AQHA September/October 2015 Magazine | Page 17

Directors Reports 2014/2015 PRESIDENTS REPORT Pauline Stuart-Fox This year has been an active one for the AQHA. The 2014 successful Youth World Cup Team returned from the USA in July with a third place in this International Competition that was contested by 16 nations. Solar panels were installed at the office in Tamworth earlier this year, and this investment will pay off in the future with a diminishment in the cost of power to the office of approximately three quarters of the current cost. Pre payments have been made to secure AELEC as the venue for the 2016 American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup, which is being hosted there in 2016 by AQHA. Already there has been a lot of work done in booking accommodation, activities and meal venues, as well as seeking sponsorship for this large production. Running from June 23 to July 3, 2016, there are 13 nations committed to attend. It is a mammoth production to pull together, and the office and Directors of the AQHA are working hard to ensure its success. With the help of members in supplying the 80 odd horses, the tack and horse rugs required, we have no doubt this shall be a great event. An Oceania Judge’s seminar held in early July, conducted by tutors from the American Quarter Horse Association, was avidly supported by membership, and 13 applicants sat for their Oceania ticket. The successful applicants shall be able to judge American Quarter Horse shows in Japan, China, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, as well as AQHA shows in Australia. Six members sat for their AQHA Judges Associate ticket and four applicants sat their upgrade from Associate to Accredited Australian tickets, and some interested members attended just for interest and information. The projected budget for this financial year was conservative, and with care on the part of Directors, and the office showing a constriction in expenses, the bottom line has come in with a profit, meeting expectations. Breeding returns are up so far this year on last and great confidence in the showing industry has been shown by a 15% increase in entries at Q15. The website was updated in March, and has proven to be extremely popular, with over 1.2 million hits. With all information that both members and interested Quarter Horse enthusiasts need, it is proving to be the "place to go" to keep up to date. This shall be my last report, as I shall not be re-standing for the Board. It has been an absolute honour to be your President, International Director, and Director of the Association that represents the welfare of the horse about which I am passionate, and the equally passionate people involved in the Quarter Horse community. TREASURERS REPORT Patricia Wettenhall Three (3) significant factors have returned a positive outcome to the end of the year’s financials. Breeding returns are up by 23.46%, Registrations 10.44% and Transfers by 12.5%. Memberships are slightly down by 4.3%. An increase in breeding returns should return a further increase in registrations in the 2015/2016 financial year. The expenses ran true to budget and the Association returned a profit of $105,034. The General Manager, Carol Ricketts has again been extremely diligent in her monthly reports to the Treasurer and Board, keeping a tight rein, excuse the pun, on spending in tight economic times. To have achieved a positive outcome at the end of year financial reporting is outstanding. We thank Carol and Company Accounts Coordinator, David Dell, for their dedication and diligence to the company accounts. September • October 2015 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine Page 17