CJ contract.... renew or not renew.!!

[Rusel]

On 10/27/06 there was a PFHA discussion for the renewal of CJ's 3 yr contract that comes up for renewal in Jan. 2007

Here's the poll question..... given the choice would you opt for his renewal yes or no. (I don't believe the polls indicate who vote one way or the other)

Next individual answers to these questions need to be answered in a post in this thread............

1) Have you chosen a region or been assigned to a region....

2) What region do you belong to....

3) Does your region split their votes....

4) Does your region use and count proxies.....

[Terry Wallace]

Answers....
1. I chose my own region. I was not assigned one.

2. I belong to Great Western region

3. Yes, our delegate splits our votes.

4. Yes, our regoin uses & counts proxies.

The removal of CJ is LONG overdue.... JMO

[Rusel]

Thanks you Ms Terry.... this sure was an interesting meeting.... The audience was sent outside the room when they went into executive session.... You should have heard the ranting and raving (outside the room) about how "STUPID" (yep that was the word, more than once) Robin was to be doing some of the things she was doing.... ie, she couldn't let CJ go, he's over 40 and that would be discrimination...that was from some guy named Miller (still don't know who he was, but he was even more vocal than I normally am) and some of the the administration staff was sitting there agreeing with him...!!!!.... Prior to that meeting I was of the opinion that one's personal opinion was to be held in check in respect for the group as a whole. Guess what..!!!!! Doesn't that open up the doors for free rein on opinion at any public PFHA function.??? I hope,,,, I hope......

[Pasofinoguy]

Get him out of there. Let someone else do some real work for our breed.

[SandyMM]

The office of the Executive Director should be _all_ about Paso Fino horses... and if an office worker wants a Paso - s/he ought to be able to own one. Time for a change... Over 40 too old for a change - does that mean some people think his job is a lock until he feels like retiring?

[Rusel]

Gee guys..... 111 views and only 14 votes..... you gotta have some kind of opinion..... and no one will know how you voted.... lets get some numbers here.....

That means Robin has no feedback on your thoughts...!!!

Whats her incentive to run again if no one is willing to give their opinion...

Brass balls time.....

[Pasofinoguy]

No kidding I dont care how old he is. I only care about this breed. We need some new blood in that office now.

[cowboy ed]

gee, i dont know, rusel. seems like you might have an axe to grind? i am a current member of the association, but i dont really keep up with what's going on with the "inner workings". are you a current member? do you vote? attend meetings, etc? i am not really very involved, and i think i might be like a lot of people, just keep the membership thing because of registrations.

[Rusel]

And guess what Terry.... if you'll look at your magazine of about 3 months ago when they did the "know your office staff".... did you notice he's back to having his photos and statues of his Quarter Horses in the PFHA Executive Office..... Great sales motivation for individuals who come to our office and talk to CJ.... How does he entertain sponsors on promoting Paso Finos when he is promoting QH's in the PFHA office.???!!!!!

The QH, Paint and Arab associations would already had him out on his ear..... If you cannot promote the breed you represent then GET OUT..!!!

You'd think with all the kahunas living in Florida someone would have gotten peaved about it and gotten them pulled out (again).... Maybe they're just waiting for the memory of the photos to die down and then do another drive by shooting as a friendly reminder...

[Rusel]

Sandy.... does what you say mean that office staff cannot own pasos..??? Seems I heard that none of the staff owned horses at all... I didn't know they could not own pasos..???

How strange that CJ can promote QH's in his office but staff workers cannot own pasos.... How does that fly legally...???? Or has no one challanged it.... Then again with CJ doing all the hiring and firing he can work his staff however he wants...

[Rusel]

You know Ed I use to have an axe to grind.... but now I'm so into my other breed that CJ is like a sticker on an old pair of pants..... he's only a pain in the arse when I decide to wear the pants....

As to what's going on in the paso world.... I'm political by nature. I hate to see a horse as wonderful as the paso not sweep across the US because of poor handling in the association.

Your like 82% of all breed members.... you like your breed.... If you could get the horses registered without being a member, you'd never care what the association did.... But right now 12 % of the members rule the direction of the organization, because they vote. 6% feel like it is okay to be dominated by the minority (they are the minority that wants to control) the other 6% care enough about the direction of the breed that they take the time to fight for what the average American wants in a horse.

