Organizers of the 2008 European Championship Appaloosa Show October 2-5 in Aachen, Germany, announce that live streaming video from the show will be available. To view the show, visit www.rh-video.de/rh_player.htm. News about the European Championship can also be found at www.aphc-germany.de and at www.wittelsbuerger.com, said to be Europe’s leading western horse website (probably true since they reach 200,000 visitors monthly). WittelsbuergerTV will not only webcast the event, but will also send reports and results after the show.
ApHC is again supporting the European Championships with medallions — and judges. Through the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export organization, ApHC receives funds to help with international marketing, market development and outreach.
According to our records, last year’s show included 261 open entries, 89 non-pro and 61 youth. The Aachen facility is an outstanding one and the show promises to be a true showcase for the Appaloosa breed.
by John Etcell, AAA President
As you would be aware, the entire Australian Equine Industry has been severely affected by an outbreak of Equine Influenza (E.I.). There have been major ramifications on the Australian Appaloosa Association as a result of this.
The outbreak first occurred in August 2007, right at the beginning of the Australian Breeding Season. The impact has been enormous with a vast number of our members unable to show their horses, breed their horses or transport their horses.
Some areas in Australia remain unaffected, however the major impact has been felt in the States of New South Wales and Queensland. It is in these two States that the majority of members reside so the impact is enormous. These two States have been locked down since August 2007.
This has impacted on the scheduling of the Australian Appaloosa National Championship Show. Originally scheduled for April 2008, it will now be held in Dubbo, New South Wales from the 22nd June 2008 to 2nd July 2008.
Following our visit to Oklahoma City last year, our level of enthusiasm and expectation relating to the relationship between the ApHC and the AAA was very high. The exciting proposals that were discussed indicated a wonderful year in 2008 for the Australian Appaloosa Association. Unfortunately, The Equine Influenza Virus has almost brought the Australian Appaloosa Association to its knees and has altered these arrangements dramatically.
Having said that, I am hopeful that 2009 will be our ( The ApHC and The AAA ) new beginning. It is hoped that the international proposals can be implemented throughout that year. It is also hoped that other international delegates and guests who expressed a wish to visit the Australian National Show in 2008 may transfer that wish to 2009.
At the moment there is also talk that a member or a number of members of the AAA Board may visit the USA coinciding with the Appaloosa World Show later in 2008. Should this eventuate, then it would be the perfect opportunity to reestablish the relationships and proposals began in 2007.
Regards,
John Etcell.
President AAA
ApHC and at least ten other equine breed associations were represented at the recent annual meeting of the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. organization. The group met in San Antonio to discuss export opportunities, hear updates on specific regulatory and policy issues, and to share plans for FY2009. One of the main consensus points was the need for cooperation among breeds to take our message to various international customers. Working together, for example, on seminars and clinics for international judges and show managers, trade show exhibits, and reverse trade missions is a good idea for several reasons.
Funding for internationl marketing is available through USLGE and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Applications for grants are submitted and reviewed before initiatives can be launched.
In FY 2007, the Appaloosa Horse Club has used funds to exhibit at or conduct trade visits in Germany, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and probably a couple of others I’m forgetting. We saw firsthand the benefits of establishing international relationships at last year’s National Show. A number of horses were purchased, the European youth exchange team participated in the show, and additional contacts were made.
Frank Larrabee, ApHC past-president and current chairman of the International Committee, attended the USLGE meeting along with Merida McClanahan and Steve Taylor from the office.
USLGE is a nationwide livestock-specific, not-for-profit, trade association representing the International Market Development interests of the U.S. dairy, beef, sheep, swine and horse breeding industries. Its representation encompasses the embryo and semen industry, livestock export sector, plus leading State Departments of Agriculture from top livestock producing states across the United States.
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