FROM THE DIRECTOR, Phyllis Ryan

Director's Message - September 2010 

Summer is almost gone!  My, my, how time does fly!  There are so many horse shows, new foals and fun times.  I'll try to inform you about some of the projects that are coming out of the AHA headquarters as well as talk about our Region 5 activities. 

AHA has approved a new concept of One Day Shows.  These shows are designed for under 100 horses, but a minimum of 25 horses must enter and be shown for qualification, points, etc. to count.  A maximum of two AHA l Day Shows may be held back to back, and show days must be held on weekend days or holidays.  Only three staff people are required: a manager, secretary and judge.  Vets, farriers, barn managers, and USEF stewards are not required.  No USEF fees.  This was designed to help those very small shows to stay alive and give our members a place to show without the large costs of bigger shows.  This idea has been used very successfully with other breeds, and now AHA is going AA is going going to try it. 

Arabians will now be part of the opening ceremonies at the World Equestrian Games.  We will be the second act and broadcast on NBC.  Horses will appear in native costumes both current and original and will be on leads as well as ridden.  All 16 days are filled with Arabians on exhibition.  There are also two Arabians that will be used in the Saddle Seat World Cup Exhibition during the last two days of WEG. 

On October 9, 2010, there will be an Arabian race at Keenland Race Park in Kentucky and broadcast on ESPN.  Being the second race of the day, the UAE Presidents Cup will be a $50,000 Stakes race.  This is the first time that Arabian horses have set foot on this very famous race track. 

Our Region 5 Regional show was very successful.  We had approximately 70 horses more this year that last year.  Our Regional Sport Horse show was also well attended.  A big “Thank You!!!!” to all the staff and volunteers that made these occasions happen.  To all the exhibitors who attended, I hope you had a great show and are already planning on coming back next year.  We look forward to seeing you there.   

Region 5 is planning a recreational trail ride on September 10 - 12, 2010, at the Washington Horse Park.  The Fall Region 5 Delegates meeting will also be held on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1:00 PM. Anyone needing information, please call Judy Mitton at 253-848-4178,  or email her at  judymitton@peoplepc.com   The weekend will be full of good trail riding, food, fellowship and gorgeous country. 

The AHA National Convention will be held November 17-21, 2010, in Orlando, Florida, at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel.  The deadline for the “Early Bird” registration fee is fast approaching, so if you are going, get your registration in quickly.  For those of you who like to plan ahead, the 2011 convention will be in Vancouver, Canada.   

One of the subjects that will be heavily discussed at the convention this year will be the reorganizing of our regional boundaries.  All of the regions would be changed and some of our regions may even be eliminated.  This should make for some interesting discussions.

The Fall Judges Seminar will be held at the Xona Resort Suites in Scottsdale, Arizona, on December 2-4, 2010.  Whether you desire  to be a future judge or just become a better competitor, these seminars are well worth the time and expense for the education.  

Best wishes to you all,

Phyllis Ryan
Regional Director