The AQHA annual convention, this year held in New Orleans, stirs passion from its members as they wade through the agendas of various committees. Topics that created a stir this year ranged from adding a new hunter under saddle class to changing the age of the select division.
Emotions run high on many issues as they rightfully should. Members attend the convention at their own expense, evidence of their passion for the industry. This year was no different with much discussion over the proposal to add an additional rail classes to service the performance hunter and the performance western horse. And while not on any agenda, many expressed their feelings over the new recertification methods that will be put in place for 2014 requiring all judges to retest every other year. The convention is the perfect place to toss around new ideas. It is one of the few times when horse people get together without the responsibility of having horses to prepare first on their to-do list.
While no recommendation was made to add a new hunter under saddle class, a new class for a ranch rail class was proposed as was adding a division to Level 1 riders for walk-trot exhibitors. Keep in mind that committees make recommendations that must then go through the Executive Committee before meeting final approval. Due to the nature of much of the process, confidentiality is required by a great deal of the committees with final results still to be determined.
Some things that were not passed or put on hold include the recommendation to raise the age requirements of the Select division. The amateur committee recommended forming a task force to look into the merits of revising the age for the Select division, tabling that issue for this year. The discussion was good from both sides so the task force will not be short on input. The show committee voted not to allow exhibitors to show two horses in Showmanship. They also decided not to change fence heights and to continue to allow the use of wedge shoes on horses of all ages. The proposed rule of changing the age of the junior horse to six with senior beginning at age seven was tabled by the board of directors for further study of statistics.
Recommendations coming out of the show committee to go to the Executive Committee for consideration included:
1. Adding a walk-trot division
2. Adding a class for ranch riding on the rail
3. Consider recognizing Western Dressage as a discipline
Members were given an update on a show strategic plan update and a recommendation to approve a mission and vision statement for shows as well as a “code of ethics” that show managers and sponsors will sign when they’re entrusted with an AQHA show franchise.
AQHA’s Association of Professional Horsemen passed out their annual awards for Professional Horsewoman and Horseman of the year. This year’s awards went to Kelley Roberts of California and Clark Parker of Utah respectively. Rob Meneely from Atlanta, Georgia was this year’s Most Valuable Professional and Steve Meadows was elected to chair the Professional Horsemen’s Council.
The 2014 AQHA convention is “in the books” as they say and during the roughly three and half days of functions and meetings a lot of member-submitted items were reviewed and discussed by the various committees. Even though recommendations are forthcoming, an important thing for readers to remember is that these still must be reviewed and action taken by AQHA’s Executive Committee. For show-related items, the AQHA Show Council will take a final look at those before going to the Executive Committee.
Each year passes quickly and before you know it, the time for rule change proposals will be here again. When the time comes, take the time to write down your thoughts, suggestions and rule change proposals. It is your opportunity to have your voice heard by the people who make the Association move forward.
