Show Tax

[SandyMM]

Here's my response to the creator of the proposal for the show tax:

To: -------------:
This quote attributed to you was sent to me via email - if it is not an accurate quote, please let me know and I will revoke the following comments.


>>I had the opportunity to sit in on a finance committee meeting held during the Nationals at which time the committee was at its wits end on which budget items to cut thousands of dollars. A discussion ensued on the fact that the Association is always trying to cut, cut, cut, and never thinks on how to increase the income. I suggested that the fee structure needs to be looked at and in doing so, the idea for a one time charge to show come about. This charge would be less onerous for the members (and there are a lot of them) who do not show at all (and there are a lot of them) and a way of increasing the income of the Association. In addition, the $100.00 show fee for professional trainers is more than fair because they make a living from the Association and should pay a little more than the average member.<<


First - let me say that I am no stranger to the Paso associations - I started with Paso Finos in this country in the late 60s in APF, belonged to PFOBA, and my PFHA membership # is 737. I voted in my local region in the early 70s to join the new PFOBA Association and make the break from APF in order to promote A Paso Fino suitable for the American market. I have seen a lot of changes - some good - many bad.

I find the concept of charging exhibitors a tax for the right to show - IN ADDITION TO CLASS FEES - to be extremely abhorrent, especially since it makes several irritating and erroneous assumptions.

Here's what's wrong with it in my oppinion:

1. The 'show tax' is 'needed' so other items won't be cut? Sooo - PFHA needs more money, but the board not only rehired, but gave the executive director a raise? Doesn't matter how much or how little a raise - perception is everything - especially with an executive director who is so unpopular with so many of the 85% majority of PFHA members who do not show.

2. The 'show tax' denotes only 2 classes of exhibitors: A/O and Professionals (who 'make their living from the Association') - no consideration for or mention of 'backyard' or part-time 'pros' who have no Paso clients to pass along the cost to, but - on a very limited budget - show their own Pasos and support their region's one or two yearly shows through entry fees, sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism.

3. The assumption that members who currently don't show will find the tax 'less onerous' because they won't have to pay it - a remarkable 'disincentive' for them to begin showing.

4. The sneaking suspicion that somewhere in here is an attempt to bar A/O exhibitors from 'OPEN' classes by pushing to designate them as 'Pro-only' - simply because the 'Pros' (clients) paid for the privilege.

When proposing this additional financial burden, what study/consideration was given to the impact - especially on the smaller regions - of shows heavily supported through the entries, sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism of part-time 'trainers' who may only barely be barred as A/O exhibitors under the strictest interpretations of the rules?

This short term decision to squeeze out a few more dollars from the membership is yet another reason that former members don't renew - except to possibly register or transfer a horse.

At best, this is a shortsighted idea that obviously did not explore the full ramifications of its institution, completely ignoring all but the A/O and full-time professional trainers.

As owners look at the best value for their dollars, it is becoming increasingly clear that PFHA does not have the majority of members and small Paso owners'/breeders'/trainers' best interests in mind. And, although individual members may have a small stake in the overall picture, their combined show/entry/advertising dollars and volunteered time may be best spent elsewhere to promote the breed.

More and more small owners/breeders/trainers are turning to local non-Paso shows to promote the type of Paso they prefer while the numbers of Paso entries at sponsored shows dwindle every year. This decline in entries was very noticeable at the 2006 Nationals where a significant decrease in entries was noted for the 3rd consecutive year. There were no storms this year to take down the numbers - just the realization by many that they could live without Nationals.... Another hallmark of the continuing decline - vendors were fewer and did poorly overall - some actualy _lost_ money at what should have been the biggest/most profitable show of the year... a sure sign of lessening numbers and interest by spectators and exhibitors alike.

Compare this with one of the most entertaining and value-added events we attended this year - a non-pointed, well-attended Paso fun show put on by Everglades PFHA. All Pasos - registered or not - and their owners were welcomed. Hiring one judge and providing exhibitor amenities (short, useful clinics and non-class competitions that highlighted the Pasos' usefulness as an all-around mount) at a reasonable price went a _long_ way toward providing participants with a positive experience. The show was a well-received one day affair and a moneymaker for the club. I would choose this type of show over a PFHA-pointed show anytime. It is definitely what I want in support and promotion from my association and regional group - an opportunity to showcase my horses to like-minded people/owners/potential buyers while having fun myself. We will make every effort to support local/regional events like this.

