The Future
While we celebrate our 40th anniversary, the Australian Stock Horse Society is in the final stages of a generational change. By the time we reach 50 years, very few, if any, of the original founders will be left guiding the destination of their much loved society. The reins will have been relinquished to the next generation.
Alisa O’ Connor
Julie Wilson
Maitland Mercury
Even today, the youngest of those pioneer members who were in their 20s or 30s are now in their 60s and 70s. What a group they have been! Their passion has driven the Australian Stock Horse Society from an idea to the largest pleasure breed organisation in Australia. They have laid a solid foundation on which the next generation can build.‘ The future of the Society is its youth,’ has long been a catch cry of the Australian Stock Horse Society. The fact that they put this idea into operation and encouraged youth, means that Youth Members now make up 15 % of the Society’ s membership, which augurs well for the future.
Many things will need to be looked at differently as times and peoples’ circumstances change. A lot of the young men that were riding horses on properties 40 years ago, their counterparts today are driving trucks and machinery in mines, but many still have the love of horses running in their veins. 40 years ago many women were stay-at-home mums. Now there are many more women in the workforce, but once again the love of horses remains. How do we cater for and gather these people to the fold? How will our overseas branches become part of the Society, and how will they help tell the story of the Australian Stock Horse internationally? The future will be challenging but exciting!
Luckily, the element that drove the first generation,‘ passion’, is just as strong in the second generation and in our youth. The love of the Australian Stock Horse is not limited to one generation, and as a matter of fact it is not limited to horse people, as was seen by the response of Australians when the horses rode out in the Opening Ceremony at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
For a successful future, an organisation must have a proud past. We must never forget our history. Tell the stories of the Waler and his exploits, the Man from Snowy River and all those other great stories whenever you can. Make sure the folklore is never lost. Think about and applaud what the first generation have done, and face the challenge of the future with determination and pride. I would like to thank the 40th Anniversary Committee who has helped run many events during this year. Congratulations to those who helped at the World Championship Show, and at the many other celebratory events at Branch, Management Council and State level.
And always remember the first motion, at the first meeting, at the Belmore Hotel in Scone:‘ That a Society be formed for the betterment of the Australian Stock Horse.’
Joy Poole Chairman of the 40th Anniversary Committee Chairman of the Board, 2011 / 2012