If the 6% who wants a more versatile breed recogonition would increase by another 6% we could have shows like they do in Germany.... Germany started really getting interested and showing in the breed less than 15 yrs ago.... Yet their shows have jumping classes, dressage classes, equtation classes, versatility classes..... Germany has opened it's market to Europe and they have their own organization.... They don't care what the US does anymore.... They are already past us in International sales.... Why.... their members are active.... And their pasos..... are truly versatile....!!! Go check out some of the websites and show results.... You might not understand the language but the photos say it all...

Do I vote..... no I'm not a member but not by choice.... Do I go to meetings,,, yes every one I can get to... Is my voice heard.... Yes I talk to everyone on both sides of the issues so I can understand where each side is coming from....

They actually had a good discussion on tail cutting at this last meeting that numerous latin breeders and trainers showed up for to present their case for tail cutting. They made some good points in regards to the economics of the breed and the stopping of the back yard butchering to alter tails. Opened my mind up to investigate more of the options...

Now... I am not for cutting tails.... period.... But neither am I for abortion. But I'm more for Pro Choice than against abortion and hate to think of back alley butchers.... So I have to think about would it be better to have vets overseeing or doing the tail cuts like they do for draft horses, dobermans, boxers, cocker spanials, great danes, etc... or leave it as illegal cosmetic surgery and let the back yard butchers continue to destroy horses. Or do we say the horse tail must be natural... period... like it is advertised... a totally natural horse.... This one is going to take a lot of thought on my part.... and this is just the emotional side of the issue,,, I'm not even discussing the economic impact...

[CarolU]

Hey folks, this is OBE. The BOD went into closed session and not only renewed his contract, but gave him a 4% raise. Just a month ago the Executive board voted NO raise and NOT to extend his contract.

My personal opinion is that CJ works very hard for PFHA, and he has a very hard job to do that will NEVER make everyone happy...BUT, he is stuck in one tiny corner (the BIG money one) of the world of Paso Finos...and the needs and wishes of everyone else are pretty much ignored. The web-magazine for recreational riders (yourpasofino.com) is a good example.

Now...members of PFHA only have themselves to blame. I would guess that most of the regions voted against this, but all it takes is a few big regions - voting as blocks, to carry an action. If you are in those regions, change your rules so the delegates have to split the vote and vote according to the wishes of all the members...OR become a member and send your vote to a region who does.

[Fuego]

Rusel, perhaps the lack of voting to your poll IS the response, just not the one your looking for.

Maybe alot of people are like me, they aren't trying to make money off of Paso Finos, they just want to enjoy their horses and are simply got fed up with the PFHA and couldn't honestly care less what the PFHA does or doesn't do.

I haven't been a PFHA member for several years now, BY CHOICE.
Even though I own AND show my Paso Fino, I could join the AQHA or the TWHA and get as much in return from those organizations as i do from the PFHA ..... so why bother? Life is too short. My time and money is better spent on my horse then it is fighting a small elitist group that works very hard to ensure people like me KNOW they are not welcome ( except of course, to send in my money to support that small elist group). NO THANK YOU.

I found what I'm looking for in other venues and enjoy myself and my horse. Why would I want to beat my head against a wall?

I still promote the breed, and by participating outside the PFHA, have many more oppurtunities to do so. I never pass up a chance to talk to people about the Paso Finos, their positives and negatives.

Sine the PFHA offers the vast majority Paso Fino owners the same benefits
that the AQHA would offer a Paso Fino owner, what's the point?

[PasoPerson]

I hesitated awhile before posting, but I love Paso Fino horses, I now focus on Paso Fino horses rather than regional or national leaders, but if I had more strength I would rejoin the battle. Right now I'm fighting a bigger, more important battle - with Hepatitis C, The Dragon, the silent killer.

