Summary of 2007-2008 Annual Meeting held November 3, 2007

On November 3, 2007, the Mason Dixon Paso Fino Horse Association held its annual meeting and banquet at the Plaza Hotel in Hagerstown, MD. The thirty (30) members who attended, enjoyed a nice evening of food and beverages, as well as engaging conservation and debate on some pertinent issues raised during the meeting.

One of the highlights of the meeting included the National Delegate's report. B.J. Schuler recapped the information discussed at the April and October Meetings. These included the departure of C. J. Marcello as the executive director for PFHA, changes regarding the printing of the Paso Fino Horse World, the financial situation of PFHA, the search for a new location for Nationals and the possible formation of the International Paso Horse Federation. A few members, who had attended a meeting in regards to this new organization, helped those attending the banquet to understand some of the background, impetus and ramifications for establishing a new organization.

Continuing on with regional events, information was passed on about the two Horse World Expositions coming up in 2008. Both Expos are still in need of volunteers. Those interested in helping with the MD expo (Jan 17 - 20), please contact Denise Clearwater. Anyone interested in assisting with the PA expo (Feb 21-24) should contact Sheri Becker. There was support in trying to gain approval for Rick Shaffer to conduct a clinic at the Pa Expo.

Considerable discussion revolved around the Shows scheduled for this year. The first Mason Dixon show of the new calendar year is the May Day show at Dillsburg, Pa on May 3 - 4. New this year, will be the inclusion of the Icelandic Horses. There was much discussion on how to increase participation at this show as well as the promotion of the breed. One suggestion was to offer Opportunity classes, to include allowing amateurs riding someone else's horse. Mason Dixon Spectacular at Lexington, VA is scheduled for June 13 - 15 and will once again be the week prior to the Piedmont region's show in Asheville, NC. The not so "Silent" Auction was a great success this past year and will be operated in the same format this year. There will be trail ride sponsored for Thursday evening (Jun 12th) prior to the start of the show. Lisa Gorsuch provided information regarding the Futurity Program and encouraged participation. After much discussion, the Howard County show was eliminated from the docket. This past year's attendance was low and the heat was too intense in August. The probable date for the Keystone International Livestock Exposition is Oct 5. An overall consensus was to support this show and to look at moving the day to the first Saturday instead of the last Sunday of this Expo. Other discussion included sponsorship and providing a short clinic during the show for spectators. With the quick succession of shows following Nationals, the Northeast gaited show may be eliminated. This show, which also includes Icelandic, Tennessee Walkers and Mountain horses, is being moved to Lexington, VA.

Diane Dutt gave a quick synopsis of the Atlantic City Puerto Rican Day parade. Some parades coming up include the Souderton Holiday parade (Dec 1), POC is BJ Schuler; Red Hill parade (Dec 2) POC is Nick Burgos; Lansdale holiday parade (Nov 17); and, the Charles Town, WV Parade of Horses (Dec 9). If anyone has additional parades to list or would like to participate in a parade, contact Diane for more information.

Horse Clinics sponsored by MDPFHA members have been a great success this year. Dick Teachout and Virginia Foster, Cecilia Uhlman, and BJ Schuler sponsored clinics this past year and plan on continuing this year. Discussed at more length was the upcoming Youth Clinic at Fieldstone Meadows on Dec 29 - 30. It is a collaborative effort between trainers Nola Haupert-Keill, Nick Burgos and Rick Shaffer.

Additional topics included the great work Virginia Foster has done on the Power Glide, not only reducing the cost, but by producing great articles and information. Plus, Virginia has taken over as coordinator for the website; how to make the Annual meeting and Banquet more appealing for members to attend; and, High points.

After a nice relaxing meal, the high point awards were handed out by Sandi Thomas, which was then followed by voting on 58 potential rule changes for PFHA. BJ Schuler provided the background on the issues and took note of the recommendations of those present. With few exceptions, our members concurred on most issues.

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