Great post Mary Lou, but I am saddened that you even had to post it.
Sometimes change is good, but it must be discussed and well thought out BEFORE implementing it.
I personally dont give a darn where they decide to measure at however these are my reasons for thinking that this rule was changed too quickly without enough discussion and clarity.
1) There has been no definition as to exactly where the base of the withers is. What notch? I will tell you that while measuring a horse yesterday at the mane hairs, being of the curious sort, I felt for a notch, and found THREE between the mane hair and the dip at the beginning of the back. So exactly which one is it, and HOW is it going to be enforced that ALL horses are measured at the SAME NOTCH??
2) It appears to me that the exhisting rule has not been able to be enforced, which gives me reason to doubt the integrity of some, and makes me highly disappointed in the nature with which things are allowed to continue and have been for years. And reason to doubt that changing the 'measuring spot' is going to give any more integrity to the issue. Why can't the current rule be enforced and make the horses stand there, with all four feet square, and measure?
3) There were no provisions made or mentioned for those who have already lost papers on horses that went a bit over that would measure in the new way, yet it rewards those that currently hold illegal papers on horses by allowing them to keep them.
I find the decision was made a bit hastily and it is my understanding (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the Association is now pulling in measuring stats from shows this year, to collect data and compare. Why wasn't this done PRIOR to voting on the rule to see if the rule was even something that would work? What stats are they really getting if there is no definition out there on WHICH NOTCH???
I am not pointing fingers at anyone in particular, nor the Association. The folks in office there and our directors, etc.. do not get paid enough for some of the stuff they have to do/put up with. We are all individuals who are each responsible for making a wise decision and the 'Association' merely runs the office, does the paperwork and updates info that is voted on.
I do not think there was enough info/data or whatever, to make a vote on this rule change. But now it is too late, and for folks to stand up and say "Hey wait a minute!" does NOT make anyone a vigilante or bad guy. Folks are merely speaking their opinions and what they think may be or not be for the good of the registry and our future. Each and every one of us is part owner of this Association, and have just as much right to speak up as anyone else, and to agree or disagree on things. Taking it all as a personal attack by some is ludicrous.
Look at the WHOLE picture here, and the effect it will have on a wide range. I would recommend the new rule not go into effect until more clarity and other things (like revoked papers) are discussed and answers put in print.
Perhaps intentions on the rule were good ones, however, I am just not sure, why, in the equine world, the BOTTOM of the withers was chosen to measure from? I have not heard any replies on that either except that it will 'stop the cheaters'. I dont see how as the new rule is not even clarified as to what notch the measurement should be at. The top of the withers is far less 'flexible' than the bottom.
People have been afraid to speak up in the past, for fear of being 'blackballed' so I hear, or other repercussions (sp?) - and that time is coming to an end. People are tired of sitting back and letting a handful run things and think their opinion is the only one that counts. This post by MaryLou just shows me that is true- name calling and making fun of people who are speaking their opinions on issues sounds like a childish 'smoke screen' to make folks think everyone who would like this rule cancelled at this time is a hot headed lunatic who is just trying to ruin things. For who?
I'll get off the soapbox now- this is long enough. I just can't see how it is logical to vote in a new rule and THEN wonder if it's going to work.
Sometimes change is good, but it must be discussed and well thought out BEFORE implementing it.
I personally dont give a darn where they decide to measure at however these are my reasons for thinking that this rule was changed too quickly without enough discussion and clarity.
1) There has been no definition as to exactly where the base of the withers is. What notch? I will tell you that while measuring a horse yesterday at the mane hairs, being of the curious sort, I felt for a notch, and found THREE between the mane hair and the dip at the beginning of the back. So exactly which one is it, and HOW is it going to be enforced that ALL horses are measured at the SAME NOTCH??
2) It appears to me that the exhisting rule has not been able to be enforced, which gives me reason to doubt the integrity of some, and makes me highly disappointed in the nature with which things are allowed to continue and have been for years. And reason to doubt that changing the 'measuring spot' is going to give any more integrity to the issue. Why can't the current rule be enforced and make the horses stand there, with all four feet square, and measure?
3) There were no provisions made or mentioned for those who have already lost papers on horses that went a bit over that would measure in the new way, yet it rewards those that currently hold illegal papers on horses by allowing them to keep them.
I find the decision was made a bit hastily and it is my understanding (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the Association is now pulling in measuring stats from shows this year, to collect data and compare. Why wasn't this done PRIOR to voting on the rule to see if the rule was even something that would work? What stats are they really getting if there is no definition out there on WHICH NOTCH???
I am not pointing fingers at anyone in particular, nor the Association. The folks in office there and our directors, etc.. do not get paid enough for some of the stuff they have to do/put up with. We are all individuals who are each responsible for making a wise decision and the 'Association' merely runs the office, does the paperwork and updates info that is voted on.
I do not think there was enough info/data or whatever, to make a vote on this rule change. But now it is too late, and for folks to stand up and say "Hey wait a minute!" does NOT make anyone a vigilante or bad guy. Folks are merely speaking their opinions and what they think may be or not be for the good of the registry and our future. Each and every one of us is part owner of this Association, and have just as much right to speak up as anyone else, and to agree or disagree on things. Taking it all as a personal attack by some is ludicrous.
Look at the WHOLE picture here, and the effect it will have on a wide range. I would recommend the new rule not go into effect until more clarity and other things (like revoked papers) are discussed and answers put in print.
Perhaps intentions on the rule were good ones, however, I am just not sure, why, in the equine world, the BOTTOM of the withers was chosen to measure from? I have not heard any replies on that either except that it will 'stop the cheaters'. I dont see how as the new rule is not even clarified as to what notch the measurement should be at. The top of the withers is far less 'flexible' than the bottom.
People have been afraid to speak up in the past, for fear of being 'blackballed' so I hear, or other repercussions (sp?) - and that time is coming to an end. People are tired of sitting back and letting a handful run things and think their opinion is the only one that counts. This post by MaryLou just shows me that is true- name calling and making fun of people who are speaking their opinions on issues sounds like a childish 'smoke screen' to make folks think everyone who would like this rule cancelled at this time is a hot headed lunatic who is just trying to ruin things. For who?
I'll get off the soapbox now- this is long enough. I just can't see how it is logical to vote in a new rule and THEN wonder if it's going to work.
