Meadowind
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Following is a revision of a post that I put on a couple of years ago. I have honed it somewhat and have also submitted a rule change to AMHA. If there was time, it should have been presented to the Board at the June meeting.
Last year following the Nationals and World Shows we had a huge discussion on measurement that in many ways was not a lot different that the discussions we have been having this year. I’m not talking about specific circumstances, rather the whole issue of measuring. We still get frustrated with the process and it seems that any efforts to tighten things up haven’t worked. I think drastic changes are warranted if we expect anything to improve. I know some people say it can never happen. I realize that it will take a huge amount of intestinal fortitude to make a drastic change, but those who set up the first registries weren’t afraid to go out on a limb. We shouldn’t be afraid either if it means making a good thing better.
I believe that both registries need to look at this idea. My proposal is an AMHA proposal; however, I believe the same transition could take place in the AMHR registry. (I believe Shetlands are measured at the highest point of the withers, so it would make sense that Miniatures could be measured there as well, since there are getting to be more and more ASPC/AMHR double registered horses.)
Thoughts on choosing the wither to measure Miniature horses:
* As an equine height breed, we should be measuring using the acceptable method of measuring height recognized by all equine breeds. The highest point of the wither is the measure accepted by all other equine breeds.
* The wither is a bone; therefore it is not as subjective as the last hair of the mane.
* The wither is not in the center of the back, as it appears some last hairs of the mane are.
* The wither cannot be moved, glued, transplanted, or left to grow long.
* I believer the BMHS (and perhaps other International groups) already measure miniatures at the wither. Measuring at the wither would facilitate the process of purchasing and selling horses between North America and Europe.
* It is interesting that we are the only equine breed that can change size by clipping.
*Recent difficulties cited at both AMHR Nationals and AMHA World shows are indications that the last hair of the mane is just too subjective.
* Using the suggested system does not mean that the horse is now bigger, it is now just measured differently.
* Very few horses (if any) would now be registered that were not eligible for registration under the original system.
* Under the new system, no horses would lose their papers.
* Very few horses would show with a different group of horses than they previously did.
* I know a few of people would like to see the measurement at the withers to be 34â€. I am proposing 36†in order to as closely as possible maintain the integrity of the goals of the original registries founders.
Mike R. stated last year “I was able to visit with Ray Ross at great length and this topic was one that I had him explain. In the beginning of AMHA there was a controversy {believe it or not} on heights. There was a group that wanted 36 and a group that wanted 34. The compromise of 34 and the last hair is what they finally agreed to.â€
I propose:
* that Miniature Horses in the AMHA will be measured at the withers, (as is done in all other equine breeds,) beginning January 1, 2008.
* that all horses born in 2008 and following will be measured under the new system and that the letter W be placed after the inches on the registration papers to ensure that there is no confusion regarding the method of deriving that measurement.
* that the maximum height be 36†(9H) as measured at the wither, at or after the age of 5 years.
- 35 inches for 2 year olds
- 34 inches for yearlings
- 32 inches for weanlings
* that all horses born in 2007 or before will be allowed to keep the permanent measurement already given or the measurement attained at the age of 5 years, as allowed under the original system, if desired.
* that no horse permanently registered by the end of 2007 will be revoked due to the new measurement system.
* That any horses whose papers have already been revoked due to being oversize under the original system would not have their papers reinstated.
* that those horses whose owners choose to keep the measurement under the original system will have a notation “Original Measurement System†on their registration papers.
* that beginning in 2008, show heights will be as follows (as measured at the highest point of the withers):
- 34†& under from the original system would become 36â€W & under
- 32â€-34†from the original system would become 34-36â€W
- 30â€-32†from the original system would become 32â€-34â€W
- 28â€-30†from the original system would become 30â€-32â€W
- 28†& under from the original system would become 30â€W & under
* that those horses whose papers have retained their measurement according to the original system would enter the corresponding new class. E.g. If a horse measured 33 at the withers, but measured 31.5 under the old system, the owner would show it in the 32-34â€W class even if he/she chose not to change the registration papers. E.g. If a horse measured 31.75â€W at the wither but had been 31†under the old system, the owner would show it in the 30-32â€W class whether or not he/she opted to have the horse recorded under the new system.
* that horses measured under the original system must choose to retain the original system on their papers, or adopt the new system on their papers by December 31, 2014.
.
Suggested rule changes are underlined
GR - 020
A.
* No Miniature Horse shall exceed 36 inches in height.
* Weanlings must not exceed 32 inches.
* Yearlings must not exceed 34 inches.
* Two-year-olds must not exceed 35 inches.
- The show age of the horse is determined from January 1 preceding its birthday
GR – 020
B.
* Horse's height must be verified on a hard, level surface, preferably concrete or paved, in a public place, by a Show Official and witnessed by a member sponsoring the show.
* The measurement must be video taped at all sanctioned shows, and the tape forwarded to be filed with AMHA, for future reference, in the case of a complaint or dispute.