To answer questions posted above:

1) Have you chosen a region or been assigned to a region.... I used to belong to Sunshine PFHA, from about 1995 (when I got my first horse) until 2003 (when I moved from south Florida to Ocala). Although I worked very hard for Sunshine, growing that region 10 fold, I was screwed so bad in the end that I never wanted to join anothere region. Joining opens one up to being hurt again. But, ever the Pollyanna "me", I joined Southern Regional next. Went to several meetings, then to their elections meeting. I was friends with a person who the current Prez disliked. Being her friend, somehow made me a bad person in his eyes. Talk about sickening, it was the worst meeting I've ever attended. I was personally, verbally attacked from about 2' away from my face and no one told the member who did that to stop. They all just sat there. So much for that region. One must select a region, so I switched, this time to National (used to be non-specified, which I liked better). I vote by absentee ballot. I quit showing, although it was a highlight of my life. I now just try to enjoy my horses in peace the rest of my days. I belong to Pasos for Pleasure, over 1250 hours, but have quit recording my hours because it's so long between awards. So I can't even tell you WHY I belong to PFHA. Isn't that a hoot?

2) What region do you belong to.... see above

3) Does your region split their votes.... see above

4) Does your region use and count proxies..... see above

There's a lot goes on behind closed doors in PFHA. Guess they have never heard of the Sunshine law. I can say there has been more than one attempt to oust CJ, all of which have been unsuccessful. In fact, at one time our regional rep couldn't even get CJ's contract public. So, we members who pay his salary don't even have a say-so on his contract. I believe letting CJ go was one of Robin's spoken wishes when she ran for Prez. And I think that wish was primary in getting her elected. Guess she found stuff out behind those closed doors that made it not possible for her to do. Robin, please fill me in if incorrect.

Lots of folks "know" a lot about CJ, but won't talk. It's like people live in fear of him. I do know he's from the New Orleans "Marcello family", but that doesn't mean he's Mafia, for Pete's sake.

It is true that if you work for PFHA you are not allowed to own Paso Finos. That is simply the dumbest thing I ever heard, when someone told me that. Apparently, it's to prohibit folks soliciting "special treatment" from employees. Well, can you say C-A-S-H? Duh duh duh.

Yes, every time I was at PFHA in Plant City, there was huge belt buckles and other silver awards, trophies and QH stuff around. I don't know about his office; this stuff was on the display tables around the first floor. (He's on the 2nd floor.)

The bottom line is ... if you want change, you'd better be ready to work your tail off FOR FREE for a very long time. I tried, I failed. It broke me physically and mentally. I will never work a minute again to try to fix PFHA or regional stuff. Tried at both national and regional levels, failed miserably. Found out what it's like to be used, and my mind just couldn't handle that. Sunshine owes me so many awards, awards that meant a lot to me, awards that had been promised. Think I'll ever see them? And there are many other things I used to resent, but they are all very unimportant in view of my current battle. In fact, hardly any Sunshine folks - like maybe just ONE - even keep in touch with me. I am a not-needed person, so who cares if I'm dying? Such friends - stupid me.

Sorry for the rant, but that's the bottom line from one person on why there's never enough workers out there.

[Fuego]

CJ must be doing something right ( at least for himself) considering the members just voted to give him a $4,000.00 raise ( I've read his base pay is $100,000. , not including his expense account and other perks...).

Also read that PFHA has approved a budget to host Confepaso Mundial in 2007. ( even though there is only 4 PR judges and 1 U.S. judge qualified to judge this show).

Considering the financial fiasco of hosting the Youth Mundial in the U.S. , the PFHA membership better keep their check books handy so they can pay for this outrageous extravaganza hostedfor the benefit of the Colombians.

Perhaps that's why they imposed another fee on show competitors now. This way the sheep ( ooops... meant to say membership) can pay for the Confepaso extravaganza for the Colombians in installments rather then be asked for the money all at one time in a big lump sum a week before the actual event........

[Pasogirlz]

Also read that PFHA has approved a budget to host Confepaso Mundial in 2007. ( even though there is only 4 PR judges and 1 U.S. judge qualified to judge this show).

Considering the financial fiasco of hosting the Youth Mundial in the U.S. , the PFHA membership better keep their check books handy so they can pay for this outrageous extravaganza hostedfor the benefit of the Colombians.

Perhaps that's why they imposed another fee on show competitors now. This way the sheep ( ooops... meant to say membership) can pay for the Confepaso extravaganza for the Colombians in installments rather then be asked for the money all at one time in a big lump sum a week before the actual event........

Why would you say the Mundial is for the benefit of only the Colombians? I believe that many countries (including ours) compete in this show....and it would be nice to have it here for other spectators to have a chance to view it. JMHO.

