The 2010 AQHA
Convention was held at the Gaylord Palms Resort,
on March 5-8, 2010 in Kissimmee, Florida. The accommodations
were spectacular. The convention is a chance for breeders,
trainers, owners and horse lovers of all kinds to get together
and swap stories, talk about issues affecting the industry
and discuss proposed changes to the way AQHA does business.
It is filled with interesting programs and the agenda is full
of exciting topics.
Friday, March 5th a Breeder's Educational Seminar open to
all AQHA members was held with standing room only. Items on
the agenda included Breed integrity, A New Initiative; AQHA
by the Numbers -An in-depth analysis of what trends we see
in the data; Genetic Disorders - Update on genetic disease
and testing; Breeders Talk - Members' comments on breeding
topics; Tax Update for Owners and Breeders; A Business Plan
Needn't Be Painful. It was very informative to say the least.
What was most interesting was a discussion with a panel of
Scoop Vessels and Carol Rose. They discussed a projection
into the future of implementing an outcross to their breeding
program. Granted that they were motivated by results, I saw
an opportunity. Conformation, Structure, Soundness, and Disposition
in that order were their selection criteria. With soundness
issues in the show arena due to line breeding and inbreeding,
Hancocks are a resource that today's breeders may be looking
for.
Saturday, March 6th was full with Committees meeting and conducting
business. It was a time to let your voice count. Months before
the Convention members are given the opportunity to submit
any changes to the rules and bylaws. Theses propose changes
once submitted are placed on the agenda of the corresponding
committee and it is at these Committee meetings that they
are discussed and voted on.
That evening the Awards presentation was held. It was a formal
steak dinner where every discipline in the AQHA is awarded.
Contrary to popular belief it is not all halter. Working Cow
horse, Speed events, Reining, among others are awarded.
I sat at a table
with Sam Shoultz and Ken Matzner of Kesa Quarter horses who
received a trailer award for their blue roan Hancock horse
Blue Fox Hancock who won the Open Reserve All-Around Senior
Horse. Their Trainer Luke Jones and his wife were also seated
at the table. Blue Fox Hancock is by Leo Hancock Hays out
of Fox Coup. Also seated in our table was J.D. Yates who received
the High Point individual and Mr. and Mrs. Don Tisdall who
also received a trailer award for several of their horses
that J.D. showed for him. It was very exciting followed by
a mixer where you got to visit with everyone there. I met
up with Bob Avila among others, with whom we had a pleasant
chat.
Sunday, March 7th was continued by Committee meetings followed
by the Hall of Fame Inductions Banquet. This was another Formal
steak dinner. Very nice, very elegant. It was a neat deal
to see the stories with the inductees. I got to sit at the
table with the two new Executive Committee Inductees Mr. Johnny
Trotter of Hereford, TX and Johane Dobbs of IL. It was exuberating
to talk to these dynamic people. The reception there after
was quite a mixer.
That was the extent of my stay in Florida and I took advantage
of every bit of it. I met a lot of interesting horse people
with common interests. Tons of very useful information. I
look forward to next year's Convention that will be held in
Dallas, Texas at the Gaylord Palms Resort there. As a member
of the International Committee I take part in this conventions.
It is open to all members and well worth participating.
** Thank you, Rickey!! **
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