From: Rodney Sawyer, AQHA Professional Horseman, Show and Professional Horseman Committee Member, Professional Horseman Council Member
I have been tasked with communicating the outcomes from the Association of Professional Horsemen meeting held at the recent AQHA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 11. The intent of this communication is to provide information to every member in an effort to solicit valuable input and afford knowledgeable decision making on important topics such as issues relating to animal welfare.
This summary reflects the discussion and information shared during the Association meeting but in no way serves as a final resolution.
All members of the Association of Professional Horsemen are encourage to research information provided on the AQHA website and other sources on animal welfare in order to further develop your respective opinions and provide input. Please recognize that unless we are part of the solution we will only remain a part of the problem. You should take advantage of all the opportunities to share your voice in the industry. Please be assured that the Association of Professional Horsemen and AQHA are working hard to represent the interest of all and more information can be found in Committee Reports online at www.AQHA.com.
SUMMARY
Stephanie Lynn, chair of the Professional Horsemen’s Council, opened the meeting and charged the members present with developing goals that would lead to a strategic plan for AQHA to take action on all the issues reflected in our mission, vision and values statement.
Ward Stutz, AQHA senior director of breed integrity, animal welfare and education, addressed the group on animal welfare. He reported that animal welfare is not a new issue and that AQHA has been addressing concerns for many years and has participated in an Animal Welfare Council for the past eight years to collaborate with outside groups experiencing similar issues.
The council is made up of all animal groups that represent sports and entertainment. Due to recent viral videos, blogs, and forums, the issues have become a priority for AQHA. Recognizing that animal welfare is a top priority, the AQHA Executive Committee established the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission. The commission is in place and has met but the only action to date is the establishment of the mission statement. The commission will be addressing concerns holistically and reflecting upon all aspects of the industry. He shared that it is paramount that we continue to have horses remain an agricultural entity and retain their livestock status. He stated that we are not the primary target of animal rights organizations or the government. However, we are on the radar of such groups. The purpose of the AWC is to protect the welfare of the horse, the industry, and to provide recommendations to the AQHA leadership so that we can take this opportunity to police ourselves before outside interests do it for us. Numerous examples of how the Horse Protection Act has affected other equine associations were shared and how the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS ) enforces legal sanctions on other breeds.
George Phillips, Executive Committee Member and representative on the AWC, gave an overview of the commission and the overwhelming desire to have input from Professional Horsemen. He shared a willingness for all interested members to contact him with ideas and solutions. Other members of the commission, Kevin Dukes, Clark Parker and Sandy Vaughn, shared views and reiterated the need for input.
Key issues were discussed and diverse viewpoints emphasized the need for the development of guidelines for what is appropriate for industry standards. Without industry standards there is no line of defense against complaints or charges.
J.R. Reichert shared the NSBA newly defined rules, regulations and penalties for abuse. He expressed the need to have all alliances concur and collaborate so there is consistency in the industry.
Proposed NSBA penalty guidelines
1st offense $1,000 fine
2nd offense $2,000 fine and 30 day suspension
3rd offense $3,000 fine and 1 yr. suspension
J.R. indicated that NSBA will operate under a zero tolerance policy.
Lainie DeBoer shared the need for increase steward efforts and outlined the USEF policies that reported inhumane violations monthly.
Key issues were then discussed and shared at length that resulted in the recommendation of five areas of concentration for Professional Horsemen to provide input to the Animal Welfare Council.
The goal is get a working group of people together to help the AWC. On the particular topics below, additional members may be used for their input and expertise.
Areas of Concentration:
1. Equipment
2. Fines and Penalties
3. Communication and Education
4. Licensing and Certification
5. Training Techniques
As recommended by the Show and Professional Horsemen Committee, a task force will be put in place with a six month deadline to have all recommendations finalized and to staff, the AWC and AQHA Executive Committee for consideration and possible action. It’s important to remember that only the Board of Directors and Executive Board have the ability to pass these recommendations into their final format but it is important for Association of Professional Horsemen to have input on these areas of concentration and provide guidance to the AWC. Members present were asked to volunteer to serve with the final recommendation on task force members being made by the Executive Committee at their April meeting. Professional Horsemen Council Chair Stephanie Lynn and Shows and Professional Horsemen Committee Chair John Pipkin will finalize the list of task force members to present to the Executive Committee. As a member, if you have input and might like to assist, please e-mail Kelly Hess at AQHA at [email protected].
Issues related to the five areas of concentration were discussed at length and were noted for consideration. These included but are not limited to the following:
1. How to control and define excessive training techniques.
2. Public perception versus industry views.
3. Continuing education and communication to members and non-members.
4. Licensing programs similar to racing criteria for professionals.
5. Defining further the responsibilities of Professional Horsemen at shows.
6. Curriculum development.
7. Marketing ideas through social media.
8. Keeping livestock classification.
9. Protecting our association against government intervention.
10. Judging criteria consistent with standards.
11. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
12. Care, housing and trailering standards.
13. Convention attendance and in service requirements for professionals.
14. Professional Horsemen forums
- Steve Meadows shared that Don Bell donated an original drawing to be raffled possibly during the All American Quarter Horse Congress with proceeds going to the Association of Professional Horsemen.
- J.D. Yates recommended that AQHA not approve any shows held during the AQHA Convention to avoid conflicts.
Actions to be implemented immediately: Establish monthly conference calls to finalize recommendations of task force for AWC. Establish Professional Horsemen Town Hall Forums to be held at major events including AQHA world shows, judging seminars, Congress and major state events. The first town hall forum will be be facilitated April 4-8 by Steve Meadows at the AQHA show in Lexington, Virginia. The forums will provide a way to get feedback from exhibitors and professionals, and provide that input to AQHA.
The Professional Horsemen’s Council will establish an outline for forums that is to be followed at all town hall meetings.
Develop convention report and summary to be distributed to all members by Rodney Sawyer and develop a Professional Horsemen Facebook page to provide a continual vehicle for dialog. Kelly Hess and staff will be contacted to establish.
A reminder to all members of the Association of Professional Horsemen about the responsibility to notify show management of their presence on show grounds to assist with mentoring and show issues. It was also recommended that a list of Professional Horsemen members go to all show managers.
If you want a voice, be sure to explore all the information on AQHA.com. You have the ability to address rule changes, serve on standing committees, task forces and, of course, share your thoughts with all involved. Complete listings of all committees are on line with the respective contact information.
Charlie Hemphill is seeking input for the strategic plan entitled Destination 20/20. This plan will help shape the future of AQHA. There are nine focus areas that need your participation. They include:
1. Customer Satisfaction
2. Membership
3. Youth
4. Infrastructure
5. Products and Programs
6. Communications and Marketing
7. Business Development
8. Breed Integrity
9. Governance
There are many other areas that are being addressed by the Association of Professional Horsemen and the council is hard at work promoting and protecting our profession. Your input is welcome and encouraged.
While Animal Welfare is currently the topic of concern, we continue to thrive and keep our focus on the mission of our great Association and the American Quarter Horse industry.
