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Becky

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I AM FURIOUS!!!!

Would you look at this? This is what I am hearing from others this afternoon. An organization of the rich, by the rich, for the rich! And if AMHA doesn't bow to their wishes they will form their own registry ... in effect trying to DESTROY AMHA.

Many of these people are on committees and even chair persons of committies which are supposed to be running AMHA. No wonder AMHA is having some problems now! These people have cheated us all by working on this in secret while pretending to be supporting AMHA! They publicly state they have been working on this for a YEAR!

This is hurting me! AMHA is MY organization and you are undermining it and my miniature horse business.

If ever there was a time for the 'little people' to be heard NOW IS THE TIME! Stand up and demand that these people resign their positions with AMHA immediately! Volunteer your time if you can! At least write your director a letter expressing your support of our organization.....AMHA!

----- Original Message -----

From: Martha Hickham

Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 10:59 AM

Subject: From El Rancho Loco

Hello everyone....

I wanted to let all of you know what we have been working on for the past several months. It's hard to believe that it's actually coming to pass.

We are extremely excited about the future of IAMHA, and hope each of you will participate in the fun.

We were fortunate enough to secure a vendor spot at the Houston Livestock And Rodeo, and plan a future "fun" show with money prizes later this year.

Please check the web site periodically, as we will be updating often.

Thank you,

Martha[/b]

News Release 12/20/2006

International American Miniature Horse Alliance

For Immediate Release

HOUSTON, Texas - 20 December, 2006 - IAMHA®, dba, as the International American Miniature Horse Alliance, today launched their operation based near Houston, Texas, giving the equine world access to outstanding Marketing and Information for owners, enthusiasts and American Miniature Horse aficionados.

IAMHA today opened access to the online information portal (www.iamha.net) where comprehensive information is available for American Miniature Horses worldwide. IAMHA is a Texas based LLC that will dramatically impact the world of the American Miniature Horse for the better.

We pledge to provide venues for all American Miniature Horse lovers to display their horses win cash prizes and develop life long fun relationships. We will share the collective American Miniature Horse expertise represented by our members. Members will be available to quickly and conveniently share information with the American Miniature Horse community. Additionally they will strive to provide answers and support to perplexing questions from new or old owners of the American Miniature Horse. We will provide support for horse lovers with all levels of experience and for all sized operations. One main area of focus will be a greater inclusion and support for American Miniature Horse lovers who reside outside the United States.

The group will be attending various stock show venues such as the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Ft. Worth Live Stock & Rodeo in 2007 as exhibitors with displays and live examples of American Miniature Horses and their foals. Additionally in 2007 they are planning seminars, super shows for all miniature horses exclusively with thousands of dollars worth of prize money and gifts, auctions and other educational venues for the American Miniature Horse community.

“We’re thrilled to bring launch the IAMHA and the online capabilities to our fellow lovers of the American Miniature Horse, which is recognized as the most desirable miniature horse worldwide,†said John Cherry, President of IAMHA. “Our founding member group has an American Miniature Horse herd inventory valued at more than $5M and includes what is believed to be the largest group of Champion American Miniature Horses ever assembled! We also have the most comprehensive collection of breeding stallion bloodlines in the world.

Many of our Founding Members have played a critical role in establishing the current American Miniature Horse community and now want to ignite a revolution that has a global scope. Today, our members continue to lead the industry in breeding, training, exhibiting show horses and selling quality miniature horses. We welcome all lovers of the American Miniature Horse to explore and join our revolution.

Press Contacts:

John Cherry or Kenny Goodsell. Offices at 13449 F.M. 1762, Santa Fe, Texas.

Office number is (409) 316 2045. Fax Number is (409) 316 2292. NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit IAMHA’s website www.iamha.net, or call IAMHA’s Media Helpline at (409) 316 2045.

IAMHA, LLC

DBA International American Miniature Horse Alliance

13449 F.M. 1764

Santa Fe Texas 77519

(409) 316 2045

December 20, 2006

Today we are lunching a new focus group (International American Miniature Horse Alliance) and advertising campaign to promote the “American Miniature Horse†world wide.

It is with a great deal of anticipation for great things in the coming years that we are releasing our web site www.iamha.net , our press release and a comprehensive report entitled “The State of the American Miniature Horse Industry†as it pertains to AMHA to all horse lovers that we have had contact with over the years.

