To: All Region XII Members:
From: Cecil A. (C. A.) Butler

It’s that time again.  The Region XII Show is almost here; the dates are May 06 through May 10, 2008.
 
As usual, all pertinent information is posted on the website (www.aharegion12.com).
 
Please keep in mind that the Region XII Annual Membership Meeting will be held at 5:00 P.M. on May 05, 2008; since the meeting and attendance worked out well last year, we have again scheduled the meeting so that it will  precede the show.  An Exhibitor Party sponsored by the Georgia National Fairgrounds will follow the meeting.
 
Remember that elections of officers will be a part of this meeting.  Speaking of elections, most of you will have received an e-mail flash from me in which I stated that I will not run for re-election at this time.
 
It has been a privilege to serve Region XII for the last six years (Vice-Director for four years and Director for the past two years).  I am proud of Region XII accomplishments during my tenure: an emphasis on youth programs and on scholarships; the formation of the Region XII Spotlight Futurity Program; the embrace of endurance riders and the formation of an AHA National Endurance Ride Commission; a new, functional website addressing all areas of interest to regional members; the creation of working committees to oversee and direct segments of various Region XII  programs, committees peopled by strong, dedicated
members. 
 
Finally, I am, as always, proud of the Region XII attendance at the AHA Convention. 
 
I will remain on several committees and will be available to assist others in any way possible. 
 
.
 
The 2007 AHA convention was a rousing success, and Region XII was well represented.   As we had hoped, Region XII again had the highest delegate turnout in the nation.  Our area had forty-eight (48) delegates in attendance out of a possible fifty-five; such a turn-out is exceptional. 
 
The number could and would have been even higher; however, several delegates, including my wife, were unable to attend because of unforeseen circumstances.  Frances stayed at the hospital with her sister.  
 
Almost everyone who attended the convention seemed to like Tulsa; the city was clean and hospitable.  The city hosted a “Welcome to Tulsa Party,” and delegates were given the opportunity to tour the facilities at the horse park where the US National Show will be housed in 2008, as well as the following two years.
 
The Convention itself was relatively peaceful:  no major new issues were introduced.  Probably, the most important item discussed was the introduction of the new halter rules which were voted upon and passed the year before, that is, in 2006.  As with any rule change, no one knows exactly how these rules will be perceived in a few years. 
 
Successful or not, the intent is a good one.  The new rules are an attempt to make judging decisions more open and understandable, more transparent to owners, breeders, viewers, and handlers.
 
Please be patient and give these halter rules a chance to work.  It will take time for shows and judges to implement smoothly and fully these changes.
 
Now, on to other news.
 
The 2008 Region XII Scholarship Program will be run the same as it was last year; the scholarship committee remains the same.  All information and applications are available on the website ( www.aharegion12.com).  Seniors should be submitting or should have already submitted their credentials.
 
The Region has a lot to be proud about!   The scholarship program is growing: Region XII will donate not two scholarships, but three awards to deserving young people: these awards will be for three thousand dollars, two thousand dollars, and one thousand dollars. 
 
In addition, the Spotlight Futurity Program is donating an additional two thousand dollars to the Margaret Shuey Foundation which will give as a fourth Region XII Scholarship this year.  Region XII will have a total of eight thousand dollars available for our outstanding youth in 2008.
 
Submit those scholarship applications now!  Club officers and members get busy.  You know the young men and women in your areas.  Encourage them to apply!  I would like to see dozens of applications come into the office and the whole scholarship program expanded again next year.
 
Since we are discussing youth topics, let me mention that Region XII Youth Judging Teams are now being formed.  Information about these teams is being added to the website as we speak and should be available by the time that you read this article.
Our long term goal is to sponsor a team from each state and to have representatives for the national competition selected at the Region XII Championship Show.
 
Some teams have already been formed and have begun training.
 
Also, please remember that the offspring of mares nominated for the Spotlight Futurity will be able to show in special classes this year.  The offspring, of course, must be sired by a Spotlight Futurity Nominated stallion.  If anyone has questions about the futurities, please feel free to contact a member of the appropriate futurity committee or a Region XII officer for assistance.  Names and numbers are posted on the website.
 
The Region 12 Prize List is already available on our website ( www.aharegion12.com).
 
Hope all seniors have gotten your Region XII Scholarship applications by now.  The deadline is or was March 31, 2008.
 
DO REMEMBER THAT, IF NEWS IS NOT REPORTED TO ME, THEN I CANNOT GET THE MATERIAL IN MY NEWSLETTER!
 
Thought for today:
 
            “The daughter who won’t lift a finger in the house is the same child who cycles madly off in the pouring rain to spend all morning mucking out a stable.”
                                                                                                Samantha Armstrong