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[RC] AHA and the numbers game - Pam SalemI also don't want everyone to think I've got "go AHA" stamped on my forehead. >>> LOL, Mollie. The point I was trying to make however, was that there is a much higher number of distance riders who aren't members than are.>>> There is a reason for this.....and you state it very well here: "The biggest issue with AHA is that those who make their living off of large breeding operations, show barns, and training are governing AHA. ... if all of the pleasure trail riders joined with the distance riders and all became members of AHA we would represent 60 to 70% of the membership. AHA is very aware of this, thus the reason they are starting to try to implement more programs like the frequent rider programs etc. We're estimating that about 75-80% of all registered horses are owned by non show people. " And I think this is a good recommendation....... <<<join AHA through ours (www.oaats.org). The more members we have the more attention we get. >>> We started the Southeast Arabian Sporthorse Alliance for some of the same reasons. Louise is correct, I think, about fair divisions for the purebreds and half arabs. That is something that just got lumped back together in the new sweepstakes program for sporthorses. It seems AHA is trying to make changes with the new leadership, but the only reason I joined this year was to simplify getting my professional horseman's ins to do the equine assisted psychotherapy on my farm, and next year I can do that through the Tennessee Horse Council which now offers Equisure liability insurance. I was an officer in an AHA club since 1984 and bred sporthorses. I have seen the numbers continue to decline due to the concentration on the top of the pyramid while ignoring the grassroots.... and I read one email that said the board members now consider the 'grassroots' those who show at Regionals..... sigh. It is difficult to move that mentality. I admire Mollie, I just got real tired of hitting stone walls. pam =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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