With over a year in preparation we have looked at many aspects of the American Miniature Horse and have to put forth an aggressive agenda of exhibitions at major venues thru out the USA, Super Shows with cash money and prizes as versus ribbons and trophies, educational seminars and advisory papers to both registries to address problems we see within the current American Miniature Horse community.

This email and letter is being sent to you as a valued member of that community and any input you may have is welcomed. Feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Sincerely Yours

John W. Cherry

President IAMHA

The State of the American Miniature Horse Industry

Developed and presented December 20, 2006 by the

IAMHA LLC. www.iamha.net

INTRODUCTION

Based upon in depth discussions and numerous observations, it was agreed there is a significant need for the formation of the IAMHA DBA as the International American Miniature Horse Alliance (IAMHA). Our concept is to create a co-operative entity for breeders and owners of American Miniature Horses to use their collective efforts and purchasing power to seek and improve new methods for the advertising, marketing and promotion of their horses.

Through a marketing co-operative, the ability to reach new, diversified audiences can be accomplished much easier than through the single efforts of a breeder/owner. It reflects on the phrase, “...there is power in numbers.â€

The purpose of the IAMHA is to attract new national and international audiences to the American Miniature Horse by closely following the “Mission Statement†of the IAMHA.

The Mission Statement for IAMHA is:

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide beneficial services for “American Miniature Horse†Owners that enhances and encourages “American Miniature Horse†ownership and participation.

To develop educational programs, exhibition venues and marketing abilities that will position the “American Miniature Horse†as a desirable entity in the equine industry.

To generate growth of “American Miniature Horse†ownership via the marketing, promotion, advertising and publicity of the breed.

To serve as an advisory group to the current registries for the “American Miniature Horse†in order to assist those registries becoming truly reflective of the current state of the “American Miniature Horse†in the equine industry.

To increase, through the activities of the organization, increase the value of the “American Miniature Horse†for all owners of the breed.

To attempt to enrich the “American Miniature Horse†experience for all owners of the breed.

IAMHA GOALS

With a united, coordinated effort the IAMHA will work to achieve the following goals:

1. Develop a National and International Marketing Strategy

2. Work with American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) to maintain a strong, viable organization.

3. Prioritize advertising, marketing and promotion initiatives for implementation

4. In the event AMHA fails to continue to establish and maintain itself as a strong viable organization, this group will be prepared to lead the Miniature industry, create an organization/registry with the mission and structure to protect all current investments, and lead the breed without personal bias.

To accomplish these goals and to sustain the future of the American Miniature Horse, it is imperative for AMHA to be financially strong and organizationally responsive. Without a sound, successful breed association, the value of the American Miniature Horse breed will be diminished, which will discourage people from participating in all phases of Miniature Horse ownership. Therefore, working with the American Miniature Horse Association is critical.

The IAMHA will be less encumbered than the AMHA, due to its management and structure, allowing the IAMHA the freedom and flexibility to address issues with immediate decisions and ongoing continuity. Through the IAMHA the priorities for funding can be addressed and a partnership teamed with AMHA to accomplish mutual interests.

IAMHA Current Status

The International American Miniature Horse Alliance is comprised of AMHA and American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) member-owners who have been, and continue to be strong supporters of the goals and purposes of primarily AMHA, but also AMHR. This work product is focused on AMHA and there will be a future update with a stronger focus on AMHR. IAMHA recognizes the importance of AMHA and its foundation for preserving and maintaining the pedigrees of Miniature Horses, while working to promote the breed. Therefore, it must be understood the IAMHA is not seeking to work in opposition to AMHA, quite the contrary, the IAMHA desires to work beyond the current capacities and capabilities of AMHA to advertise, market and promote the American Miniature Horse.

AMHA Current Status

The American Miniature Horse Association has been the most respected Miniature Horse associations in the world. When foreign breeders looked to the United States, they looked to AMHA. Those members from within North America as well as foreign breeders looked to the AMHA for guidance, strength and leadership. The AMHA led the way by placing an emphasis on pedigrees of quality with known and traceable ancestors, re-enforced with verification through blood typing and later DNA. AMHA set the global standard for the breed, The American Miniature Horse.

In recent years, it has become known there are many issues which have weakened the AMHA. The reason and motivation for these issues is not nearly as important as the fact of where they have led or the path these issues have forced the organization to take.