* No person with horses being shown competing in the show may be a measuring official at the show.
*An independent third party working in a location away from the Measuring Surface, will place a mark on the horse at the highest point of the wither before it is measured by the designated Show Official.* The measuring device used to measure the first horse must be used to measure all the horses.
* A standard measurement stick is a straight, stiff, unbendable stick (metal) that is equipped with a bulls eye, plumb bob or a spirit level to make sure that the standard is perpendicular to the ground and that the cross piece or arm is parallel with the ground surface.
C.
* Management shall announce the time and place for height verification.
D.
* To receive an exhibitor's number, the horse must be measured and have height recorded on the entry sheet by the person measuring horses or by his designee.
GR - 020
E.
* The height verification of the Miniature Horse shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance from the highet point of the wither to the ground with the front two legs vertical and in line with or parallel to the measuring device, and the back cannon bone must be perpendicular to the floor.
* The horse's head and neck shall be in a natural position. The head must be held with a loose line, not stretched forward. *After the horse is set up for measurement by the handler, said handler may not touch the horse i.e. stretching the head forward, moving the feet, touching the back or pressing down on any part of the back until the measurer removes the measuring stick.
* The animal must stand squarely on all four feet.
* No height allowance will be made for excessive foot.
* Unless the handler accepts the first measurement obtained, each horse shall be measured one time from each side, and one additional measurement, to consist of a total of three (3). These three (3) measurements must be added together and divided by three (3) to get the average height, which shall determine the initial measurement. All three (3) measurements must be made consecutively, and other horses may not be measured until an initial measurement is obtained on each horse.
F.
* After initial measurement, including multi-judge shows, horses may not return more than one (1) time to be re-measured. This re-measurement must be done again according to "E" above. A horse that has to be re-measured must be sound.
* The measuring process will result in a final measurement.
G.
* A valid measurement card shall be issued for horses sixty months and older at the horse's first show or as soon as possible thereafter, which will be valid for that calendar year.
* Cards are not valid at Championship or World Championship Shows.
H.
Protest concerning Height se GR-050-C
One suggestion was to collect data on measurements so that the proposal would have substance in the form of actual measurements to back up the proposal. I posted a survey a couple of years ago where people could enter data regarding the heights, noting the differences between the wither and the last hair of the mane. It was posted late in the year, and it was not posted for very long. If there is enough interest perhaps the survey could be pinned for a month or two. Since this is the season when we are all working with our horses, perhaps it would be easier to collect data.
For those who did send data, I still have it, but wonder if you would mind posting again so that we have the most current information possible.
Measurement Survey
Last year following the Nationals and World Shows we had a huge discussion on measurement that in many ways was not a lot different that the discussions we have been having this year. I’m not talking about specific circumstances, rather the whole issue of measuring. We still get frustrated with the process and it seems that any efforts to tighten things up haven’t worked. I think drastic changes are warranted if we expect anything to improve. I know some people say it can never happen. I realize that it will take a huge amount of intestinal fortitude to make a drastic change, but those who set up the first registries weren’t afraid to go out on a limb. We shouldn’t be afraid either if it means making a good thing better.
I believe that both registries need to look at this idea. My proposal is an AMHA proposal; however, I believe the same transition could take place in the AMHR registry. (I believe Shetlands are measured at the highest point of the withers, so it would make sense that Miniatures could be measured there as well, since there are getting to be more and more ASPC/AMHR double registered horses.)
Thoughts on choosing the wither to measure Miniature horses:
* As an equine height breed, we should be measuring using the acceptable method of measuring height recognized by all equine breeds. The highest point of the wither is the measure accepted by all other equine breeds.
* The wither is a bone; therefore it is not as subjective as the last hair of the mane.
* The wither is not in the center of the back, as it appears some last hairs of the mane are.
* The wither cannot be moved, glued, transplanted, or left to grow long.
* I believer the BMHS (and perhaps other International groups) already measure miniatures at the wither. Measuring at the wither would facilitate the process of purchasing and selling horses between North America and Europe.
* It is interesting that we are the only equine breed that can change size by clipping.
*Recent difficulties cited at both AMHR Nationals and AMHA World shows are indications that the last hair of the mane is just too subjective.
* Using the suggested system does not mean that the horse is now bigger, it is now just measured differently.
* Very few horses (if any) would now be registered that were not eligible for registration under the original system.
* Under the new system, no horses would lose their papers.
* Very few horses would show with a different group of horses than they previously did.
* I know a few of people would like to see the measurement at the withers to be 34â€. I am proposing 36†in order to as closely as possible maintain the integrity of the goals of the original registries founders.
Mike R. stated last year “I was able to visit with Ray Ross at great length and this topic was one that I had him explain. In the beginning of AMHA there was a controversy {believe it or not} on heights. There was a group that wanted 36 and a group that wanted 34. The compromise of 34 and the last hair is what they finally agreed to.â€
I propose:
* that Miniature Horses in the AMHA will be measured at the withers, (as is done in all other equine breeds,) beginning January 1, 2008.
