I am saddened, but as someone who IS an AMHA member of VERY long-standing (which makes what goes on there MY business, as it is of EVERY AMHA member!!)--I am no longer surprised by this kind of occurance--it HAS happened before....as my recent reading back through AMHA information sent to me(they used to be MUCH more communicative, IMO) has strongly reminded me!
No, this has not been confirmed factually just yet-and yes, I'd already heard the 'rumor' also--but had not commented,for that reason. What are AMHA members SUPPOSED to think??-when the site is not accessible to them, the link has disappeared from the AMHA website,and the AMHA icon is GONE from the Horsestudbook site(all FACTS that have been so far reported on this thread so far)!
How is it that the AMHR, who is also contracted to use the same system, seems to be using it successfully? Someone--Belinda?--who has more knowledge of that--maybe could come and comment on how that system is working for them?
I wonder--how the HECK long are AMHA members supposed to continue to sit still for bad decisions, lack of OVERSIGHT, lack of FORESIGHT, and in large part, lack of complete and timely communication with members, on the part of those who are 'in charge' of 'running the show' at AMHA?? I FULLY understand that these positions are neither simple nor easy,but you know, people should KNOW THAT when they step up to run for office or to volunteer, because it surely is not any SECRET that such a job takes time, committment, and what should be, selfless dedication! I am not pointing a finger at ANY ONE in particular, but at a system and organization that clearly, IS NOT WORKING AS IT SHOULD for the best interests of the membership AS A WHOLE!!
I can't think of a better example than the 'looming' "base of the withers" notion! I can hardly imagine ANYTHING where there seems to have been LESS forethought given to the many possible drawbacks and negative effects to the organization and its members than THAT pointless alteration of the very foundation on which AMHA was built!! Are papers to be 'corrected'; who will pay? How is the certainty that SOME horses that were formerly TOO TALL by AMHA rules will now be 'magically' of LEGAL height be addressed, while still officially proclaiming that 'no AMHA horse is over 34" in height', PERIOD? Who is going to decide EXACTLY where this elusive 'place' is on a horse?If this is allowed to go into effect-- how does AMHA treat those who, being completely HONEST, formerly 'turned in' papers on horses that were minimally, but truly, over 34" in height by the ORIGINAL standard? The list of potential 'cons' is nearly endless; I can't THINK of anything to add to a list of 'pros'--except maybe to benefit those who have 'tall' horses....should the organization be behind Bylaw changes to benefit 'a few', then?? The upcoming June BOD meeting thread is a reminder--this does not HAVE to go into effect as now scheduled; at the very LEAST, it should be set-aside for an actual CONSIDERATION of all of the above-mentioned issues(and I know there are even more!) This change could ruin AMHA! Here is direct quote from a letter on the AMHA letterhead to all members from the then-AMHA President, dated 12/6/1993--from my personal files:
"The old saying, "History repeats itself" could not apply to any organization better than ours for each year we pass certain procedures or regulations with no thought whatsoever given to their implementation."
Isn't it about time the entire membership is empowered to become involved, to try and prevent this kind of thing from occuring, again and again?
Here are some statistics---The Treasurer's report in 2007 stated that registrations were down by almost $100,000. According to the 2003 year end audit(and a letter to members from the then-President, dated 4/12/2004, in my files), the AMHA ended 2003 with a loss of -$385,000. Part was due to 'overspending' and other issues with the then Executive Secretary, part apparently because the BOD voted that year to spend $350,000 for another state of the art computer system, voting also to borrow the money using the AMHA office building, land and all office furniture and fixtures as collateral....
Yes, certain members 'stepped up', helped AMHA dig its way out of THAT particular hole---and yes, there is 'fault to be found'(yes, I know--an UNDERSTATEMENT!?) with certain now-departed formerly hired and paid, 'executives' (L.K, and D.M.)---I won't say more. BUT, someone has to be 'minding the store', making sure that people are doing the job they contracted for and are being PAID to do, surely!!
Here we are, as members of the AMHA---nearly a HALF MILLION dollars spent in the past 3-4 years, and still, no needed 'state of the art' computer system in place at AMHA--only what is now an 'antique' computer system?
Does anyone else think it is TIME for the members to DEMAND more of a voice(via a voting system for ALL qualifed members), to REQUIRE more and better oversight, more informed and well-planned decision-making, rules that are as DEMOCRATIC and even-handed as humanly possible, better and more open communication, from those who are there to serve their constituents? That is certainly NOT too much to ask, is it?
I know this is long; appreciation to those who are committed enough to read it all! I believe these are things that NEED to be brought up, and be 'aired out' and discussed. (and I will add--I always read EVERY post in a thread if I read one at all; how else would I know what people feel, think, have to offer?)
Margo (AMHA member since 1985)
OH!