Currently, the AMHA is experiencing serious declines in:

All levels of annual membership

Annual foal registrations

Numbers of approved horse shows

Numbers of horse show competitors/exhibitors

Any of these individually would be symptomatic of a potential problem; however, when these declining statistics are combined the impact is very, very significant on the future stability of the organization. Each of these areas represents significant revenue generating centers within the scope of breed association business, all functioning below the standards of previous years.

All of these add up to fact the AMHA is weakening as a business entity, losing momentum, and reducing its ability to grow and sustain growth of the breed.

Strategic Planning Impact upon AMHA’s Status

While members of the IAMHA are initiating the early stages of strategic market planning, the IAMHA cannot ignore these significant declines within AMHA. As the IAMHA implements its activities, it believes it is very important that the new members and new owners of the American Miniature Horse must be welcomed into a financially secure, user friendly, professional, growing organization. Therefore, the IAMHA would like to offer the following recommendations to the AMHA, through members of its Executive Committee for consideration, resolution and implementation.

The areas which the IAMHA feels need addressing are divided by primary areas of activity within the AMHA. What is important about these recommendations is the fact that they are derived from external perceptions of the AMHA’s operations and management as it serves the membership. These are not conducted through an actual audit of procedures, but rather through responses to services being provided by the AMHA. Information that comes from these external sources is as important as that identified by any internal management audits.

Breed Registry

The foundation of all breed associations is the maintenance of an accurate studbook formed by proper registration procedures. The authenticity of an accurate certificate of registration makes the difference in a horse’s value, to say nothing about the importance in the preservation and perpetuation of the breed. The single most important work center within the AMHA is the breed registry, because without a studbook, all else has no reason to exist.

Therefore, the AMHA needs to address the following:

1. Review its practices and procedures to improve turn-around time for the processing of foal registrations and transfers of recorded ownership.

2. Institute online services to expedite the need for labor intensive uploading of data such as stallion reports, purchase of DNA kits, and renewal of annual memberships.

3. Develop a system and standards to accept digital photographs of horses for registration.

4. Review all documents and forms to enhance their ‘user friendlinessâ€.

5. Improve the communication and responsiveness to international breeders and owners such as producing forms in various languages, i.e. Danish, Dutch, French and German.

6. Publish monthly statistics in the MHW on foal registrations, transfers of recorded ownership and membership.

7. Create classifications for horses over 34 inches in height to eliminate the disposability of foals, and thereby increase the potential revenue, i.e. 34†and under; over 34-38†with labeling classifications as such as foundation horse, miniature horse or some similar designation.

8. Eliminate the hardship registration due to sufficient numbers of horses.

9. Provide the service of creating the equine passport currently required for all horses in Europe.

Approved Shows

The horse shows have become the primary use and center for participation of the Miniature Horse by the AMHA members. Therefore, it is imperative that the AMHA place an emphasis on quality management and operations of the activities associated with the Miniature Horse shows. Simply stated, without a flourishing, exciting horse show system, the demand for horses and their monetary values along with the participation by members will continue to decline.

Therefore, the IAMHA makes the following recommendations:

1. Establish a separate membership category for those who participate in horse shows for the purpose of supporting the related activities and services.

2. Standardize the horse show software used by all AMHA approved horse shows to reduce and eliminate the need for manual uploading of show results and therefore increase the available access via the internet.

3. Conduct a financial analysis of the costs and fees paid by exhibitors at all AMHA managed events and AMHA approved horse shows to determine average costs for participation in an event, including stall costs, entry fees, judges expenses, facility costs, etc in order to standardize as much as possible the cost of participation.

4. Develop methods to encourage youth participation in horse shows through support with 4-H and FFA while considering the placement of youth classes at a time and day more easily accessible for youth. Currently youth attending AMHA shows can not get excused absences because AMHA is not approved by the national 4-H organization.

5. Review and restructure the qualification process of regional and world shows, to encourage the participation while supporting the ‘grass roots’ shows. Such things as mandatory exhibiting under 8 judges and using that prerequisite as versus points needed to qualify for nationals.

6. Review the distribution of approved shows, and then design a method to encourage and support the sanctioning of local shows in those areas, either through existing shows with other breeds, coordination with fairs and other events to initiate the shows.

7. Develop revised rules for protest of classes after the conclusion of that class and to be limited by a specific time period for filing.