* that all horses born in 2008 and following will be measured under the new system and that the letter W be placed after the inches on the registration papers to ensure that there is no confusion regarding the method of deriving that measurement.
* that the maximum height be 36†(9H) as measured at the wither, at or after the age of 5 years.
- 35 inches for 2 year olds
- 34 inches for yearlings
- 32 inches for weanlings
* that all horses born in 2007 or before will be allowed to keep the permanent measurement already given or the measurement attained at the age of 5 years, as allowed under the original system, if desired.
* that no horse permanently registered by the end of 2007 will be revoked due to the new measurement system.
* That any horses whose papers have already been revoked due to being oversize under the original system would not have their papers reinstated.
* that those horses whose owners choose to keep the measurement under the original system will have a notation “Original Measurement System†on their registration papers.
* that beginning in 2008, show heights will be as follows (as measured at the highest point of the withers):
- 34†& under from the original system would become 36â€W & under
- 32â€-34†from the original system would become 34-36â€W
- 30â€-32†from the original system would become 32â€-34â€W
- 28â€-30†from the original system would become 30â€-32â€W
- 28†& under from the original system would become 30â€W & under
* that those horses whose papers have retained their measurement according to the original system would enter the corresponding new class. E.g. If a horse measured 33 at the withers, but measured 31.5 under the old system, the owner would show it in the 32-34â€W class even if he/she chose not to change the registration papers. E.g. If a horse measured 31.75â€W at the wither but had been 31†under the old system, the owner would show it in the 30-32â€W class whether or not he/she opted to have the horse recorded under the new system.
* that horses measured under the original system must choose to retain the original system on their papers, or adopt the new system on their papers by December 31, 2014.
.
Suggested rule changes are underlined
GR - 020
A.
* No Miniature Horse shall exceed 36 inches in height.
* Weanlings must not exceed 32 inches.
* Yearlings must not exceed 34 inches.
* Two-year-olds must not exceed 35 inches.
- The show age of the horse is determined from January 1 preceding its birthday
GR – 020
B.
* Horse's height must be verified on a hard, level surface, preferably concrete or paved, in a public place, by a Show Official and witnessed by a member sponsoring the show.
* The measurement must be video taped at all sanctioned shows, and the tape forwarded to be filed with AMHA, for future reference, in the case of a complaint or dispute.
* No person with horses being shown competing in the show may be a measuring official at the show.
*An independent third party working in a location away from the Measuring Surface, will place a mark on the horse at the highest point of the wither before it is measured by the designated Show Official.* The measuring device used to measure the first horse must be used to measure all the horses.
* A standard measurement stick is a straight, stiff, unbendable stick (metal) that is equipped with a bulls eye, plumb bob or a spirit level to make sure that the standard is perpendicular to the ground and that the cross piece or arm is parallel with the ground surface.
C.
* Management shall announce the time and place for height verification.
D.
* To receive an exhibitor's number, the horse must be measured and have height recorded on the entry sheet by the person measuring horses or by his designee.
GR - 020
E.
* The height verification of the Miniature Horse shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance from the highet point of the wither to the ground with the front two legs vertical and in line with or parallel to the measuring device, and the back cannon bone must be perpendicular to the floor.
* The horse's head and neck shall be in a natural position. The head must be held with a loose line, not stretched forward. *After the horse is set up for measurement by the handler, said handler may not touch the horse i.e. stretching the head forward, moving the feet, touching the back or pressing down on any part of the back until the measurer removes the measuring stick.
* The animal must stand squarely on all four feet.
* No height allowance will be made for excessive foot.
* Unless the handler accepts the first measurement obtained, each horse shall be measured one time from each side, and one additional measurement, to consist of a total of three (3). These three (3) measurements must be added together and divided by three (3) to get the average height, which shall determine the initial measurement. All three (3) measurements must be made consecutively, and other horses may not be measured until an initial measurement is obtained on each horse.
F.
* After initial measurement, including multi-judge shows, horses may not return more than one (1) time to be re-measured. This re-measurement must be done again according to "E" above. A horse that has to be re-measured must be sound.
* The measuring process will result in a final measurement.
G.
* A valid measurement card shall be issued for horses sixty months and older at the horse's first show or as soon as possible thereafter, which will be valid for that calendar year.
* Cards are not valid at Championship or World Championship Shows.
H.
Protest concerning Height se GR-050-C
One suggestion was to collect data on measurements so that the proposal would have substance in the form of actual measurements to back up the proposal. I posted a survey a couple of years ago where people could enter data regarding the heights, noting the differences between the wither and the last hair of the mane. It was posted late in the year, and it was not posted for very long. If there is enough interest perhaps the survey could be pinned for a month or two. Since this is the season when we are all working with our horses, perhaps it would be easier to collect data.
For those who did send data, I still have it, but wonder if you would mind posting again so that we have the most current information possible.
Measurement Survey
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