If PFHA really wants to make more money through the show exhibitors, it should find a way to encourage participation, not discourage it! More participation is the key to more income and there are literally thousands of PFHA members who do not currently show who could easily become financially contributing members if they were made welcome and the 'price was right'. Unfortunately, the 'show tax' is yet another major roadblock to encouraging participation from both disenfranchised current members and new members. It is simply a major disincentive. Just like _lowering_ taxes encourages spending, _lowering_ show fees/expenses would encourage more and new exhibitors - with a resulting rise in overall income. PFHA's shortsighted adoption of the show tax is a major step in the wrong direction!

Signed,
Sandy Mixson #737

[LynnG]

Excellent job Sandy!

[Terry Wallace]

Way to GO Sandy!!

I don't think I'll be renewing my membership, I believe I will be done with PFHA and their greedy ways with members. Now, not only must I pay $75.00 for a membership, but also another $100.00 for what...maybe one or two PFHA shows a year out here? NO THANKS.....

The new Gaited Horse Club of Colorado is looking pretty good to me right now!

[GregM]

It seems to me that if they really needed more of my money (for what? absolutely no mention of that) that it would have been much less costly in PR terms to just raise everybody's dues $5. Much less fuss and should raise a little more than the $32k this mess might bring in.
If I don't enter the A/O classes, just the Open, and I'm not a professional trainer, I don't pay either fee, right? Hmmm...:D

[moonrize]

Good letter Sandy! I agree wholeheartedly.

[lalecl]

BUMP

[Candice Burger]

http://www.smileyhut.com/excited/clap.gifhttp://www.smileyhut.com/excited/clap.gifhttp://www.smileyhut.com/excited/clap.gifhttp://www.smileyhut.com/excited/clap.gifhttp://www.smileyhut.com/excited/clap.gif

Well done and well said Sandy! Where I can I find the list of members in the financial committee? Maybe a letter campaign to all of them is justified. And all the BOD too that voted for this!

I said the same thing Greg and now it's being suggested that it's either you are one or the other. By PFHA rules they cannot do this! I cannot be forced into professional status by the definition of what PFHA calls a professional. Same applies for A/O status there are rules to be followed! I cannot be forced into A/O status just because I'm not a professional. PFHA will be breaking their own rules to get the fee!

This is why I'm so peeved at PFHA! They suggest these rules, pass them, and without bothering to have oversight so that it's implemented (if it can be) logically. That's why the tail cutting issue is never put to bed.

PFHA needs procedural rules for rule change! I know that sounds inane, but this is why PFHA loses members because there is no way to test the rule to see if it can be implemented or enforced.

[Pasolady]

Bravo Sandy..hope you send this to the PFHWorld Letters to the editor, to our BOD and to the financial committee. We also need an influx of letters to the editor voicing our objections to this tax. ..I'll be happy so send my objections.

I'm totally confused, if I pay the AO tax may I still show in the open classes without a Payment to the pro tax? Is this fee for each and every show? Is this a one time fee? a yearly fee? I'm appalled that the board would put such a financial burden on anyone, professional or amateur. It costs a fortune to show as it is without this new FEE/TAX.

Joni B. Gage

[britzlove]

Way to go Sandy! Excellent supported letter....so many should be so prepared.

I'm confused about all of this...and I've said so plenty. What about all the people who aren't even contacted about their opinions? Seems to me they'll be supporting it because they didn't know....I sure don't want to pay anymore than already necessary to show if I ever get there...everything's so high anyway.

Kind of reminds me of what's going on in the country...the supportive majority is being unfortunatly ignored. Can the 15% show membership support the entire organization? I almost think like Terry said...it may be time for some kind of split where all Paso Fino lovers can feel comfortable.
I'm a newbie...if I didn't have this board....where do I fit in?