8. Develop new activity classes for all ages of exhibitors, such as long reining, lunge-line, fault and out jumping, best movement, etc.

9. Develop a series of regional educational clinics/seminars for exhibitors to enhance their showing of horses.

10. Use standardized ‘wickets’ to measure horses instead of the current system due to the great variation in deviations for measuring accurately, and adopt the top of the withers as the standard for height measurement. Track and publish publicly the measured height of every horse at every show.

11. Move forward with the education and licensing of horse show stewards.

Measurement of Height

Secondary to the accuracy of a breed registry/studbook, is the measurement of horses. The measurement of horses is one of the important qualifications for registration and maintaining of the AMHA registry. Great efforts have been made to accurately measure and properly record the height measurements of all horses for registration and exhibition.

Standardizing the measuring device and the measuring procedure is vital to the continuation of a breed/height registry. The current policies and procedures for measurement do not conform to other breed standards, international standards and customs, and therefore create a problem for the international and domestic marketing of horses. Implement item 10 in the Approved Show section.

Judges

As horse show judges are the backbone of the horse show system and the selection of horses, it is imperative that the licensing and oversight process be improved significantly.

1. Provide a clarification on the ideal American Miniature Horse, using visual images of the acceptable types of horses for a guide to judges and horse show exhibitors.

2. Define with visual models the acceptable standards of movement for the American Miniature Horse, making certain there is sufficient emphasis on correct athletic movement.

3. Review the method under which judges are selected for the Regional and National shows.

4. Provide for an independent selection of judges for all AMHA sanctioned horse shows to provide for reasonable rotation and use of sanctioned judges.

5. Initiate a judge’s oversight process whereby the judges are monitored with reports filed on their overall performance, including strengths and weaknesses.

6. Review the process of permitting American Miniature Horse Trainers to obtain judge’s licenses, as the perception is this creates unfair competition.

7. Continue to educate, re-educate and license international judges without the restriction to judge only outside of the United States.

Miniature Horse World

The Miniature Horse World (MHW) is the ‘showcase’ of the breed from which the image and perceptions of the breed are created. It is imperative the MHW be used to educate the membership while providing the breeders, owners and enthusiasts a focal point to communicate everything from advertising to important facts and information about the breed.

1. Review the costs for production of the magazine to provide the least costs to the membership for advertising, thereby encouraging participation as advertisers.

2. Create more departments within the magazine with highlights on different regions, international relations, trainers’ tips, latest on farrier and veterinary news, and more information based or “How To†articles.

International Relations

The area of International Relations is complex, yet critical to the American Miniature Horse Industry. We have conducted significant studies in this area and are pleased to offer these recommendations.

1. Establish a recognized association for each foreign country from which satellite-regional clubs can be associated/affiliated.

2. Continue to support the education and licensing of international judges for the sole purpose of economically supporting foreign horse shows.

3. Standardize the height measurement so that horses being sold from the United States will be compliant with all other countries of the world i.e.: top of the withers.

4. Form a functioning international advisory committee to review all changes with the AMHA, and how they would affect their respective countries.

5. Re-define the role of the international director to that of a person with voting rights and privileges.

Organizational Leadership and Structure

Granted the foundation of a breed association is its breed registry/studbook; however, its function and success are dependent upon organizational structure and individual leadership. Over the years, the AMHA has deviated from one form of leadership and organizational structure to another, not always following their bylaws.

For an organization to be strong and address the issues for the future, the leadership of the organization must demonstrate knowledge and skills in putting the breed first. The AMHA needs to be operated as a business, a business for the gain of the American Miniature Horse and not individuals.

Therefore, it is imperative that the current structure of the AMHA be reviewed, and compared to successful breed associations. In doing so, it will become apparent there is a significant need to develop continuity in leadership and organizational operational standards between the elected membership and paid AMHA leadership staff.

AMHA is among the few breed organizations which attempts to govern an international organization with day-to-day oversight by volunteer leadership. This has proven, and continues to prove itself to be unsuccessful.

Suggestions for these recommended organizational changes can be furnished to AMHA upon request.

