2016 Miniature Horse WORLD Issues Feb/March 2016 | Page 4

Miniature Horse World HORSES • COWS GOATS • SHEEP The Official Publication Of The American Miniature Horse Association “Hoof Trimming Just Got Easier” editor’s notes by Melissa Powell A Better Hoof Health Hassle Free Trimming Smoother Results Easy & Pain-Free Lightweight & Durable s you read this issue, many dedicated AMHA members are embarking to the Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida. With all the unrest in the horse industry (and the world around us) it may seem the fate of the AMHA hangs in the balance and in some respect it does. There are many strong personal feelings about what the AMHA needs to be and as a member-run organization, every member should feel they DO have a voice regarding which path is chosen. I hope many of you made your voices heard by speaking to the Directors in your region (and if not, do it today!). Hearing the opinions of many members is the only way to truly understand what direction the industry needs to be channeled. Lessons learned in my own daily dose of barn time come to mind during times like these. Equine herd dynamics, subtle communication skills and their ability to understand each other’s emotions with just a glance continues to astound me. Case in point my neighbor’s mare and gelding who have cohabited for years. Upon first glance, you might think the mare is large and in charge – the dominate force to be reckoned with as she flattens her ears and lashes out with her heels when a perceived threat is near. But truth be told the older gelding is the glue that holds these two together. He patiently waits while she walks through the barn gate first; he gives her a wide berth and allows her to choose the “best” hay pile while he takes what is left. Yet it’s the gelding who initiates their daily grooming sessions by nickering to her and if the two are separated, it’s the mare who panics and balks until he is again within eyesight. She needs him! Equine order is tough- violent at times, yet compassionate and understanding in times of trouble. 877-320-8203 ElectricHoofKnife.US 2 Miniature Horse World F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 6 We might all benefit from a reminder of how herd dynamics work. Yes, there will be those who appear to be in charge, yet those with a gentle, understanding quiet demeanor can influence and sway many more people into their way of thinking. Now more than ever AMHA members need each other. YOU and everything YOU do with your Miniature matters! In upcoming issues, we hope to continue to shine the spotlight on all the activities your AMHA horse participates in. Tell us what you’ve been up to…email me at [email protected] and see your horse in print! Until next time. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President- Sid Hutchcraft Vice President- Al Bulgawicz Treasurer- Clair Severson Secretary- Julie Good Director at Large- Harry Elder DIRECTORS Region 1: Laurie Slobody Region 2: Julie Good Region 3: Darlene Bridges Region 4: Sid Hutchcraft, Gary Owen Region 5: H. Joe Kahre Region 6: Allison Rosauer, Al Bulgawicz Region 7: Clair Severson Region 8: Joanne Ross Region 9: Bob Kane, Julianna Myers Region 10: Heather Ward Region 11: Gene Baynham Region 12: Frank Lupton Region 13: Harry Elder Miniature Horse World Editor: Melissa Powell Graphic Designer: Rebekah Petty Little Printer: Four Color Press Miniature Horse World (USPS 021571), official publication of the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA), is published bimonthly at 5601 S Interstate 35W, Alvarado, TX 76009. Periodicals Postage Paid at Alvarado Post Office, Alvarado, TX 7600 H[