Britz

[lisa l aka marci]

This is good - I've tried 2x now to send an inquiry to PFHA off their site, but the forms don't work. Guess I'll have to email marketing since that is the only email I have!

Here is what I was trying to send;

Clarification on the new 'show tax' - if I am not listed as an A/O and only show in Specialty classes, would I then be charged as a Professional? Will people now be required to declare themselves a Pro or A/O? Thank you, Lisa

[Candice Burger]

I saw that the voting mechanism is by popular vote. So a BOD, depending if the votes are split or not can have allot of power by "representing" his region. The split was about 2/3 votes for the tax with, of course, the Florida regions weighing in heavily.

Seems to me there's part of the problem right there.

[CarolU]

Candice, there has been a proposal in the past, and I'm sure it will rise again, to change the PFHA BOD voting to one region = one vote. It would level the playing field in BOD meetings, and the big regions would only wield ALMIGHTY power during membership meetings when all members votes must count.

So far, I've seen it proposed twice. It failed both times. The bad part is that the big regions with all those votes are the very reason it won't happen. They don't want to give up all their power.

[Notorio]

How would everyone feel if we had classes with the other natural gaited horses? I have contacted the United Mountain Horse Association, which represents the Rocky Mtn, Spotted Mtn, Ky Mtn, and Mtn Horses, and asked would they be interested in having Paso classes with them. They show all over the states and mainly the Midwest. Just think if we could hook up and have classes together. We will both be promoting the natural gaited horse. They have several PFHA judges that also are UMHA judges.

I believe PFHA needs to look at this group and see how they have marketed their horses. They have done an exceptional job. Their horses are easily sold.

I would like some feedback to see if we should pursue this. The UMHA is building a HUGE show facility in Winchester, KY. They are planning a 3 day event and was wanting to know if the Paso group would be interested.

I believe the Pasos are such great horses and we just end up selling the horses to another Paso owner. We need to get out there with the other breeds so people can see what we are.

I believe the entry fees at these shows are around $30 dollars a class not per judge with PAYBACK and sometimes a TROPHY!! The stud fees on these horses are around $300 to $500. This is for their very best stallions. And you can advertise in their magazine full color page for $300.

Whatcha think? :razz:

[Laura S]

I would go to an all gaited show if it was in my area and cheaper than a PFHA show. I never plan to go to nationals so could care less about show points. And the Everglades Fun Show sounds like a blast!! I hope that type of show/activity catches on to other regions!!

[SandyMM]

Received a quick response from Robin Ratliff re: the emails I sent re: show tax. She forwarded them (had a long and short version) to the Exec Committee and to the regions - so you may be seeing my response passed around.

Individual time taken to respond to this _will_ be noticed!

Please note - Robin had to leave the meeting at Nationals for a while and it was during her absence that the proposal for the 'show tax' was presented... coincidence?

_Now_ is the time for recreational riders to speak directly to all national 'powers' to let them know why you have stopped showing and and what it would take to get you back. Show entries are droppping, so show revenues are dropping. One region offers $1000 to the high point trainer at their regional show. Why not offer $50-35-25 to the top 3 places of the championships, specialty classes, and maybe 5 other randomly chosen classes? What a great way to invite more exhibitors and more entries - way better odds than trying to win a raffle! Have a Jackpot Largo Race with several places paid out - multiple payouts are more encouraging to entrants than a single pay-out any day. Don't have a $1000 to give away? Raffle a 'free show' - winner gets all entries/stall/bedding paid for a pre-designated horse.

We don't need a 'show tax', we need shows that represent the horses that 85% of the membership prefers. Keep the 'show horses' - 15% of the membership seems to prefer them, but apparently they are no longer carrying the bulk of financial stability that has been the reason they have been deemed so important by the national office. Coincidence or are people finally realizing that the _vast_ majority of Paso owners could car eless about 'tight and quick' and instead prefer 'elegant, SMOOTH, and useful'?

PFHA could significantly increase its financial take from pointed shows if recreational and disenfranchised owners/riders had a reasonable expectation of participating in a show where they felt respected and where our types of horses could be shown to their best advantage.

This 'show tax' could be the backbreaking straw or it could be a catalyst for recreational owners/riders to stand up and make their voices heard - individually and loudly.