In conclusion, the IAMHA believes that it is imperative that both registries must continually increase their member responsiveness in order to encourage increased ownership of the American Miniature Horse and to increase the participation of current owners of the American Miniature Horse. We believe that in order to truly become member responsive the above suggestions and/or changes should be implemented as soon as is possible. Thus communicating to the equine community that AMHA and AMHR registries of the American Miniature Horse are examples of modern upwardly mobile members of the equine community, further creating an atmosphere that is conducive to increasing the desirability of the “American Miniature Horse†as a breed both in the USA and abroad.

Mr Mike Want

AMHA

In Re: IAMHA Formation and AMHA Position Letter

Mike,

I am writing this letter and enclosing some written materials to give you, the BOD of AMHA and all committee chairpersons of AMHA a heads up as to what we are doing with IAMHA.

As you know we have made several attempts to get this material to you in a face to face meeting with the E board which for one reason or another has been delayed or cancelled. So we are moving forward with our groups goals as stated in our “Mission Statement†without the meeting. You are more than welcome to go to our web site at www.iamha.net to view all the information that will be released to the miniature horse industry and media sources around the country as of December 20, 2006.

You also in earlier phone conversations with myself and Kenny Goodsell had stated that if you were made aware of problems real or perceived within AMHA, you would consider them and then refer for action those items that you thought were worthy of consideration by your committees for possible action at the winter meeting of AMHA. Therefore there is a pretty long laundry list enclosed with our thoughts and concerns on matters pertaining to the current status of AMHA.

As far as IAMHA plans are concerned , we will be attending as vendors the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo to promote the American Miniature Horse with other venues being added later in the coming year of 2007. Additionally we plan on putting on several what we call “Super Fun Expo’s†which will include a show with over $20,000.00 worth of prize money and tack being given out at each show, a series of educational seminars and a sale on several weekends throughout the nation.

If you or any of your other board/committee people should have any questions, please let me know and I will do my best to get you the proper answers promptly.

Sincerely,

John W. Cherry

President IAMHA

13449 F.M. 1764 Santa Fe Texas 77510 Office (409) 316 2045

www.IAHMA.com Fax (409) 316 2292
 
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I found this on their website:

IAMHA GOALS
With a united, coordinated effort the IAMHA will work to achieve the following goals:

1. Develop a National and International Marketing Strategy

2. Work with American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) to maintain a strong, viable organization.

3. Prioritize advertising, marketing and promotion initiatives for implementation

4. In the event AMHA fails to continue to establish and maintain itself as a strong viable organization, this group will be prepared to lead the Miniature industry, create an organization/registry with the mission and structure to protect all current investments, and lead the breed without personal bias.

To accomplish these goals and to sustain the future of the American Miniature Horse, it is imperative for AMHA to be financially strong and organizationally responsive. Without a sound, successful breed association, the value of the American Miniature Horse breed will be diminished, which will discourage people from participating in all phases of Miniature Horse ownership. Therefore, working with the American Miniature Horse Association is critical.
I'm kind of confused as to what they are really trying to do here. are they trying to help AMHA or take over for AMHA?

Interesting.
 
I don't understand why it's "bad" if someone wants to start a new registry if they are not getting what they feel they need from an existing registry...

Not trying to argue and have "a lot" on my mind right now so it's for sure possible I'm missing something big, but I'm not sure why this is wrong.

Also, didn't AMHA form when a group of AMHR (Board of Director?) members became disatisfied and wanted to start "their own thing" (which became AMHA)?

Kind of confused -- is IAMHA to be a registry, or is it to be a regulatory authority? or what?

Can someone give me the Reader's Digest version?
 
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I do hope some of those whose emails I read, are able to talk here and say exactly what is going on. I do know a few of those names in the email list are members here.
 
Ok I really don't mean this to come off the wrong way but didnt AMHA start out the same way? basically people who were not so happy with things in AMHR and having different visions so leaving one to start another? That ended up ok and in fact helping the Miniature Horse breed as a whole in alot of HUGE ways.

Many registries have come and gone and those few have survived have done good (and bad) Frankly this would be a registry I would keep an eye on and if they chose to have there shows in areas out here like ID or near by where there is a serious lack of any breed shows you can bet I would be there with bells on!

I think at some point the registrys really do need to look seriously at there customer service issues, actually address the mistakes of the past instead of trying to sweep them under the rug with a lets move forward answer

Look at there programs and where they are spending a majority of there money and go from there.

I would think some invovled and truly knowing the WHOLE story in the mistakes and issues AMHA had would be very much greatly suited to run a registry and not make those mistakes to learn from them.

