Due to an unforeseen change in production deadlines, the February/March issue of Modern Arabian Horse will be arriving in member mailboxes behind schedule. Members in Region 7 and surrounding states will receive the Region 7 Prize List with their issue of Modern Arabian Horse. The Prize List can also be immediately downloaded by clicking here. The entry deadline for the Region 7 Championship show has been extended one week, to April 4, 2009. If you have questions, please contact the Show Secretary, Melannie Hershberger at melannih@aol.com or 480-443-3372.

AHA is proud to name its top point-earning amateurs for 2008. Natacha Lesburgueres of Louisville, Ky., earned 532 points, becoming the adult amateur winner, while Collier McLeod of Augusta, Ga., earned 522.5 points for the youth amateur top spot. Click here for more information.

AHA is proud to announce FF Irish Vodka+++//, owned by Collier McLeod of Augusta, Ga., as its 2008 High Point Horse. FF Irish Vodka, a 10 year-old, Anglo-Arabian ended the year with 487.5 points earned in working hunter, hunter hack, sport horse under saddle, dressage and in-hand classes. Click here to read more.

AHA has established an Arabian Horse Association task force on genetic diseases. The task force was created under the direction of and announced by AHA President, Lance Walters. Click here for more information.

Researchers at Cornell University announced plans to conduct a new study focused on Lavender Foal Syndrome/Coat Color Dilution Lethal (LFS/CCDL). The study seeks to locate the genetic marker(s) associated with LFS/CCDL and ultimately develop a diagnostic test to assist owners and breeders in identifying carrier breeding stock. To further develop this research project, assistance from the Arabian horse community is requested. Click here for more information.

Prize money payouts are federally reportable as income and AHA needs a tax ID associated with each member account that received payout. A tax ID (TIN or Social Security Number), reported on a W-9 form, is required for the release of any payment regardless of amount. Member accounts without a W-9 form on file will have a hold placed on them and prize money will not be mailed until the form is received. If a W-9 is not provided within 120 days after notification by the AHA accounting department, the prize money will be forfeited.

You can still re-nominate your 2008 Halter Futurity horses. Just pay the usual $35 renewal fee, plus a $100 late fee, per horse/per country. Mail your form and payment to AHA, postmarked/electronic transaction dated no later than March 31, 2009 or call the office and make your payment over the phone, (303) 696-4500.

Twitter has quickly joined the ranks of Facebook as an important social networking tool, not only for individuals, but for businesses and organizations too. Get updates from AHA on a daily basis that includes organization business, show information and more. Just click here and then register for an account-it's FREE!

Check out videos, interviews and an active chat room on a brand new Internet channel devoted to the Arabian. The channel, produced by Dream Maker Entertainment hopes to maximize exposure of the breed. Check it out by clicking here.

The final section of the Arabian Horse Galleries, Today's Arabian, will be a celebration of the purebred Arabian horse-its versatility, its spirit, its intelligence, and its unique ability to bond with humans, creating the perfect working partnership. This story will be told through personal stories and testimonials written by purebred Arabian owners and lovers of all ages. To this end, Gerard Hilferty & Associates (the designing team) is looking for personal stories and testimonials. These stories should address the categories listed below and expand upon one or more of the following questions:

• Why do you have an Arabian? What makes this breed so special?
• How has your Arabian (or any Arabian you've come in contact with) made an impact on your life in a positive way?
• Is there a particular moment or event you experienced with an Arabian that speaks to the unique characteristics and qualities of the breed?
• What do you like most about your Arabian horse?
• What drew you to Arabians? What was your first experience with Arabian horses?
• In what disciplines do you and your Arabian horse participate and why? How are Arabians uniquely suited to the discipline?
• What myths and misconceptions concerning the Arabian breed have been perpetuated over time and how has your (or any) Arabian disproved these myths?
• What are your thoughts/hopes/goals for the future of the Arabian horse in America?

Testimonials should be 500 words or less, include your name, age, contact info and profession, and the name, age, and registration number of the horse. Images of you and your horse are also welcome. Due to the exhibit design timeline, we need all stories to be received by April 1. Please email your story to evie@PurebredArabianTrust.com. Thanks for helping us share the story of the Arabian horse with the world through the Arabian Horse Galleries!

The first 50 people to sign-up to host an Arabian Community Shows (ACS) will receive a $200 incentive check! Spots fill up quickly, do not miss this opportunity. Remember, all shows get prizes, so sign up throughout the year. Click here to sign-up or learn more about hosting your own ACS show.

Come visit us at the AHA booth in the Breed Pavilion at the Columbus, Ohio Equine Affaire, April 2-5. Bring registrations, transfers, and any other AHA work and or questions with you. AHA staff can help! The Equine Affaire is a fun and educational activity to be enjoyed by all. AHA is the official sponsor of the Ohio Equine Affaire Demo Ring. For directions to Equine Affaire, click here.

AHA wants to deliver sweepstakes payout checks, program renewal notices and other important documents, but needs your current address to do so. Please contact AHA with your current address if you have recently moved or have a joint account that may have an old address attached to it.

The Sweepstakes Points Payout program allows competitors to earn prize money annually, based on how many points they earn in Sweepstakes designated classes at local, regional and national level events. Points Payout is the only prize money program available for horses competing in local shows and distance rides. Horses enrolled in the Sweepstakes program as Breeding Entries or Original Entries can pay the annual enrollment of $100 per horse to participate in the Points Payout program. Enrollment in the Sweepstakes Points Program must be postmarked/electronic transaction dated to the AHA office prior to the start of the show or ride. Click here to download a form.

Halter Futurity horses that were enrolled in-utero, but have been dropped from the program for nonpayment can now be reinstated. Purebred Arabians can be reinstated with a $500 per horse/per country fee, in addition to the $35 re-nomination fee, per horse/per country, for each year missed. Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians can be reinstated with a $250 per horse/ per country fee, in addition to the $35 re-nomination fee, per horse/ per country, for each year missed.

Beginning in 2009, Youth National exhibitors will either need three points from AHA Recognized Shows or three scores of 55% or better from qualifying shows. Dressage Walk-Trot, 10 and under qualifications are the only exception and still only require one score from an open show and one point from an AHA approved show.

Plan ahead for the 2009 U.S. Nationals and book your hotel reservations through the Tulsa Convention Housing Bureau. Reserve your room by email, fax, mail or online. Click here for more information.

UnitedHealthcare Individual Line of Business is proud to be the official source for individual and family health insurance for the Arabian Horse Association. We are honored to present to members of the AHA our health care plans. We have served individuals and families with health insurance solutions for over 60 years. This experience and knowledge is reflected in high-quality products, timely claims handling, and outstanding customer service. Click here for more information on healthcare plans that best fit your insurance needs.