PFHA had better make a massive effort to incorporate the 85% of membership or many of them will be trickling away - along with disillusioned exhibitors who no longer see the Paso in the ring as the Paso they were enticed into buying... The dream is collapsing....

Speak up now - individually! Get your fellow Paso friends to speak up. Make the recreational rider a force to be reckoned with! Also - find out how the region your vote is connected to voted... If you don't agree with it - contact PFHA and change you regional affliliation to one that will vote in accordance with your interests!

Hope to hear that many of you have taken time to pass the word along to friends and have taken a few minutes to contact PFHA directly regarding the show tax and its underlying implications. Keep us posted!

[britzlove]

I totally agree that it is important to speak up for the pleasure owners and exhibitors who though might not show now, probably would if there were more options for showing. We heard about reining exhibitions, I've seen ONE such exhibition on DVD. I heard there was going to be a pole-bending exhibition at Nationals...and I know Lori's trainer Don was supposed to exhibit...but I never heard when it was officially...I would have had to track it down like I had to track down the info on the largo race.

I went to Nationals as a spectator...to see what it was all about. And I love to watch these horses perform anything...but I especially wanted to watch the performance classes. Most of the promotional videos, video magazines etc, even RFDTV shows, produce the majority of footage on fino classes, very little pleasure and almost no performance classes. Well, in my area, most people do not want to compete in fino, or pay for fino horses...they want a smooth horse they can also show.
Now, I am willing to go through whatever it takes to enjoy the paso the way I need, but imagine people who don't have the time or resources like this list for instance to help. I never would have found the largo race without Lori and people from the list helping me. Not to mention I'm not sure there was a huge # of spectators who drove from Indiana just to watch Nationals, or anywhere else for that matter. Paso buyer X may not be so inthralled as I am and may not have the desire to make a trip like that to learn about the horses.

The people not being reached is amazing to me. I think there are many options and it should continue in open discussions. Whatever the option I do think that is critical to reach more potential enthusiasts now..before more frustrated owners or potential owners turn to other breeds.

I think its a great idea to work with other gaited breeds to have shows and fun with our horses. I will note also here, not to be influenced by the best stallions of the Mt. Horse breed being at fees of 300-500$, many of these horses are just crosses that gait enough to pass an inspection. I have a good friend that says you can make a donkey gait if you put a big walker bit on it and jack it's neck backwards. There are many of the Rockies that are exceptionally bred...but the MT. Horse is a way for people to go around standards. Still if it means more for paso people, I'm OK with joining up. I just couldn't leave that unmentioned....cause I know some Mt. Horse people who are breeding some real junk and taking less than informed folks $$$$.

I'll be training my pasos just like my QH's though, so I hope to be adding to the versatility exhibitions...and open showing.

Britz

[reuben T]

I've been watching the breed for about 5 years, learning about it. What do I see? A lot of promotion of the fino type by those who seem to love it greatly, very limited exposure of anything else, and fino is not what most horse people want. So they arn't getting the attention that would swell their popularity.

[britzlove]

I've been watching the breed for about 5 years, learning about it. What do I see? A lot of promotion of the fino type by those who seem to love it greatly, very limited exposure of anything else, and fino is not what most horse people want. So they arn't getting the attention that would swell their popularity.


Exactly my point. And see...here's the thing. It's not just the QH converts we're talking about here. The horse world is changing everyday. We are having an increase in new horse owners because of absolutely wonderful advances on the internet and in the media. Many of these are interested in the fun classes...they want to do trail...barrels...poles...team penning etc.

Of the gaited breeds the paso fino absolutely stands out for these propective owners and exhibitors. I have a cousin that says she's training a spotted saddle horse for contest and team penning. She wasn't around, didn't grow up with horses like me...so she's in the catagory I'm discussing. She just started about two years ago. Now, I don't want to make anybody mad...but we're talking about an analogy like trying to make a Monte Carlo SS compete on a Ferrari course. The Spotted Saddle TWH, Foxtrotters being the Monte Carlo and the QH being the Ferrari....but....the paso fino has perhaps an even better turning ratio*edited*...manuverability will out do all other gaited breeds I've ever studied. Can anybody see where I'm going with this?