Who knows it may be a fly by night one and it may have a wonderful positive impact on the industry just as AMHA did since it's start.
 
I also found this on their site (emphasis is mine, just to show what I am pointing to):

The International American Miniature Horse Alliance is comprised of AMHA and American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) member-owners who have been, and continue to be strong supporters of the goals and purposes of primarily AMHA, but also AMHR. This work product is focused on AMHA and there will be a future update with a stronger focus on AMHR. IAMHA recognizes the importance of AMHA and its foundation for preserving and maintaining the pedigrees of Miniature Horses, while working to promote the breed. Therefore, it must be understood the IAMHA is not seeking to work in opposition to AMHA, quite the contrary, the IAMHA desires to work beyond the current capacities and capabilities of AMHA to advertise, market and promote the American Miniature Horse.
I shall be very interested in seeing how this plays out in the future and i am reserving all judgement until i see and hear a lot more about this.
 
I think the IAMHA is a great idea...look at how many of us have been complaining about AMHA and how it lacks in certain departments - hardshipping and Registration for one. IAMHA is basically putting AMHA's problems in its face instead of hiding away, maybe now AMHA will pull together and start listening to some of its members if it wants to continue.

If IAMHA can provide everything AMHA has, but better, faster, and at less cost...i'm all for it!

The only part I don't agree with is making an A division for over 34". I highly respect AMHA because of the height limit rule, take that away and how is AMHA any better or different than AMHR?
 
the way I'm reading this...

1. there are actually only three names listed as member of IAMHA, the long email list is a forward to alert a number of people to the press release.

2. other than those three names, the website gives NO info on who is a member. or who is funding it.

my conclusion is that this for right now, is nothing more than a privately financed club. all of your local clubs (given the funding) could provide any of the services listed - after all their events calendar is a booth a a livestock show and a fun show. even when we're not in full gear, our local club does more than that, on next to no money, and have members who have very high-profile herds.

after all, if you want to talk about international recognition of the miniature horse, look no farther than this webpage.
 
IIf ever there was a time for the 'little people' to be heard NOW IS THE TIME! Stand up and demand that
Actually Becky not to be rude but no the time is not now when there might be some real reasons to really make AMHA stand up and take notice

The time for the little person to be heard has long since passed it should have been done years ago IMO and has been asked to happen time and time again and ironically I only hear hey lets listen to the little people stand up and protect and fight for your registry when there is a true and serious threat to the registry never when they think all is fine and dandy
 
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My understanding is IAMHA is a marketing commitee to promote The American Miniature Horse International.

What wrong with that?

Anita
 
I have no problem with anybody starting their own organization to promote miniature horses or their own registry for that matter. What I do have a problem with is the members of AMHA who are on the AMHA Board or AMHA Committees that are supposed to be working for AMHA when in actuality they have been organizing another group to take over 'just in case' AMHA fails. This just seems wrong to me.
 
I have no problem with anybody starting their own organization to promote miniature horses or their own registry for that matter. What I do have a problem with is the members of AMHA who are on the AMHA Board or AMHA Committees that are supposed to be working for AMHA when in actuality they have been organizing another group to take over 'just in case' AMHA fails. This just seems wrong to me.
Indeed. In the very least, it just looks bad...
 
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It looks to me like a collective group of dissatisfied AMHA members and opportunists. You'll notice they mention they are comprised of prominent members of AMHA and AMHR, and that they do not give greater importance to either registry, but AMHA is the only one they target with their suggested improvements, and AMHA is the one they essentially threaten to replace:

In the event AMHA fails to continue to establish and maintain itself as a strong viable organization, this group will be prepared to lead the Miniature industry, create an organization/registry with the mission and structure to protect all current investments, and lead the breed without personal bias.
What "current investments" do you suppose they're talking about? I can only assume that if they are all prominent breeders, it's their investments they're trying to protect, and while I certainly understand that, I think that makes doing it without personal bias impossible.

To be fair, their "Organizational Leadership and Structure" section on the State of the Industry page sounds an awful lot like the complaints that were being made on the AMHS threads, but if changes are to be made, I agree with Becky that they need to be made by the membership. A self-elected board hardly seems like an improvement.

I'll be watching this with interest.
 
