Below are the highlights from the American Morgan Horse Association Board of Directors First Quarter Meeting, which took place in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
Meeting Minutes: Meeting minutes from the meeting held on December 6, 2021, were approved, and will be posted shortly for review on the Members Only side of the website HERE. (Minutes are posted to this web page once they are formally approved by the BOD or the corresponding committee.)
President’s Report: President Lee expressed a big “thank you” to all for a phenomenal 2021! He truly appreciates everyone’s hard work in making it a great year.
Grand National Report: President Lee reported that the Grand National Committee will hold its second meeting next week. Planning is already underway for the 50th anniversary horse show (2022). The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds is expected to break ground in 2022 for its new coliseum with an estimated completion in November 2024.
The Morgan Horse Magazine Report: Editor Stephen Kinney reported that The Morgan Horse magazine shared the theme “exceeded expectations” in 2021 with both the October 2021 and November/December 2021 issues. The October issue was the highest grossing issue in decades and the November/December was the largest issue since 1985. The combined gross of these two issues is record-breaking for our magazine! Another milestone – we reached over 3000 paid subscribers for the first time in years. And 2021 was the 80th anniversary of the magazine! The upcoming January/February 2022 issue will be the Breeding Guide issue and its development is well underway. The digital issue launched in October 2021; promotion to our international clubs and friends will begin soon.
Executive Director’s Report: Executive Director Mortensen reported on the following items:
Registry Report: The Registry Committee met the morning of January 5 and approved the November 5, 2021 meeting minutes. Registrations, DNA kits, and color coat testing were all up considerably in 2021. The Registry registered 2,110 horses so far in 2021; transfers were done on 3,626 Morgan horses which is 626 more than estimated in the 2021 budget. The Superior Sale in November was very successful; AMHA Registrar Erica Eulau attended the sale. Year-end Registry statistics will be posted to the website.
Finance Committee: The Finance Committee met the morning of January 5, 2022 and approved the minutes for the November 5, 2021 meeting with one administrative amendment. Membership statistics, as of December 31, 2021: Memberships are up 552 more than 2020 resulting in our highest membership since 2013. AMHA has shown a 2.5% increase in membership since 2019.
Fund balances as of December 22, 2021, were reviewed and are as follows:
The Board reviewed the Year-to-Date Financial Reports ending November 30, 2021, and found them to be in good order and, again, encouraging. Stephen Kinney visited the Museum at Pineland Farms and submitted a request for funding of several items/services for the Museum which are being further reviewed and researched. Executive Director Mortensen presented an Appreciation Award to Director Kate Kirsch via Zoom for her service as a Director and Vice President of Finance. From everyone “Thank you, Kate!”
Awards Committee: Chair Carol Fletcher reiterated congratulations to all of our award winners this year! A complete list of honorees can be found HERE.
OTHER BUSINESS:
National Museum of the Morgan Horse: Stephen Kinney visited the Museum at Pineland Farms and submitted recommendations about the Museum (equipment, staffing, etc). Plans are underway to better present, enhance, and promote the Museum.
UVM Farm Update: Kim Demars, UVM’s Farm Manager, resigned her position at the Farm in December and the Farm issued a press release that sets their transition plan. The American Horse Council has reached out to UVM offering the equine community's support to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Farm.
Member Request - Star Awards: An AMHA member submitted a request to add a Star Award in the Working Equitation division. Following discussion of the various programs/awards, the Board is referring the request to the Disciplines and Awards Committees for review. The Board commended the requestor’s efforts and offers to support classes in Working Equitation.
USEF Report/Rule Change Proposals: The USEF Board of Directors Meeting Report from their November 22, 2021, meeting was presented. The Board is considering proposing various rule changes for review by the membership at the 2022 Regional Rule Forums.
American Horse Council Report (AHC): Executive Director Mortensen just received the AHC Report from December 2021 and has not yet had an opportunity to review it. It will be shared with the Board. All are encouraged to read through it and prepare to discuss any issues at the February meeting (or sooner if deemed necessary).
Next Board of Directors Meeting
· February 7, 2022 – Board of Directors Meeting (via Zoom teleconference)
Updates/Other Action Items
-- via AMHA