The Morgan breed was celebrated and heralded in Atlanta, GA, at the 2007 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Convention February 14-17. For the first time in its 26-year history, many Morgan enthusiasts and speakers couldn’t make the
event due to poor weather and cancelled flights.

“Our theme this year was ‘The Morgan: A Passion That Lasts a Lifetime,’” said Convention co-chairman Barbara Goda. “I think this also follows closely with the people who surround the Morgan horse. Our Morgan friends came through and substituted for stranded speakers, and some speakers had amazing trips to Atlanta, so they would be able to make their presentations.”

Along with speakers and activities, including a day-long farm visit to Willowick Farm and Hidden Acres Farm, the Annual Meeting of Members was held, with Mike Goebig of Kutztown, PA, being reelected as AMHA president and Region 2 Board Member. Newly elected to represent Region 1 was Sara Foy of Kingston, NH; and Cindy Mugnier of Granby, MA; Kathleen Newcomb was re-elected to represent Region 2; and Linnea Sidi of Loveland, CO, was re-elected to serve Region 9. William Pettis of Rio Linda, CA, was elected AMHA Director at Large. It also was announced that Julie M. Broadway of Raleigh, NC, was hired at the new AMHA Executive Director. She begins her new position in April.

The AMHA/World Morgan Futurity Stallion Service Auction was record-breaking with just more than $150,000 raised. The top-selling stallions service was to the many-time world champion And The Beat Goes On for $10,000. The proceeds from the auction are earmarked as 40% to the World Morgan Futurity, 40% to promotion and marketing of the breed and the association, and 20% in support of AMHA regional shows.

The keynote speaker at the annual awards banquet was United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) President David O’Connor. As a horseman and Olympic medalist, O'Connor's speech was positive and forward thinking and his warmth and passion for the equine sport was evident. “The Morgan Association is on healthy ground with new Executive Director Julie Broadway,” he said. “USEF looks forward to more joint programs in the future.”

Karen Homer Brown, USEF Managing Director of National Affiliates, was a presenter. “It was wonderful to be part of the AMHA convention. The attendees were informed of the many programs available, both within AMHA and USEF. The future looks bright with Julie Broadway leading the organization into the future.”

Bruce Hyde, Commissioner of Vermont Tourism and Marketing for the state, attended the convention at the request of the board to discuss keeping the Morgan presence in the state of Vermont. “It was an honor to attend and be recognized at the board meeting,” he said. “Governor James Douglas and the Vermont Legislature have specifically directed me to do everything possible to keep Vermont the home of this valuable institution as the Morgan horse is the state animal, and to assist AMHA with the promotion and education of the Morgan breed.”


~~~