The trip to Aachen, Germany and to the Nation's Cup was my third international trip this year. Each has been a rewarding experience with many exchanges of ideas and information to further good relationships. I firmly believe that my associations formed with leaders in South America, Australia and Europe will be very beneficial to the Arabian Horse Association and will encourage open dialogue as we all confront common concerns and issues within our world Arabian horse community. I recognize we are considered international leaders, yet I also realize other countries have much experience that we can learn from. Together, we can increase the influence of the Arabian breed globally. I incorporate much of what I have learned abroad into my leadership of our Association. I want to thank all those who made this last trip for me an enjoyable and educational one. A special thanks for their hospitality to James and Christel Swaenepoel, Paul and Martine Despeghel-Van Hee, Gerald Kurtz, Hans Nagel (President of WAHO), and a very sincere thank you to our gracious host and hostess Bob and Janene Boggs.


As you receive this, the U.S. Nationals is close to being underway. This year marks our final U.S. Nationals in Albuquerque before we move next year to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year's U.S. Nationals promises to be a great one as we again present our "Past Champions". I am sure the show will be a nostalgic one, with many memories of all of the famous riders and horses that have achieved success, creating wonderful memories for many. It is great to realize though, that we have an ongoing relationship with the Mayor of Albuquerque, Martin Chavez, and Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, who have been so instrumental in assuring us they want us to consider Albuquerque as "home" for the Youth Nationals. In late September, the Sport Horse Nationals observed the show's fifth anniversary with a return to Lexington, Virginia. We had a great turnout for this show that continues to grow in popularity. While we are continuing to consider locations for 2008 and 2010 for our West Coast rotation, we plan to take the show to the Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park in year 2009 and 2011. Just ahead of us in November, is the National Competitive Ride at Leatherwood Mountains Resort in Ferguson, North Carolina. Good luck to all of our exhibitors at the U.S. Nationals and at the National Competitive Ride!


As we approach Convention, I want to remind you of the process that occurs within our governance structure. Often, I hear people say that "AHA should change this or that," and I know our Board of Directors hear the same comments. The Association, the Executive Committee, and the Board must work within the governance and what has been decided upon at Convention. As I said earlier, there are 31 resolutions for consideration by the 412 delegates. Resolutions are submitted by individual members, by committees, or by clubs. Delegates also have authority over AHA Bylaws. You can see, that the role of delegates in our Association is a very important one. Only the delegates can change their previous action.

I will give you an example of this: Last year, delegates approved a resolution that calls for the new Arabian Scoring System for Halter Classes to take effect April 1 of 2008. For this year's Convention, a new resolution has been put forth by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona to make the scoring system "optional." This resolution has become somewhat controversial as many see the new system as eliminating stress on our halter horses and with that they have declared all who oppose the scoring system to be inconsiderate of the ethical and humane treatment of the horse, which is not accurate. It is important to point out that AHA supports rules that enforce the ethical and humane treatment of horses. The controversy over the scoring system has become a heated one, with some debating the issue angrily, and in some instances, in an unprofessional manner. It is important also to remind you that each resolution that is brought forth is with the idea that it will help the Association. Some delegates will agree with a resolution; others will not. They will vote accordingly.

Some may look at me, your President as being the one who influences decisions for the delegates. That is not the case; I do not vote nor can I give my personal opinion acting as Chairman of the Convention. I consider dialogue important to help in forming opinions about resolutions. In the scoring system issue, many have made the issue a personal one, making demeaning allegations against the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. Such acrimony is not healthy for our Association and I would discourage such comments and attitudes. Keep in mind, the delegates will make the decision for what they believe is best for the Arabian and Half-Arabian horse. Let's approach Convention in a positive manner with healthy dialogue and respect for the opinions of others, regardless of whether we agree with certain positions. Remember, as a team, we can accomplish much more for our breed and Association than if we splinter ourselves.


Remember, the intent of moving the Convention to Tulsa was to get a "sneak preview" of the site for the U.S. Nationals next year. I think the Convention will be packed with plenty of time for business, a look at the facility on the special Friday evening planned, and ample time for many who plan to show at Tulsa to check out hotels, restaurants and other amenities. Don't miss Wednesday evening's Cherokee Casino Trip. The President's banquet on Saturday night, with the presentation of the President's Award, and the Director's Award, promises to be a fun-filled night with a special performance by the cast of "Oklahoma!" We will mix all of this between our general sessions, committee meetings, caucuses, and presentations. Remember also, that we have a presentation by Jack Kelly, CEO of the World Equestrian Games 2010 Foundation, who will fill us in about the games to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010. The WEG promises to be one of the most significant equine events ever held in our country. We are also making plans to incorporate our breed into promotional opportunities with the WEG. Over a half million visitors will attend the WEG and we do indeed intend to be a part of the action.


Ahead for me is attending the U.S. Nationals in Albuquerque, and gearing for the Convention. This marks the third year that as President, I preside over our all-important Annual Convention. Keep in mind, all of the players that are involved in running our organization. We have over 40,000 members and 256 clubs representing 21,420 members. We have 51 AHA committees made up of 1,731 committee members. Our Association has 18 elected regional directors, plus four directors appointed by the Purebred Arabian Trust, the four elected Executive Committee members, plus two appointed by PAT. This gives you an idea of the governance structure. As you can see, it truly is a democratic organization with the allowance for input from the base of our structure, you, our members. I have faith and confidence in our structure to continue to improve our breed and Association. I ask that you continue your support and trust that we are progressing, that we are becoming better at what we do. My next message to you will come shortly after Convention.

Thank You and God Bless,