[Rusel]

The key to retaining CJ was the lack of membership vote of those individuals who wanted him gone...... why didn't they vote..???? most did not even know that a vote was coming up...!! That's your regions bylaws in action..... No information.... no spliting of the votes.... The members supposedly control the region... but only by having the bylaws that give them the power to get the votes counted....

You want CJ out.... vote.....

You don't want to support Mundial..... vote and let your voice be heard...

You don't want Alan Parker to have a controlling contract and huge commission on the auctions, make a huge demand and vote for someone we can pay a flat daily fee...

At a recent National Futurity auction Alan Parker informed the audience that the prize money for the Fino Futurity for the yearling foals shown from the upcoming sale was to be $20,000..... National Futurity prize money is split 60% 1st place... 30% 2nd place and 10% 3rd place.... Individuals purchased foals from the sale with this prize money in mind.

When the owner of the winning Fino Futurity colt went to get her money it wasn't ready..... $12,000.... she went to the auction and purchased another foal for the next Furturity based on her income from the winnings.
Whe she received her check it was for $1,400... which was the percentage of actual profit made by the auction.... Is Parker responsible for his part in the error..... not according to his contract...

Why was the amount so much less than former years...??? The farms that usually put horses in the auction found out that PFHA was opening up the auction for future Pleasure and Performance Futurities. Hence their chance of receiving the larger bids for their horses was less... so they pulled (or did not add) their horses to the sale... This was from first hand conversation around the coffee pot and also indicated that some owners will not put any more horses in the auction if the other 2 futurities are supported by PFHA.....

Amazing that the vote actually passed for all 3 classes in the Futurities.... at least for 2007 at a cost of $60,000 minus whatever percentage is acquired by the auction..... And the percentage would be a LOT, LOT, LOT more (did I say LOT)... if we paid a daily rate instead of a commission for the auctioneer...

Did the owners of the winning colt get any action from the PFHA in regards to error and misdirection of their hired auctioneer.... The vote by the BOD majority was not to reach an agreement for compensation. So in affect the winners will now have to sue PFHA and each region (depending to how they voted) to collect what she feels she is owed.... MY PERSONAL OPINION.... always cheaper to neogaite and keep good will than to play hard ball and let the members pay the attorney fees.... BUT AGAIN... it's how your representative voted at the BOD....

So even tho you don't want to get involved and voice your opinion..... you still pay, due to lack of participation....

Why do I care.... why do I gripe.... why do I participate....

If the majority of all the marketing, show classes, advertising is geared to the Fino / Performance horses the US paso fino will NEVER gain the nationwide acceptance that the Germans already have in Europe in less than 15 yrs... What little is shown on TV is a high percentage FINO.... and the effort to demostrate the versatility and the ability is shortchanged by not showing the paso competing in the actual events and sancationed competition. I've seen some GOOD reining pasos... team penning pasos and barrel pasos... Do they compete in sanctioned shows.... NO..... They need to get out there.... even if they don't win against horses bred for the sport, they'll still be seen in competition..... and just maybe someone will decide to really train them for such....

What does that matter..!!!!.. Why should you have to sell a horse for $2,500 because the Breed Association does not market your style of horse to the best of their abilities... The Pleasure Paso makes up the largest market and largest income in registration fees and gets the lowest return for their buck..... But hey.... don't holler.... your breed association will actually let you pay top dollar for that piece of paper so you can get your $2,500.... while that non performing fino will still pull at least $15,000 because of his sire's name.... A NAME THAT HE GOT BECAUSE THERE WAS COMPETITION THAT COULD DISPLAY HIS TALENT..!!!!

DANG.... THAT WAS A LONG ONE EVEN FOR ME....!!! Guess I'll go back to my hole now and come back out in January..... maybe...

[Pasogirlz]

Why do I care.... why do I gripe.... why do I participate....


My question is why did you wait until after the meeting to tell ppl to get out there and vote on these issues? You obviously knew about them and could have riled everyone up before it was too late....which unfortunately it is now. ;-)

[Ginger]

Oh, SNAP! That's like five hit points right there, yo.

[Rusel]

Actually that was a choice..... But there were several reasons for waiting..

1) The biggest... by time I was made aware there was no time for members to make changes in their bylaws to allow for split voting. And it was the lack of split voting that allowed the renewal of CJ's contract.. So you could have yelled all you wanted too but it would have been to late.... Changing bylaws and getting them okayed takes time....

