February 2011 Director's Report

In Region 4, you can look for some exciting changes in our Region 4 Championship Show and Pre-Show.  We have tacked on a day of Cutting on Sunday, June 19^th.  There will be qualifying classes held in the morning and then Regional classes in the afternoon.  More Working Western classes have been added to allow folks from outside the area to qualify to ride in The Ultimate Futurity (TUF).  To get more information on The Ultimate Futurity, go to www.ultimatefuturity.com  We are excited to be working with Elise Ulmer to add this program to our show. 

 We also have a "secret idea" that we will be adding to the final two days of the Region 4 show.  It will be unveiled when the prize list "goes public" in March.   

	I just heard from Sally Tondu at the Idaho Horse Park that Tim McGraw will be at the Idaho Center Coliseum in concert on June 16th.  This is located on the show grounds.  You might want to come a day early!
	Please be aware there is a HUGE soccer tournament in the Nampa area the week of June 18th thru 25th and the Hotel reservations are filling up fast.  The Hampton is holding a block of rooms for the "Arabian" show, but rooms are limited.

I have just returned from the AHA Board of Directors meeting in Denver where the Board approved major changes to the Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes program.  

Most of you should have received the information in an eBlast from AHA, but you can now check out the details on the AHA website:

http://www.arabianhorses.org/activities/pmp/sweeps/

EXTENDED ENTRY DEADLINE!

2011 Breeding Entry Deadline Extended to April 15, 2011- No Late Fee!

The Breeders Sweepstakes Program

Rewarding excellent breeding for almost 30 years Adds excitement to the show ring - over $500,000 available at U.S. Nationals Delivers substantial Breeder Incentives to sire and mare owners Pays prize money to local, regional and national shows and distance rides Proven long-term viability Flexible enough to add classes & larger payouts

In other news from the Board meeting, the external programming for the online Horse Registration System is finished.  After some in-house tuning, it should "go live" soon.  The new One-Day show program is now available.  These shows must be put on by a sponsoring organization.  In general, that would be an AHA club.  Information is available at: http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/onedayshow.asp 

When I asked about the possibility of the Sport Horse National Show returning to the Idaho Horse Park in 2012, I was told that a decision would be made at the conclusion of the 2011 Sport Horse National Show in Kentucky.

If you are planning to attend the Annual AHA Convention in Vancouver, BC this November, make sure you have a passport that will be valid for more than six months at the time of travel.

It is exciting to be emerging from winter into a new season of enjoying our Arabian and part Arabian horses.  Please let me know if you would like to be added to our eBlast mailing list.