PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As I write my first president’s message to the AHS membership, I am filled with excitement for this new role, but also for where the Society stands and the potential that I see moving forward. In the recent years, we’ve faced significant hurdles: the COVID pandemic, an uncertain economy, and staffing changes. Despite these challenges, the organization is thriving, thanks to our fantastic volunteer base, united board of directors, and hard-working staff.

I am fortunate to move into this position after Edgar Schutte’s 12 years as our president. Under Edgar’s leadership, the AHS adopted the Rhineland Studbook and led efforts to create the North American Stallion Sport Test. Edgar was also instrumental in developing our Yearling and Two-Year-Old Futurity. Edgar will remain on the AHS Board. Thank you, Edgar, for making the AHS a stronger and more memberfocused society under your tenure!

In the first months of this year, we’ve accomplished a lot! In January, we held our first in-person Annual Meeting since 2020. The AGM committee put together a diverse panel of speakers, a tour of Helgstrand Dressage, and an evening watching Grand Prix show jumping at Wellington Equestrian Festival. We’ll return to Wellington for the next annual meeting on Feb. 16-18, 2024.

The Fundraising Committee has wrapped up an outstanding Stallion Service Auction. Thank you to the generous stallion owners who show their support of the AHS and the mare owners who make the bidding action exciting! These funds are critical to many of our activities.

The Editorial Committee has published our Stallion Directory which is now in full color! It has been mailed to our Active and Lifetime members and is available to everyone online. The Mare Awards moved to the Awards Magazine – where now we highlight our horses’ achievements in both sport and breeding.

More than 50 inspection dates are scheduled for 2023 and public sites are published online. The AHS continues to meet the growing demand for private inspections, video inspections, and the Rhineland auto-approval process as well. Christy Markowski is your go-to in the office for all questions related to registration and inspections. Ivy Pulliam, our most recent hire, is coordinating all the tour details with our site hosts and judges.

We have excellent news for our members with Hanoverian- and Rhineland-approved mares from “outside” populations! Now these mares can receive the Premium Mare title if they meet all requirements including a 7 or higher at their inspection, a 7 or higher at their Mare Performance Test, and have produced a Hanoverian/Rhineland-registered foal. We can now recognize the best of the mares in our breeding population as Premium Mares, regardless of their birth registration papers.

The Jumper Breeding Program (JBP) committee is working on a new Star Awards system for mares in the JBP, based on some new changes in Germany too. Stay tuned for more information.

The Education Committee is continuing its popular podcast series in 2023. Did you know the AHS Podcasts rank in the Top 25% of all podcasts and have listeners worldwide? How cool is that!

All this has been accomplished in just three months. The strength of this Society has always rested with our membership. Please, reach out to share your thoughts and ideas as well. Let’s connect soon!