I am almost certain I see where the problem lies...but I'll save that for another time another discussion. PFHA is kinda missing the boat...and this show tax is another nail in the proverbial coffin.

Britz

[Candice Burger]

Good discussion.

So, why aren't more pleasure folks involved in the political scene? That is what it takes isn't it? Getting a favorable atmosphere to accomplish the task?

Now, what I'm about to type will probably PO 90%+ of the pleasure riders out there, but why is it, when things get so gloomy, they take their pleasure horses and ride out into the sunset, leaving, what?, a bunch of fino fanatics to take care of political business [and look at what fino fanatics are these days--pretty new and ignorant]. Look who gets into the BOD or into National office. Look who goes to meetings. Every time a topic of controversy comes up and "we" (me included) gripe about it, threaten to spin off into another association, swear it's not worth it. And so it goes, year after year. It's the same song with no action.

I know some have been very involved, work hard, do more than asked. I wish that described me, but it doesn't. It doesn't describe most of us. So what would happen if it did? Everyone knows that to train a versatile horse takes a better trainer and horseman--"we" need to give them the support. I mean, can anyone imagine a Suarez brother training a paso to canter? :smile:

[LynnG]

I believe there are many PFHA folks involved on the national and regional level that are also involved in pleasure/trail activities, and most likely show regionally. I fall into those categories.

So are the "show-minded" people more vocal at BOD meetings as to their desires or demands? The events commitee organized its first PFHA Trail ride weekend last year in SC. What it may take is more "pleasure-minded" people to step up and join a committee, get involved to have more pleasure activities going.

Being that the BOD and committees are all volunteers with also busy lives AND horses, they can only take so much on... and new energy, ideas and volunteers are always needed.

[britzlove]

So true Lynn. Hopefully I can help. I'm only just know finding out about what I can do to help my region.

Lets all get vocal!

Britz

[LynnG]

Britz...you are right, starting at the regional level is a great start! You may need to fill a leadership position to head up a committee, and then organize your volunteers within your committee, and then start planning. You can check what committees need help. Sometimes it is too much the same folks doing too much, and they get burned out, and would welcome some positive help and relief.

I don't know of a PFHA region that doesn't welcome some extra help, whether organizing an event: PFHA show, fun show, trail ride, etc; inviting PF-owners who aren't members to join and helping them feel welcome..., marketing endeavors within your region or states in your region.

Piedmont PFHA has alot of new programs started in 2006..Open Horse Show High Point award, Pasos for Pleasure type program : Piedmont Pathfinders. Each was initiated by a member volunteer, and taken from there to make it happen. During the nice weather, we have a trail ride monthly (March - November) somewhere within the region.

Best wishes with your region's new year!

[PasoPerson]

I know some have been very involved, work hard, do more than asked. I wish that described me, but it doesn't. It doesn't describe most of us. So what would happen if it did? Everyone knows that to train a versatile horse takes a better trainer and horseman--"we" need to give them the support. I mean, can anyone imagine a Suarez brother training a paso to canter?

Your last sentence brought to mind a show where Cesé Figurora won the Western Pleasure class. He threw his hat way high in the air, and galloped his horse around the entire arena! He was having a really good time.

I can answer the first part of the quote from firsthand experience. When I got my first horse I got really involved with my region, Sunshine PFHA. Being a secretary by "trade", I became the secretary of Sunshine. We (the officers and directors) brainstormed ways to "grow" our dwindling association. We came up with lots of great ideas. One was a monthly newslestter, which I produced. I also worked with other members to sell ads for our show programs - a HUGE money maker, we found out. I put my heart & soul into this job and because of all our hard work, Sunshine PFHA grew from about 35 members to almost 200. After about six or seven years, I eased out of the secretary position and tried to "retire" from the limelight. You cannot imagine how exhausted one can become when they work harder for their "hobby" than they do for their "real job". It was a thrill to see the product of our labor. We did a lot of "unheard of" things back then, including team penning, swimming in the Ocean (Al Berry came annually to film us), parades, private party exhibitions, visiting nursing homes, huge campouts with our horses, annual rides, I can't even begin to remember them all. It was a glorious feeling, one that was worth all the work.

