(Shelburne, Vermont)—The Morgan breed was celebrated and heralded in Atlanta, Georgia, at the 2007 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Convention February 14-17. For the first time in its 26-year history, many Morgan enthusiasts and speakers couldn’t make the event due to poor weather and canceled flights.
“Our theme this year was ‘The Morgan: A Passion That Lasts a
Lifetime,’” said Convention co-chairman Barbara Goda. “I think
this also follows closely with the people who surround the Morgan
horse. Our Morgan friends came through and substituted for stranded
speakers and some speakers had amazing trips to Atlanta, so they
would be able to make their presentations.”
Along with speakers and activities, including a day-long farm visit
to Willowick Farm and Hidden Acres Farm the Annual Meeting of Members
was held, with Mike Goebig of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, being reelected
as AMHA president and Region 2 Board Member. Newly elected to
represent Region 1 was Sara Foy of Kingston, New Hampshire, and Cindy
Mugnier of Granby, Massachusetts; Kathleen Newcomb was re-elected to
represent Region 2; and Linnea Sidi of Loveland, Colorado, was re-
elected to serve Region 9. William Pettis of Rio Linda, California,
was elected AMHA Director at Large. It also was announced that Julie
M. Broadway of Raleigh, North Carolina, was hired at the new AMHA
Executive Director. She begins her new position in April.
The AMHA/World Morgan Futurity Stallion Service Auction was record-
breaking with just more than $150,000 raised. The top-selling
stallions service was to the many-time world champion And The Beat
Goes On for $10,000. The proceeds from the auction are earmarked 40
percent to the World Morgan Futurity, 40 percent to promotion and
marketing of the breed and the Association, and 20 percent in support
of AMHA regional shows.
The keynote speaker at the annual awards banquet was United States
Equestrian Federation (USEF) President David O’Connor. As a horseman
and Olympic medalist, David’s speech was positive and forward
thinking and his warmth and passion for the equine sport was
evident. “The Morgan Association is on healthy ground with new
Executive Director, Julie Broadway,” he said. “USEF looks forward
to more joint programs in the future.”
Karen Homer Brown, USEF managing director, national affiliates, was a
presenter. “It was wonderful to be part of the AMHA Convention. The
attendees were informed of the many programs available both within
AMHA and USEF. The future looks bright with Julie Broadway leading
the organization into the future.”
Bruce Hyde, Commissioner of Vermont Tourism and Marketing for the
state, attended the Convention at the request of the Board to discuss
keeping the Morgan presence in the state of Vermont. “It was an
honor to attend and be recognized at the Board meeting,” he said.
“Governor James Douglas and the Vermont Legislature have
specifically directed me to do everything possible to keep Vermont
the home of this valuable institution as the Morgan horse is the
state animal, and to assist AMHA with the promotion and education of
the Morgan breed.”
Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-
profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners,
breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States.
AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 90 recognized
Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations.
For more information on America’s original horse breed, contact the
American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., 122 Bostwick Road,
Shelburne, Vermont 05482; (802) 985-4944; www.morganhorse.com
Copyright © 2008 The NW Horse Source, LLC
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