2) So I kept my mouth shut to see how the voting went. In my mind it was a possible win / win situtation.... If CJ was not renewed then all of Robins efforts to honor the wishes of a majority of members would come to pass.

2 Florida regions that had agreed to split votes did not do so.... And THAT was "hot conversation" in the hallway after the vote... So the majority did not win...... Hummmm another Florida vote in question.... just wait til Nov 7th.... this state will again be on the news...!!!

3) If CJ won then the vote could be used as a catalyst to inform members how they could make the changes in their regional bylaws and what was actually going on with the association...

4) If the information you received in these posts makes you think enough and get dis-satisfied with your lack of being informed, and learning that your one vote doesn't count with the way your current regional boards are set up.... then the major change that is needed in this whole organization may take place. If that becomes true then even tho the one battle was lost the major war was won...!!!!

Robin is doing all she can. But there are few in the general membership who care enough to watch her back and support the direction YOU have asked her to go... Like Pasoperson says.... why bother when it is not only unappreciated, but unsupported...

[Pasogirlz]

Like Pasogirl says.... why bother when it is not only unappreciated, but unsupported...

Unfortunately...I have found this true for many things in this breed.
I lot of complaining goes on...but no one likes to actually do something to make a real difference and get'er done.

You are right...by laws take a long time to change....so get to writing NOW. Don't wait. We are gonna do the same thing w/the J tails. :roll:

[Fuego]

It's yet ANOTHER rainy day here and I have too much time on my hands today....

Mostly my comments are directed mostly towards the folks disgruntled with the PFHA. If there were enough people that actually cared and wanted to do something to create a change for this breed, there'd already be another breed association that represented the members and the breed in a manner that those members wished. One thing I've observed for the past 10 years, the PFHA is CONSISTANT. Why spend so much energy trying to change an organization that doesn't WANT to change. Wouldn't the time , money, and personal effort be better spent creating what you do want?

I know, a new organization will hurt the PFHA and the breed.... HOGWASH!! Has the PPR or Pinto Paso or ATTA organizations hurt the Paso Fino breed?

The only area that would be hurt if the guestimated 80% of current PFHA Paso owners (uninterested in the current breed show venue) directed their money somewhere else, is the current show venue, which they aren't interested in anyway. Hmmmmmmm.......

For the vast minority of Paso Fino owners in the U.S. that enjoy the current PFHA shows ( that heavily favors small Colombian style fino Pasos), the PFHA is a GREAT organization.

Why the off hand comment about Mundial being for the Colombians? Colombian horses, Colombian judges, Colombian rules.... but all can participate, I do realize that.
Not meant to be disparaging in any way to the Colombian people or horses in anyway. I enjoy both. Just a perspective, not a judgement.
I have no doubt that there will be a lot of top quality people and Paso Finos at the Mundial, and it will be a spectacular event for competitors and spectators and fans of the Paso Fino horses. I'm sure NO expense will be spared. But it will still only highlight one small aspect of what this noble breed is in the U.S.

But if the PFHA has chosen to follow the Colombian influence of this breed ( which is perfectly fine to do), why wouldn't the PHFA sponsor ( cover any related costs) U.S. judges to get qualified as ConfePaso judges? Especially if the PFHA is going to participate in this organization and to host the show, I think it only appropriate ( and good business) that PFHA would be well represented on the panel of judges. But hey, I'm not a CEO or ED. What do I know...

The PFHA has spoken loud and clear once again. As an organization, they are not only content with the job that CJ does, but quite happy with with his performance and direction for this organization ( they VOTED to give him a raise). I'm not going argue the facts.
There are countless horse organizations that have nothing to offer me and my Paso Fino. The PFHA is just another one.

We have PFHA Paso Fino horses competing in dressage, endurance, team penning, barrels, jumping, etc.... go to a PFHA show and nearly every class is the same hyper pony scurrying around the ring and the highlights of the show are watching and trying to predict which horse is going to explode out of control next.
Unless of course you prefer the current venue, in which case you'll see the absolute very best horses this breed has to offer. Again just perspective, not judgement. I realize some people would find superbly gaited Paso Finos chasing a cow or running like a QH around barrels or dodging poles an appalling abuse of a Paso Fino.