However, to every good thing there is usually a down side. I didn't even THINK something "sad" would happen. Once I wasn't so involved, those who I took as friends weren't. I would recommend to anyone who gets really involved at the regional level to understand that you can be friends with folks who aren't your friends, if you can understand what I mean. I didn't know that and was really saddened to see what happened.

I am being honest with you as to what all the rewards and down sides were that I experienced. Most folks aren't as weird as I, so maybe you won't be hurt by going from "popular" to "unpopular". LOL, like school days I reckon.

Another thing, if one is an officer of a regional association, you are usually privvy to some things going on that the general membership doesn't know. Votes at the national level are one such item. This can make one very knowledgeable ... and that's not always good.

Concerning showing -vs- not showing ... I showed for about 7 years as an A/O, took home two Grand National Champion ribbons and two Reserve Grand National Champion ribbons among others. I was thrilled to be able to do that, "me a nobody" and thoroughly enjoyed every class I entered. In addition to the "regular" classes, and made a point of doing the "unusual" classes - Costume class and the Largo Race. YOU DON'T NEED TO HAVE A TRAINER to do well at Nationals. (LOL, you just need to have lots of money.) I had to quit, though, because the bottom line is that it would cost me and my one horse over $1000 to do two classes at Nationals, stay for the week (of course) and eat in delightful Perry, and gasoline up and back. This just became prohibitive and the conversations with one of our national leaders over the Largo Race each year really wore me down.

There is a great show in Ocala with all gaited classes. I missesd the last one, but I'm going to the next one. I have no interest anymore in PFHA, and I find that sad. They are non-responsive to the majority of their members, concentrating on larger farms and fino fino horses. When Robin is no longer President, I am not renewing my membership. She tries so hard for us "little guys", but you have to be a massive bulldozer to get anywhere.

Phew, too long of a post, but wanted to get thoughts out on why some of us just don't have it in us anymore to help out, even at a regional level.

[Candice Burger]

Hey Pasoperson, always good to hear from you.

I'd like to address two items that you mentioned. Oh, before I do, I also remember when Cece showed in Western Pleasure, but do you see him doing that today? He did what he had to do to make an income. There's so many myths about cantering a paso it's like trying to swat at mosquitos in a Florida swamp. J. R. Morales showed Cefiro Sin Par in driving classes too along with Performance but it was under the advice to put Cefi in as many classes as possible to win the over all championship award. Now JR certainly enjoyed teaching Cefi to drive but has he promoted versatility since in the show ring? I think there's others that are more deserving like Patti Blichman, Cindy Griffeth, Shaw Laney, Milda Minter...who not only train show horses but actually embrace the concept of a versatile paso fino. They don't try to niche the breed into little microcosms of ability. They ride, train, show the entire spectrum.

Another thing, if one is an officer of a regional association, you are usually privvy to some things going on that the general membership doesn't know. Votes at the national level are one such item. This can make one very knowledgeable ... and that's not always good.

Yeah, I know and that bothers me too. What's the BIG SECRET? I mean as a delegate to a region where the general membership of the region picked a MEMBER to represent them, why don't they get a full education? Like this show tax thing. So, were there some handshakes of agreement? Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours? Bribes? Free stud fees? What was the deal here? Was there a deal? Or did this happen all of a sudden like and delegates "had" to vote? What happened to abstaining and why not just do that if the delegate felt obligated (and he should have) to confer with his regional membership?

Of course I'm speaking out of total ignorance to such things since I'm not privvy or have the "inside" track like a delegate. That makes me question the validity of having delegates, by the way. Why chose someone who is supposed to be forthright, trustworthy, boy scoutish, if I can't trust him to educate me about PFHA going ons? So is this a brotherhood, like masons? Once a delegate there is an oath to secrecy, what goes on at a BOD meeting, stays at a BOD meeting? Does the BOD have secret codes, special looks, that certain nod acquired?

Seems to me then that BOD meetings should be taped and maybe even televised. Why not? That'd take care of that bit of not knowing out of the equation. And take care of those members that choose not to be affliated with a region, which is still an option that many take.

