The Morgan breed was celebrated and heralded in Sacramento, CA, at the 2009 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Convention, February 18-21.

"We were delighted with every aspect of the convention," said AMHA Executive Director Julie M. Broadway. "The weather cooperated for great farm tours, attendance was strong, and all the seminars were well attended. Each party was fun and upbeat, and fundraising was very successful! Everything was smooth and seamless, and a great time was had by all."

Along with speakers and activities, including two sets of day-long farm tours to nearby Woodland Stallion Station and Dragonfire Farm, and Garn Walker Stables and Futurity Farm, the Annual Meeting of Members was held. Newly elected to represent Region 6 was Cece Green Yelek of Sunray, TX; Mari Sanderson of Norco, CA, to represent Region 7; and Jeff Gove of Hampton, NH, as Director at Large. Carol Fletcher of Woodinville, WA, was re-elected for a second term to serve Region 8. Cindy Mugnier of Belchertown, MA, was reelected unanimously as AMHA president by the AMHA Board of Directors.

Special recognition was given to Georgie Green of Morgan Mill, TX, who recently retired from representing Region 6 for nearly 30 years. Green was first elected to the AMHA Board of Directors in 1982. She was named AMHA Woman of the Year in 1985, the same year she was elected the first female president, a position she held from 1985-1988, and again from 1993-1996. She has served on, and frequently chaired, the AMHA Executive, Finance, Registry, Marketing, Media Steering, and Bylaws Committees. AMHA, Texas, and the Morgan community as a whole are extremely fortunate to have been the beneficiary of so much of Green's talent, drive, determination, energy, vision, and desire to make the world a better place.

The keynote speaker at the annual awards luncheon was television and radio personality Rick Lamb, who spoke on natural horsemanship. AMHA presented year-end awards to many deserving recipients for their dedication and accomplishments in the breed in 2008.

The AMHA/World Morgan Futurity Stallion Service Auction raised more than $106,000. The top-selling stallion's service was to the many-time world champion HVK Bell Flaire for $5,200. The proceeds from the auction are earmarked 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.

AMHA will hold its 2010 convention in Lexington, KY, February 14-21 in conjunction with the American Saddlebred Horse Association's convention.

Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 100 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations.

For more information on America’s original horse breed, contact the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., at 122 Bostwick Road, Shelburne, VT 05482; (802) 985-4944; or visit www.morganhorse.com.