I find this all totally confusing!
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I have no problem with anybody starting their own organization to promote miniature horses or their own registry for that matter. What I do have a problem with is the members of AMHA who are on the AMHA Board or AMHA Committees that are supposed to be working for AMHA when in actuality they have been organizing another group to take over 'just in case' AMHA fails. This just seems wrong to me.
Do not know the whole story :eek:

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: Always someone lurking in the back ground.

Everyone can say it is better, but do we know that?

Just like any business, new management can destroy what the original dream was suppose to be.

I do agree with you that the AMHA Committees that are supposed to be working for AMHA when in actuality they have been organizing another group to take over 'just in case' AMHA fails.

Not very honest, so who says the new organization is going to be.... :new_shocked:

Becky what goes around comes around.

Sounds like this is your baby and hurts to see someone else try to destroy it.

I
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: for what is best for this Registry.
 
While the need for yet another registry eludes me, IAMHA does address and have an impressive list of changes that should be considered and would definitely make AMHA a more business-run organization. It appears from the correspondence that AMHA did not want to meet with IAMHA to even discuss the matters and now are receiving the "laundry list." That speaks volumes about how AMHA does/does not want to listen to their members. I anxiously await further communications!!! It could just be the kick in the butt that AMHA needs!!!
 
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Folks I am sorry so many of you are a bit confused. Let me make a point blank statement. IAMHA is not and has no desire to be a registry in competition with AMHA or AMHR. We are a focus group that thinks though that we can do a better job presenting our product "The American Miniature Horse" to the general public and the rest of the equine world. Additionally we think we can do a better job of providing educational and fun venues for new and established mini owners alike.

We are committed members of AMHA & AMHR and are using our own money to exhibit at stock show & equine venues around the country to expose the "American Miniature Horse" to the general public.

We first addressed the problems surrounding AMHA, but AMHR is next on the list as far as producing suggestions to them on the problems we see as an interested focus group. This is not meant to be devisive, but rather helpful in identifying the problems, along with possible solutions.

It is our intention to also put on some unsanctioned shows in different parts of the country with huge prize money ( the first show it looks like $15 - 30,000) pools much the way that the cutting horse people and the reigning horse people do with AQHA.

They are part of the registry and support it completely, but have a set of competitions ie: futurities and shows for folks to participate in.

Additionally, we intend to put on educational seminars about grooming, showing and other aspects of miniature horse ownership that should be helpful to anyone that attends for current owners and prospective new owners.

I even had an offer from a carded miniature horse judge today to put on a seminar about the show ring, both driving and halter from the judges stand point. Hopefully we can make that work into the schedule and budget for the coming year.

In any case we are not about trying to replace or even damage either one of the registries, quite the contrary we want them to remain healthy and growing. Which we hope to help them do by making suggestions about things they need to change for everyone's (large farm, small farm and individuals) benefit.

Bottom line we are in existance for one purpose to promote ownership of the "American Miniature Horse".

If anyone has particular needs or questions do not hesitate to contact me.

John Cherry

President IAMHA
 
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i think this is both good and bad. the bad is it implies that amha may not make it financially which is what i have feared for a couple years now. Its so confusing as ronnie was just here posting that membership is not declining yet these people readily admit it is. And when i read the financial report on the amha site it also conceeds that registrations, memberships and show attendance is down.

To ME everything they have outlined is all good and shows a group of forward thinking people that are devoted to miniature horses.

Anyone remember the emails we got early in the year about an online group for amha members to get info?? I got it (i was still a member for a few months in 2006) but nothing has ever been posted on it.

Its time for amha to come forward and tell everyone what the financial picture really is.

John i posted while you were posting so i am editing my post since you said this is not going to be another registry.

You know this is all so confusing that it makes ones head hurt. I give up. I feel like there is so much going on and so many hidden agendas that you just cant even keep up with it all anymore. The more I know, the more i dont even WANT to know

Kay
 
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I am curious

so you are not wanting to be a registry so to speak but do want to be an association that puts on events and shows only?

would these events and shows be open to all horses no matter what the registry they belong to is?

you would keep a data base of points ect or they are one time type of things with money and prizes offered?

Would these shows and clinics be in parts of the country that are sorely lacking in functions from either one of the registires instead of a place that has tons of them already?

Will you be accepting memberships or is this at the time a closed membership association ?

You mentioned a 34-38 division for your events and shows is this going to be just to include the R reg B horses as well or a seperate place to keep pedigrees on all horses?
 

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