SOCIETYNEWS Community British Reining
The BEF (British Equestrian Federation) has launched a new online portal, called Hoof designed to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for visitors to find out how, where and why they should become involved in riding. Whether it’s to seek out the best place to hop aboard for the first time, discover where to watch the country’s top riders in action, or learn more about the many equestrian disciplines and their member bodies, the Hoof portal will provide answers, advice and inspiration at
www.hoofride.co.uk.
The interactive nature of the resource allows users to select their own horse riding path be they a beginner finding out where to go and what to wear, or a seasoned competitor looking for advice on horse passports, funding opportunities and apprenticeship schemes. The Hoof portal houses a library of information that can assist riders of all abilities to locate retailers, bridle path information, volunteering opportunities and much more.
As well as signposting visitors to specific information, the Hoof portal also features a unique ‘where to ride’ element, which maps and lists riding centres and equestrian facilities throughout the UK. Users can search the database for centres which provide general riding instruction or more specific training in 13 different equestrian offerings including reining. The aim is to ensure riding is made as accessible as possible to entice more people off the sofa and into the saddle.
www.britishreining.co.uk
American Quarter Horse Association UK NRH PHOTOGRAPHY
There was a good turnout for the AGM; all Council members were present, as well as more than 25 other members, and there was extensive and valuable input from most of those present. Chairman David Teideman started off with a prayer for a member who was ill, which also encouraged everyone to make positive use of every day.
Last year all spending was significantly cut in order to deal with the previous year’s loss and the general economic climate. This paid off with a real recovery in the association’s finances, thanks also to a small profit made at the two AQHA UK shows. In this regard, many thanks and flowers were presented to Lisa John for managing those shows. The election results saw Lindsay Doel, Fiona Powley, Rob Dalton, and John Rudd elected to Council. There were four motions proposed at the AGM by Rebecca Pocock regarding (1) changes to AQHA UK by-laws, rules and regulations; (2) regional shows, clinics and events; (3) training opportunities for judges, stewards, scribes, show managers and volunteers; (4) the process of venue selection for AQHA UK shows.
There was much thoughtful discussion by AGM participants on the pros and cons of all proposals, with amended proposals being presented by Council for each motion. All amended motions were accepted unanimously by those in attendance and those voting by proxy. In a nutshell, a start had already been made by Council with regard to revising by-laws and rules, which will continue within legal/charity commission guidelines. It was agreed that abridged minutes, as well as association rules and regulations, will be placed on the website, and will either be published in the Journal or a reference made therein to viewing them on the website.
Regarding regional events, it was generally felt that there was no need for more
AQHA approved shows and that scheduling more would dilute the level and already limited number of competitors at those shows which are already established, leading to loss of prestige, AQHA points available, and earnings for the organisers. However, there was great support for establishing and promoting other regional events, particularly those involving youth members, and a working group will be established to effect this. With respect to the training of show management personnel, it was pointed out that WES has a long established and successful programme of such training courses, while AQHA UK continues to make every attempt to organise an official AQHA show management seminar in the UK and there are courses regularly held in the US. Another working group will be set up to create a policy document governing the provision of training opportunities. Finally, with regard to selection of venues for the two shows which AQHA UK puts on, the opinion was expressed by Terrie Heid-Brazier that not only cost, catering and stabling should be considered but also the very important issue of the arena surface, as the venue most often used recently for these shows had a surface which competitors in all disciplines found to be safe and effective for good performance. It was confirmed that there will be a working group established to review and establish clear, transparent guidelines and procedures for venue selection and, as there are now several arenas removing their unsuitable gel-track surfaces, there will be the possibility for more than just three venues to request consideration for AQHA shows. For a full report on the AGM and resolutions, visit the new AQHA UK website. Terrie Heid-Brazier.
www.aqha.uk.com
48 May/June 2012
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