Sarcasim aside. I realize the practicalities of trying to dessimate information. I go to bureaucratic meetings all of the time where the attendence ranges from 2 to 20 with no one providing an agenda, no list of attendants and no one taking minutes. Later no one tries to distribute notes to the meeting or to even see if there was a consensus of agreement about what was decided if anything. Typical. It takes allot of time and effort to piece together all the information in one simple meeting that lasts only an hour. With BOD meetings lasting days how is it pratical to expect a delegate to record and then report every topic?

So, what I read is PFHA BOD meetings are typical. There's no secret to that. Probably full of pontification, bragging, disorganized, speaking out of turn, maybe a comment or two pertinant to the subject and then a vote. People feeling compelled to be "active" when maybe they shouldn't be. If anyone even attempts to be serious, logical, pointed in argument, everyone looks at him like he is speaking jibberish and is an idiot. Does that sound about right? My fav is when a "consultant" is hired to take care of issues and comes up with the SAME suggestions, comments, guidance to anyone with half a brain could figure out and probably did (made the mistake of even uttering one word about it at a meeting), gets all the accolades and money leaving a group of people with an action plan that takes another year's worth of meetings to discuss and then another year to "plan" implementation while voting in new officers and the BOD changes hands.

Please tell me I'm wrong and that there really is a secret little system at BOD meetings that make them special.

When Robin is no longer President, I am not renewing my membership. She tries so hard for us "little guys", but you have to be a massive bulldozer to get anywhere.

So why is it that an org with thousands of members expect one lonely person to do it all? To me, that's the real problem. I've done my one-man crusades too. It's not fun. If we are in the business of promoting the breed, then do our part. Quit expecting the next person to do it all and don't take on the whole thing by yourself. No one is at the finish line with flowers and a medal. The job is self-sacrificing. There's plenty of people who frequent this BB that know all about that.

PFHA is no longer that small group of people with a vision where the shows were pot luck dinners with some friendly competition. It's a business and it needs to start acting like one. Frankly, I think everyone that stays involved would be truthful about it, they are there because they expect something in return for their efforts. I do. I expect my horses to become more marketable; I want a piece of the pie. I expect showing to be challenging and rewarding at a paso show. And I expect to be able meet people who can advance me in the breed by learning from them or helping them that helps me in some way. It doesn't have to be a negative experience. It can be very positive and rewarding with benefits for those involved. It doesn't have to turn into greedy, imbicilic events.

[Pasolady]

I feel once again the general membership is not only being ripped off but the BOD is deifinitely doing their best to discourage any of us from showing our horses at PFHA sanctioned shows. Here is what I wrote Robin and her reply...she was gracious enough to reply promptly, but I'm still confused.

I was upset enough when I believed it was a one time fee to the PFHA...but now I'm told it may be a fee collected at every show. Why does the PFHA need to collect more money from the exhibitors???? The show pays $$ for sanctioning, We (the exhibitors) sponsor classes, volunteer to work the shows. pay stall fees, bedding fees, membership fees to PFHA and the USEF, pay drug fees, and entry fees...we pay pay pay, but when does it stop. Are they trying to make the Paso Fino the littlest known, shown and useful horse by doing this and keeping it for the very rich, very powerful and very non-exhibitor encouraging?

below is emails to and from our President.

Dear Joni,

My understanding it that the fee would be collected at the show. If you have an amateur card, you pay $15. If not, you pay $100. The show secretaries are already fuming about trying to keep track of this.

I believe it will be re-visited at the next BOD meeting. I'm glad that Everglades voted against this.

Robin



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From: pasolady [mailto:pasolady@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 8:53 AM
To: sinpar@nettally.com
Subject: Show Tax???


please explain and answer questions for me

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject: Show Tax!

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I'm totally confused, if I pay the AO tax may I still show in the open classes without a Payment to the pro tax? Is this fee for each and every show? Is this a one time fee? a yearly fee? I'm appalled that the board would put such a financial burden on anyone, professional or amateur. It costs a fortune to show as it is without this new FEE/TAX.

Thanks,

Joni B. Gage

[Candice Burger]

bump