CONVENTION FOCUS

CONVENTION FOCUS’ ON FAMILY VALUES

By Larry Hilmoe

Candy (my wife) and I went to the First Annual ARHA Convention in Bowling Green, KY held the first week in February. We felt we should be there to support all those who had won their classes and the annual “best” awards, even though we had not showed long enough to win or qualify for any of the certificates or other awards. That turned in to a very minor reason once we got there on Friday

At the President’s reception and all throughout the convention, President Mike Flynn stressed to all….. The ARHA is a family organization dedicated to teaching and training the new equine enthusiasts as well as the next generation of riders and current competitors although not necessarily in that order. [Teaching is the art of transferring a skill or knowledge, while training is learning to do the skill automatically.] He made a point of emphasizing examples of sportsmanship he has observed and been told about, and thanked the many people who have helped the Novices as well as Youth exhibitors and others. These examples were where we need to go as an organization. He pointed to the need for all of us to set the bar high and remember why we are members of ARHA….with much emphasis being put on family values as the guiding force for us all.

Mike encouraged everyone to share their knowledge and friendship with all and pointed out that this will, and has already, encouraged others to join and participate. This includes several of our new judges who have become ARHA members.

Twenty-five people with a wide range of experience attended the Judges forum on Friday, conducted by Judge’s Committee Chairman, Marvin Butler. All who were tested and interviewed for depth of knowledge and experience were accepted. Some were issued 1-year cards and some were issued 3-year cards due to their experience, knowledge and demonstrated skills. Marvin told the audience that several new ARHA judges had applied and attended due to the reputation we have gained as a family oriented circuit that welcomes everyone to show and learn regardless of breed or discipline. He also has confirmed that four outstanding ARHA judges have been selected for the ARHA World Show to be held in Bowling Green at WKU’s Agricultural Expo Center arena June 24-26, 2005. [NOTE; The World Show will be for ARHA registered stock only.] Marvin also mentioned that all judges’ class scorecards would be posted for your inspection and review at every show.

A talk on Equine Dentistry was given by Gary Fluhr, and the topic of Bits & Bitting was presented by Gene Ray Stewart. Barry Gilley also talked about his judicial experiences and the need for family values in our personal lives and the ARHA. Entertainer David Nelson who is also a Physical Therapist talked about keeping ourselves fit and demonstrated how we can do simple things to prevent those nagging or serious injuries to ourselves.

On Saturday, (David) “Buffalo Bill” Nelson and his lovely and talented wife Jean entertained us. David is Tennessee’s Equine Poet Laureate and lived up to the billing with tall stories and cowboy poems of another time and brought tears of laughter and a few real tears to the audience. Jean accompanied him on several selections with haunting melodies from her stringed lyre and bow. We also had two auctions, a variety of tack and jewelry items raised at the silent auction met or exceeded retail price estimates and raised over $1200, and the live auction of western art, silver jewelry and clothing after dinner raised a like amount. A dance with Mike Flynn was auctioned off for $40. With all proceeds going towards the World Show awards.

Mike and the other ARHA founders were given a standing ovation for their vision, organization skills, and efforts. Mike singled out Erica Keeney and Marvin Butler for their tireless work and dedication to the ARHA, and they too were given a standing ovation by everyone. A well deserved tribute to all those who have made this organization possible.

I’m positive that if you missed the convention this year that you’ll have to mark it on your calendar for 2006 as you missed one of the best gatherings of old and new friends possible anywhere…. And a superb Tex-Mex Buffet.