Resolution Changes
ALERT ALERT ALERT
Several resolutions regarding changes to the way we show our horses came before the 2008 AHA Convention. The Delegates approved some of these changes and now they go before the USEF Boar for approval. So be on the alert to any changes forthcoming for the 2009 show season. Following are some possible changes.
Resolution can be checked on the internet.
Hunter Pleasure Specifications: Many changes were supported in favor of a “suitability as a hunter” i.e., light contact not draped reins, longer frame, lower neck carriage, less arch, ground covering stride, etc. (res.29-08)
Hunter Pleasure Attire: Informal attire is required which includes conservative color coat, discrete pattern, limited ornamentation permitted, etc. Non conforming will be penalized (res.30-08)
Sport Horse In-Hand Appointments:
A clarification of rules is outlined to properly prepare exhibitors for showing and to avoid elimination from consideration. (res.22-08)
Sport Horse Show Hack Attire: In addition to conservative colored short dark coat, etc., “light colored breeches” was added because so many different styles create a problem. (res.23-08)
English Trail Change to Maneuvers: English horses move differently than Western horses therefore distances between obstacles need to be adjusted. Changes to the Arabian Western Division resulted in USEF rule changes, however, these were not reflected in the English Trail Section. (res.13-08)
Trail Horse Course Conduct Rule Change: Recent changes to USEF Western Division Trail specifications created a need for changes to the AHA Trail Horse class conduct in order to ensure compliance and consistency. (res.14-08)
Arabian Trail Scoring System-Penalities:
It was felt that the Arabian Trail Scoring System should be more in line with scoring systems used by other breeds as many classes are judged by judges carded in other divisions. (res.15-08)
Other Proposals to be adjudicated by USEF include the following:
Res. 9-08 – Add Eventing to Arabian Division.
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Res. 11-08- English Hack Horse moved to Arabian Hunter Division and renamed “Arabian Hunter Trail Hack” with modifications.
Res. 19-08-A caller may be used in any AHA Regional Championship Dressage class except FEI tests including Jr. tests and all freestyle rides.
Res. 20-08-Jumper Attire and Appointments add “draw reins are prohibited except in the schooling area.”
Res.21-08-New specifications for Hunters 14.2H and Under. Awareness of the Hunter Division based on entry height would encourage more participation in Working Hunter classes at Local, Regional and National levels.
Other action by Delegates:
Membership to remain on the Anniversary Year.
Arabian Scoring System to be optional at AHA Recognized Shows was defeated. (Res.18-08)
Rescind Concurrent Judged Shows defeated.
Concurrent judging is limited to one additional show.
Sport Horse In-Hand & Sport Horse Under Saddle to be divided into separate classes for Dressage and Hunter type horses. Res. was withdrawn.
Delegate Reports
PAHA Delegate Report Summary
2008
This year’s AHA Convention saw the participation of 375 delegates out of the 533 actually eligible. Each member club may send one delegate for each 50 members or part thereof. PAHA’s system for choosing its delegates to the Region 15 and the convention is that each district may select one and the remaining ones and alternates are selected at the general meeting each December. The seven representing PAHA this year as part of the Region 15 contingent were Joy Evans, Wayne and Ruthann Gavitt, Virginia Kelsall, Linda Manwiller, Lois Miller, and Kriss Phelps, and of course Marty Kleiner was there in his role as Region 15 Director.
All the delegates attend a Wednesday night plenary session, where they have the opportunity to hear initial explanations about the resolutions being considered, 37 this year, and a Region 15 caucus.
They also attend all the general sessions where further discussion and voting on the resolutions take place, officers are voted on, and staff and guest speakers give valuable and often very interesting presentations. Additionally, PAHA delegates spread out and try to cover as many as possible of the committee sessions and forums that are interspersed throughout the four days of the convention. In these sessions they are able to become involved in the discussions, vote whether to approve committee support of the resolutions (if they are members of that committee), and often learn other useful inside information. They have submitted individual follow-up reports, of which copies are available from PAHA district directors for any member who wants more detail, but an overview of their activities follows.
Among the committee meetings and forums that Joy participated in were amateur, dressage, awards, competitive and endurance riding, and Arabian scoring system.
Wayne and Ruthann both attended meetings of Eventing and Driving and Sport Horse Committees.
Equine Stress, Marketing and Development, Awards, and Convention Planning were the committees Linda visited, and she also attended the Black Stallion Literacy, Arabian Galleries, and Breeders forums.
Lois represented PAHA at Bylaws, Dressage, and USEF Arabian Rules committees, the final of which was a lengthy and interesting session as usual, dealing with 21 resolutions pertaining to rule changes.
Kriss attended the Working Western and Equitation committee meetings.
The Convention ultimately approved 23 resolutions, disapproved 5, and had 9 withdrawn. Specifics are available on the AHA website and publications, but members who would enjoy more insight into which issues were the hot topics and what other information emerged in these committee sessions are urged to talk with these delegates or read the complete reports available in the districts.