5 even 10 years from now, we'll be seeing the same complaints from the same people, still be talking about tail mutilation but not actually doing anythinng about it, horses not performing the pf gait will still win Nat'l titles, etc...

Instead of insisting the PFHA is wrong ( when it seems quite happy with the way things are) why not admit that YOU made a mistake and joined and continue to support an organization that serves you no function?

If your prefernce is the current PFHA show venue and the one type of Paso Fino they promote, then by all means, be an active member and support the PFHA. You are who the organization exist for.

Owning a Paso Fino does not make membershihp in the PFHA mandatory.This is still the U.S. of A. Being a member of the PFHA and supporting it financially is YOUR individual CHOICE.

I bet I'm not the only one praying for sunny day in Kentucky anymore......

[Rusel]

In my mind.... The most intelligent answer to a long lingering problem.... Even suggested same about 4 yrs ago... to no results....

The American Paso Fino Pleasure Horse Association is STILL alive and well. This is an association that was prior to the creation of PFHA.
1-412-437-5170

They have all the functions and requirements of a registry but do not hold shows. You could do like the Arab breeders do. Make your shows thru a separate association and use the registery for validation of registry compliance.

They ARE GROWING..!!!

PFHA is aware that they are growing. That's why in their new brochures they indicate that the PFHA is the "only" association that .....????? and here my mind fails me.... but if someone can look it up in the brochure that was avaiable at the meeting and post the info....

Would not hurt to be double registered.... increase sales... and if the pleasure horses jumped the PFHA ship it might be good for ALL Pleasure paso owners....

[Pasogirlz]

IMHO....all these threads say to me is.....don't be mad at PFHA...be mad at all the members and regions who did not participate, go to the meetings and stay current on things important to them. If all the members or ppl interested would be active I think it would help greatly. But instead you all complain about the minority (who DO go to the meetings and vote) voting the way THEY want...well what did you expect them to do?

Or better yet...what is stopping you from starting your own association? It's easy right?

[Helene]

A new association...maybe a good idea....Pleasure Paso Finos. I would go for that.
PFHA shows...there are none in this region anymore, anyway, I think. Maybe, we could have FUN with our horses here, in our region. Maybe, just maybe, we could put on some shows where we could spend money on cash payouts, prizes, etc, instead of flights for judges, fees, more fees, etc. Maybe, we could make up rules, classes, dress code, music, etc instead of "same, ol same o"....
Something to think about.....

[Ginger]

The American Paso Fino Pleasure Horse Association is STILL alive and well.

... Really? Alive and well as in... this is only like the second time in ten years I've heard them mentioned?

[Terry Wallace]

A few of us have been kicking around the idea of a new Paso Fino assoc.
There is more & more interest brewing....it would be one with a grading system in place. A grading system for breeding stock...long overdue in this breed! If it don't gait and don't meet the breed standard..it doesn't get bred.

Enough of this breeding by bloodline with no regard for type or gait.....JMO

[Bonnie M]

The American Paso Fino Pleasure Horse Association is STILL alive and well.

So how do we go about getting information on this association?

Do they have a website up or any literature that they send out?

[Moniece Dickerson]

Rusel,are you talking about the American Paso Fino Horse Association Inc. out of Pittsburgh,PA.?I think if they were to start genitic testing and coming up with programs and awards directed towards the trail rider and average paso fino owner they WOULD become very popular but without that they'll stay like they are and unheard of.Has anyone contacted them to find out if they would be open to expanding?Your friend,Moniece

[PasoPerson]

Here's a portion of the Southern Regional minutes from their October general membership meeting. It gives a different perspective on some of what's been said above.

