be directed toward equine research, the existing AYA Foundation and the Museum Foundation, and money could support education programs, special awards and other activities within the scope of the tax code for charitable organizations.
Canadian Registration Window – will be open for a 12-month period, effective July 1, 2008. Horses with ApHCC (Canadian) registration are eligible for ApHC registration under this “window.”
Breed Standard – the board will review the present (but inactive) breed standard and make a recommendation for an updated version to be included in ApHC handbook and other literature.
Regional Club Workshop – will be planned for the 2009 National Show. This gathering would involve show managers, regional club leadership and others.
Endurance Ride – It was approved to move the ApHC National Championship Endurance Ride to a different region of the country each year.
Stay tuned for more updates from the board meeting.
The Rules Committee, chaired by Debby Letham, is another of the “major” ApHC board committees that met today. I’m still working through the list of proposals that went through this group, but many of the issues can be found in posted minutes from the July meeting.
We can start with a proposal that didn’t get passed along to the board. It was a suggestion that youth novice points should be determined by actual competitions of the exhibitor, whether or not they own the horse they exhibit. I suspect the general issue of novice points, requirements for advancement out of novice and other parts of the record-keeping system will continue to be analyzed.
Among the proposals that will be voted on by the board on Wednesday:
ACAAP Rules and Requirements
Allow ACAAP enrollments to be made at the same time they enter a show (open shows or specialty organization events). In other words, don’t force people who have an interest in the program to delay (or even forget about) their decision to enroll. An application, enrollment fee and show/event entry could all be submitted to ApHC at the same time. If the person is a non-member, they could also become a member that day as well.
ACAAP Premium Promotion Awards
The intent of this agenda item is to reward exemplary performance by Appaloosa horses at accredited open events. This refers in particular to Appaloosa folks who venture out and participate in NRHA, NCHA, NSBA, USEF events and other competitions.
An amended motion asked that a financial impact study, additional information and proposed rule additions be presented at the July board meeting. This motion passed and will move forward.
Other show and registration rules were debated. Some of them dealt with potential new countries as participants in the International Registration Incentive Program, more discussion of the “excessive white” guidelines for registration - especially as they might relate to suggested expansion of approved outcrosses (more on this later). Actually, the more I think about the wide range of topics, the more dangerous it becomes for me to pick a few to mention here. I’ll round up the specific motions at the end of the day and include a few of those that haven’t already been published.
Dr. Frank Hurtig, Director of Large Animal Veterinary Services with Merial gave presentations to the Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors at its meeting in Albuquerque. Dr. Hurtig explained the purposes, profiles and effectiveness of GastroGuard, Ulcer Guard and Equioxx. The “Gastro” and “Ulcer” products are government-approved for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers in horses. The Equioxx product is considered a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain and other symptoms associated with equine osteoarthritis.
Dr. Hurtig was invited to speak with the ApHC BOD because of member concerns about changes that were made last year to the list of ApHC conditionally permitted medications. Their is a specific proposal for tomorrow’s meeting that would add Omeprazole to the ApHC list of approved medications.
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