we have shifted from a bottom-up to the “show horse.” We are widely AHA has not promoted the structure to a top-down structure largely perceived as a single-purpose breed, amateur halter classes funded by competitions. The result because we have failed to promote within today is that we have a national show the Arabian horse community and the to any degree with prize organization (that we need to continue), broader market, the other qualities of this money. All the current halter but no national breed organization. We wonderful breed. We need to develop prize money classes are need to unite and strengthen our support and make available in the marketplace of all the unique traits of the Arabian a wide range of activities that can be non-AHA programs and horse. As a first step we need to join enjoyed by owners of Arabian horses. shows. These programs have together in a plan designed to capitalize I recall a comment made at on all the wonderful traits of the breed. the end of a lengthy discussion at a become the most popular in We must broaden the Arabian market, Registry board meeting (pre-merger), the halter show circuit and reflecting the versatility of our breed, concerning declines within the Arabian so that Arabian owners may participate breed. As the meeting drew to a close, are the main reasons a few in activities with their horse as their an experienced senior representative of people are still breeding. personal interest dictate. another breed organization was asked — Robert North What we are doing is not working! for his opinion after listening to the two Continuing to do the same things, using days of discussion. He was able to distill the same decision structure, will most likely result in continuing all that he had heard to this comment: “The problem is not the decline for our breed. AQHA has sought professional advice Arabian horse.” and is investing to broaden the base for the Quarter Horse This continues to be true today. We are failing as a result breed. We need a new plan for the Arabian breed in North of the collective actions or inaction of all of us. The horse America, different from the past (“you can never go back”), and is remarkable in all respects, not the best at everything, but responsive to todays’ economics and marketplace. between “very good” and “outstanding” at most things people wish to do with their horse. Tommy Garland, Powhatan, Virginia: My participation with horses began at an early age. The When I became involved in the Road to the Horse Colt Arabian horse experience came later and was the result of Starting Competition, I found it surprising that the sold-out recognizing the unique qualities of the Arabian horse, my crowd of 6,000 at each venue were shocked to discover that not family’s enjoyment and their bond with the Arabian horses, the all Arabians are little, crazy grey horses. After the presentations, diversity of Arabian activities in the local area, and sharing all of about 100 people came up to me and said they’d purchased this with wonderful people with a love for the Arabian horse. Arabians. The horses were not the most expensive but they Over the years we (lovers of the Arabian horse) have diluted went to owners who are now showing them and having the our effectiveness as we each focus on our own special areas of time of their lives. Through my involvement with RFD-TV, I’ve interest within the Arabian breed and neglect the unique shared increased the number of visitors to my facility, some of whom traits of the breed. As a result of social and economic changes,
Howard W. Pike
Tommy Garland 133 b ARABIAN HORSE WORLD b SEptEmBER 2012