---

SPUD introduced Tony Coleman, Treasurer of PFHA. Tony gave talk on how PFHA operates. The budget for 2006 is $2,000.000 and is balanced.
CLAYTON made a motion that we accept the budget except for the futurity portion.
SPUD said the self-supporting Fino futurity has been in effect. We should have a performance futurity and a pleasure futurity. Spud explained how the futurity money was split.
CLAYTON changed his motion: Accept budget as written. Show of hands vote taken. 34 for; 0 opposed.
SPUD. Should C.J. Marcello’s contract be renewed for an additional 3 years? The content of the contract isn’t being revised.
TONY. There has been a major contract violation. C.J. was entitled to a performance review before September 30. He was not given one. The Executive Committee met on September 27 after months of research. On
October 5 the PFHA Executive Committee told C.J. he wasn’t getting an increase; his performance was unsatisfactory. The vote by the E.C. was 4 to 3. Litigation will be C.J.’s response.
MARCIA WILSON. What does Spud think about C.J.?
SPUD. Pro: C.J. is above reproach financially. Against: Poor people skills; inflexible.
SHEILA SPENCE. She has been in the breed for 20 years and was on the Executive Committee. C.J. came into PFHA and turned a struggling little entity into a big, efficient organization. He took the iniative in buying the
building in Plant City. C.J. enforces the rules without prejudice. The people on the Executive Committee who voted against C.J. were appointed, not elected.
DICK MILLER. C.J. has saved the day many times. He has been given consistant raises and mostly good reviews. He takes the blame for everything that goes wrong.
SPUD. Asked members of the Executive Committee who voted against C.J. why they voted that way. Two of them said. “It’s time for a change”. No other reason.
CLAYTON. C.J. has always been a good resource. He doesn’t always say what Clayton wants to hear, but he is always right.
SPUD. C.J. is Vice President of Confepaso. He is the first non-Spanish officer. He will be elevated to President.
LINDSAY CAMPBELL. While C.J. has gotten the finances of PFHA straightened out, she would like a “warmer, fuzzier” person in C.J.’s position and would like to avoid the politics which go on. People who are pleasure and endurance riders complain that calls to PFHA aren’t returned.
CATHY MAULSBY. PFHA needs more people to handle the business of the 80 per cent of members who don’t show.
CLAYTON. Made a motion that Southern Region vote to renew C.J.’s contract. Seconded by Sheila Spence.
MARCIA WILSON. We have a lot of big problems coming up the road. C.J. can handle all of them. Switching now wouldn’t be good business. C.J. hasn’t been properly warned. If we’re going to let him go, we need to plan
a strategy very carefully.
ALEI ORTIZ. C.J. instituted the $395 fee for late entering of certain classes. The fee has made a lot of money for PFHA over the years. There needs to be two committees in PFHA: One for the trail riders and one for the people who show.
ROSEANNE GARCIA. C.J. isn’t the one to blame for the problems. The Board and the Executive Committee are to blame and there are personal vendettas.
VOTE: A standup vote was taken There were 11 votes against and the rest were for. Motion to retain C.J. Marcello carried.
---

[Candice Burger]

You bother for the BREED! Or did I miss something?

[PasoPerson]

Sorry, too sick for a few days to get online. Here I am again, now, though.

Candace, are you talking to me? Didn't understand your post if you were. Sorry.

[Candice Burger]

Not a thing. It's meant for ALL of us that own paso finos.

Sure, I've come full circle too. Worked my tail off for what??? Quit showing, quit going to meetings, quit PFHA and almost quit the breed. That's how mad I was and STILL am!!!

Hopefully, I'm angry for the "right" reasons now. Because I care about the future of this breed in this country.

Honestly, as cynical, downright PO'd as I am about all the junk that goes on in PFHA, I swear I was possessed during the night. Something just broke in me. I realized I had quit caring about the wrong thing--about the horses and what they meant to me. If they're that important to me, why be quiet about it? Why stop working for what I believe to be true for me?

I believe in this horse. I believe in ALL of the paso finos. I believe the worst paso is still BETTER than 90% of any other breed out there. I believe our breed can't get any better but the people can! I'm not going to let some dunderhead PFHA-er or the like stop me and my beliefs--the one most important thing in my life.

As my boss used to say to me, "Don't come to me with a problem unless you have a solution" [or you are part of the problem]. I may not know what the answer is yet, but I'm willing to give it a whirl and find it.

[motorgypsy]

If it weren't for this breed we wouldn't be riding. It's that simple. This IS a breed that the average person can ride with pleasure and safety. Why else would we go out in front of hundreds of people and make total fools of ourselves riding in the largo race??? Because we CAN and that's what makes our horses amazing. So of course we "do it for the breed"!! We sure don't do it for the money (been poor, been pretty well off - not a lot of difference - you just drive a better car!) nor do we do it for the blue ribbons - we have bags and bags of blue ribbons. There is just something very special about this particular breed. We love them all but you don't see us riding them all - cause we can't. We'd get maimed or killed if we tried!!