PG . 24
AMATEUR DIVISION
HELLO FELLOW AMATEURS
So much is happening in our Showing and Training world . We are back in full swing , and loving every precious minute of working and succeeding with our ponies , and catching up with our extended Show family .
Where to begin . I believe personal and realistic conversations are always a solid start .
I decided to re-enter our amazingly supportive industry by attending the amazing ‘ Summer Sizzler ’ event in Victoria and ‘ NPHA ’ in NSW after extensive lockdown interruptions .
WOW , it was like stepping back into those old , comfortable riding boots . The ones you thought needed to be retired , but you could never throw them out , due to their comfort , support and nostalgia . The riders , show managers , judges and spectators were welcoming , supportive and inclusive in every aspect – I felt like I was home again .
• Make sure I make one person a day smile
• Be a better loser than winner
• Wear our school uniform when competing ( this did not happen , but I wore it proudly outside the arena )
• Live by our classroom motto , it is great to FAIL
• Send messages and photos back to our classroom everyday
• Be the best role model for other people
• Share my knowledge and expertise
Education and being a positive role model are vital for our children , students and ‘ newbies ’ to our industry . Every trainer , judge and competitor must remember , someone is always watching . I reported back to 5 / 6G with the issues that I had faced throughout my adventures at both events and we discussed how I could have managed each situation to ensure I met the above expectations .
Then I started to think about the journey and how we needed to think about all the people that allow us to follow our dreams .
To attend any major event , so many things must be aligned for an Amateur to attend a Show / Event . We have to ensure our family ( husband or wife that feeds our animals and nurtures our children ) and friends can maintain ‘ the fort ’ whilst we are away . Trainers must prepare us mentally and physically to be ‘ Show ready ’ and ‘ leave ’ must be attained from our employers .
For me , it started by applying for long service leave and my school ( Whittlesea Primary School ) were amazing , considering the current issue of teacher shortages . Then I needed to speak with 25 amazing Year 5 / 6 students , as my absence could cause concern and uncertainty in their learning journey ( even though every lesson was planned prior to my absence ). At Whittlesea Primary School , we constantly encourage student agency ( when teachers and students become co-creators in the teaching-andlearning process ). A classroom meeting was held , and the rules or expectations that must be followed were clearly developed for me .
Expectations developed by 5 / 6G Whittlesea Primary School
• Sportsmanship and etiquette must be adhered to at all times , even in challenging circumstances
• Make sure I look after ‘ Wodger ’ at all times ( he has become a classroom mascot )
• Help anybody that needs my assistance without hesitation
• Always have a positive mindset in all situations
Probably to sum up my student ’ s overall message to the world – do your best , help everyone to succeed and respect yourself and other people . Everything is an educational learning opportunity , remember the old saying “ it is about the journey , not the destination ’. Make the decision to be kind . Congratulations to our Team Challenge winners in our State Shows ( always a fun event and a great way to meet other Amateurs ).
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Renewal of membership ( sent by the AQHA )
• Amateur survey will be sent in the new future , the Committee need your feedback
• Amateur Division AGM
• Amateur Division Committee Nomination Forms available on the AQHA Website / Facebook platform
2021 / 2022 AQHA AMATEUR DIVISION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT : Leonie Gorski E : leonter @ bigpond . com P : 0409 903 133
DEPUTY PRESIDENT / TREASURER : Yasmin Lee-Steere E : yasminleesteere @ gmail . com P : 0419 992 599
VICE PRESIDENT : Janet Mansley E : janet @ heritagefunerals . com . au P : 0407 519 667
SECRETARY : Carol Elliott E : laketyrell @ gmail . com P : 0419 911 273
COMMITTEE : 2021-2022 Lynda Cavallo E : lyndahorse @ gmail . com P : 0407 542691 Jodie Jakubenko E : jodij @ atwgroup . com . au P : 0401 292 843 Carol Ahern E : Phoenixpark53 @ gmail . com P : 0419 879 105 Justine Jones E : juzjones3623 @ gmail . com P : 0409 318 178
“ A Great Horse will change your life . The Special Ones define It …..”
AMATEUR DIVISION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA Thursday 27th October 2022 , 8pm VIA Zoom
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU