President's Report

7 August 2010

 

 

Fellow SQHA Members,

 

With the show season over, it’s time to reflect on the year that’s past and preview the year ahead.  Firstly I would like to thank all of our members for a high level of participation at SQHA shows, your attendance keeps our head above water. I’d also like to thank our sponsors, without them we can not offer the prizes so many of you enjoy. Sponsor names are listed on the front page of the website, please support them in return. I’d also like to thank Tracey for her efforts to improve the surface of the main arena at Sugarloaf during the year, it has certainly improved. Thanks also to Allen Martin for making a new trail bridge during his Christmas holidays.

 

The AA Show conducted last November was a great success, as was the NSW State QH Championships conducted by our club at SIEC in May this year. It was a huge effort by our committee to put on the State Show, and I’d like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Pam Martin, Joanne Gregory, Di Forester and Natasha Webster for making it happen. Pam has also done an outstanding job as our show secretary over the last year, volunteering her time to run our show office every month, and doing so with great efficiency and a smile.

 

Our committee has decided to focus on running shows and clinics for our members at Cobbitty and therefore will not be the running the State Show next year. Don’t worry, the NPHA have agreed to run the NSW State QH Show next year. It will be held immediately prior to the NPHA Celebration in 2011 as per 2010.

 

Your committee has decided to run two major shows over the next year at Cobbitty, in addition to our regular A class and beginner shows. The first will be the Beginner Twilight Show starting at noon on Saturday November 20 and the AA Show starting at 8am on Sunday November 21, with an American judge. The focus of these shows will be the wide range of prizes, buckles, trophies and cash up for grabs. We will also present High Point awards to club members for the last show season immediately after the Twilight Show (approx 6pm) on the Saturday evening – as we did last year. High Point winners for last season will be announced at the AGM to be held at 7pm on August 24 at Camden RSL. They will then be posted on the website.

 

The second major show will be something totally new and exciting in February 2011 where the focus will be on winning points rather than prizes. In conjunction with the ACT QH Club we will be running a double AA show on Sunday February 20, to be known as The Point Bonanza. This is a totally new and novel format approved by the AQHA where competitors can win four times normal points, just like a AAAA show. The way it works is that both the SQHA and ACT clubs appoint their own judge, each with a ring steward. The SQHA and ACT classes will be run together, and at the end of each class the two judges will select a winner and place getters without any consultation (will be interesting to see if they agree). This allows competitors to earn four times normal points!!! It should be great fun and is a must attend event for people who love to chase points. Thanks to Joanne Gregory for putting this idea to the committee. We will also run a Twilight Beginner Show on Saturday February 19.

 

The full schedule of shows for next year will soon be posted on our website. We are also in the early stages of planning a Beginners Information Day and Clinic for August next year. Our goal is to try and recruit new members from other equestrian disciplines by providing them with the information they need to make the transition. We will aim to gain as much PR support for this event as possible, and will be seeking help from our members closer to the day to help run the clinic.

 

The committee is also pleased to advise that 11 beginner youth and adult riders have graduated from beginner level competition this year, and will no longer be able to compete in beginner classes. The individuals will be receiving a letter and certificate from me in the coming weeks.

 

As I mentioned above, the next major event is the AGM to be held at Camden RSL at 7pm on Tuesday August 24. Please come along, share your views and participate. We need a few more committee members as several stood down during the year. Many hands make light work, and we need a few more hands to help pick up judges from the airport, help run clinics and shows, and help fundraise by getting sponsors. Joanne Green is also looking for a break, so if you'd like to be our club secretary please let me know or simply come to the AGM and volunteer. The job is not that scary and you will have others to help you get started.

 

I welcome your feedback and suggestions at any time. Best way to reach me is via email mark@inglis.com.au . Happy showing.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Webster

SQHA President

 

 

 

 

13 February 2010

 

Fellow SQHA Members,

 

In my first President’s Report since our Beginner and AA Show weekend in November, I would like to thank everyone who assisted to put the event on and our members for their support. I congratulate the winners and place getters on their success. We had a fabulous turnout and the event was also a financial success. I hope you’ve read the articles published in the latest editions of the QH Magazine and Performance Magazine.

 

It is also prudent to recognise the significant contribution of the Winderadeen Quarter Horse Stud which conducted a dispersal sale in early January, and have since shut their gates. Winderadeen was a major contributor to our industry, and a major supporter of the SQHA. The Winderadeen Classic Show at Sugarloaf was a major annual event for many competitors around Australia, and could only have occured with Winderadeen support. The Committee would like acknowledge the contribution of Pauline and Peter Stuart-Fox as managers of Winderadeen for so many years. We wish them well, and extend  warm welcome to attend our shows anytime in the future.

 

I’ll take this opportunity to update you on the SQHA Committee. Since my last report, Kym Drain and Helen Palister have resigned from the Committee to focus on their families. I’d like to thank them for their contribution. Helen was also Vice-President, and I’m pleased to advise that Tim French has since been appointed to that position by the Committee.

 

Our next major focus is the NSW State QH Championships to be held at SIEC from 14-17 May 2010. The program is available on this website, get in early to ensure you get stabling and also to assist Pam Martin with her show preparations. To make the show a success, we need companies and individuals to contribute as sponsors. Natasha has developed a range of sponsorship packages and an application form, available for download on this website. Although Natasha is managing sponsorship, she needs help from all members to raise money, with class sponsorship starting from as little as $50 we encourage every member and every competitor to get behind us.

 

This is our first year of posting progressive Hi-Point scores on the website. I hope you are finding this new service helpful. Please note that it takes a lot of work to manage Hi Point scoring, and we are grateful to Di Forester for keeping score and Natasha for publishing. If you see any errors please report them courteously and Di or Natasha will investigate.

 

There is plenty to do when putting on horse shows. If you’d like to help with fund raising, setting up trail gear or helping to organize the state show, please get involved.

 

Several members have suggested changes to our A Class Show Program, such as cutting back on walk jog classes and adding additional classes. The committee welcomes feedback, and as a result has added Open Reining and Yearling Led Trail to our regular program. We are reluctant to cut walk jog classes noting they are extremely popular and receive more entries than other classes. We need them financially to keep the club going!!!

 

Before I go I’d like to thank Allen Martin for his handy work in crafty a new trail bridge, he’s done a great job. Unfortunately our old one fell apart during the AA Show (before I used it).

 

I welcome feedback and suggestions at any time. Best way to reach me is via email mark@inglis.com.au . Happy showing.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Webster

SQHA President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 October 2009

 

 

Fellow SQHA Members,

 

Your Committee had another very productive meeting on the 8th October. A summary of key discussion points and outcomes is detailed below for your information:

 

  • Committee Members. Pam Martin returned to the SQHA Committee, assuming the duties of Show Secretary. Pam’s first show back in this role will be in November. Welcome back. Joanne Gregory will manage the office for this Sunday’s show, assisted by other committee members. Di Forester has assumed the duties as High Point Keeper. Thanks Di.
  • Monthly Show Format. The format for monthly Beginner and A Class Shows has been changed, to maximize use of the main arena at Sugarloaf. This new format will be effective for our next show on Sunday October 18, with A Class Halter events kicking off at 830am in the main covered arena instead of the top outdoor arena. The Beginner classes will commence in the main arena immediately after Halter/Hunter in Hand (approximately 10-1030am depending on number of Halter/Hunter in Hand entries). At the same time that the Beginner classes commence, the Trail course will be open for competitors in the top outdoor arena. The Trail classes will not be held in any particular order, competitors simply need to advise the judge what class they performing in. The aim is to complete all Trail prior to the lunch break so get in early please. After Lunch the A Class Western events will be held, followed by Hunter Under Saddle. We will aim to have the trail patterns displayed on a pin board in the top arena provided it’s not too windy.
  • AA Show Sunday November 29 at Sugarloaf. Planning is progressing well. In addition to the AA Show on the Sunday, the committee has decided to conduct a Beginner Twilight Show at 1pm on Saturday November 28. Natasha Webster is working hard to secure sponsors for both shows and we hope to have a wide range of prizes, trophies and a few buckles up for grabs on the weekend. (See show section for more details).
  • Sugarloaf Arena Renovation. Thanks to the determination of Natasha Webster (yes, she is my better half but she get things done) and the generosity of Rob Lawson from Arena Pro who volunteered his time and equipment, the Sugarloaf Arena has been totally transformed. A large amount of sand has been removed and a new base established. See the separate section on this topic in the main navigation, and come along and try the new surface on Sunday.
  • High Point Awards for 2008/2009 winners will be presented during a BBQ to be held at Sugarloaf immediately after the Beginner Twilight Show is completed on Saturday November 28. The SQHA will provide a free sausage sizzle for all members and show participants on the day. BYO drinks. The Committee will present the High Point Awards for 2008/2009 around 630-7pm.  
  • Beginner Riders.  The SQHA Committee is concerned that some beginner riders are staying in beginner classes longer than necessary rather than progressing to A class events. This is discouraging new beginners from competing. The Committee has therefore changed SQHA Rules, deciding that a Beginner Youth or Adult rider is a competitor that satisfies the three following criteria:
    1. Has not won ANY performance event in an Open, Amateur or Youth class at any A or AA Class SQHA or equivalent show where there were three or more entrants in the class.
    2. Has not won three times in that particular Beginner event where there were three or more competitors. After a competitor has obtained three wins, they are no longer eligible to participate in that particular Beginner class.
    3. Has not won a Beginner Youth or Adult High Point or Versatility Award.  
  • After a Beginner has obtained wins as detailed above, they are no longer eligible to participate in Beginner classes in subsequent years. The competitor may continue to show in Beginner classes until the end of the points’ year.
  • Noting the new rules are being adopted after the commencement of the show season, all current Beginners (and last year’s Beginner High Point winners) can continue to show in Beginner classes if so desired. The committee’s preference however is for winners of Beginner High Point Awards from last year (yes, I’m one of them and my daughter is also) is to step up to A Class events and let new beginners have a go.
  • Notwithstanding the above, the SQHA Committee reserves the right to use their discretion in determining the Beginner status of any competitor. 
  • Youth Sub-Committee Nominations. After carefully reviewing the SQHA Constitution the Committee agreed that an official SQHA Youth Sub-Committee should be appointed. All youth members of the club are encouraged to nominate for the sub-committee by sending an email directly to me mark@inglis.com.au . Nominations will be considered by the Committee at our next meeting in mid November and a Youth Sub-Committee Meeting will be held during the Beginner/AA Show weekend November 28/29.
  • NSW State QH Championships.  Planning is also well in hand for this Show to be run by the SQHA at Sydney International Equestrian Centre from 14-17 May 2010. Natasha Webster is currently looking for sponsors, if you know anyone who may be interested please let her know. Sponsorship of a regular class starts from as little as $50 with Feature Classes only $300. For a bigger commitment, there is also the opportunity for a company to have a bigger presence during the show. Owners of other breeds (Paints, Appaloosas etc) are welcome to compete in all Feature Classes at the NSW State QH Championships. Please spread the word to maximize attendance.

 

As always, I welcome feedback and suggestions at any time. Best way to reach me is via email mark@inglis.com.au . Happy showing.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Webster

SQHA President

  

  

  

  

13 September 2009

 

Fellow SQHA Members,

 

Your Committee had a very productive meeting on the 9th September. A summary of key discussion points and outcomes is detailed below for your information:

 

  • Kym Drain provided written advice that she is standing down as Show Secretary and will no longer be available to assist in the office during shows as she wants to dedicate more of her time to assist Charlie with her riding. Kym will continue to serve on the Committee. Warwick Drain advised he will no longer be available to work on the gate. On behalf of the Committee I’d like to thank Kym and Warwick for their assistance over the past few years.
  • Natasha and Helen will work in the office for the show on 20 September whilst we look for a new show secretary. Volunteers are most welcome.
  • Theresa Witheridge has resigned from the Committee due to other commitments. We are now looking for a volunteer to manage our High Points for club awards. Again, volunteers welcome.
  • A new member to our club, Diane McAusland, was elected to the Committee. We welcome Diane and her enthusiasm to compete and also help run our shows. Diane will also assist in the office at our next show and has offered to staff our office at the State Show. Thanks Diane.
  • Planning for the AA Show at Sugarloaf on Sunday November 29 is well underway. A beginner show will also be held on the day. More information will be available on the Show Homepage soon.
  • Planning is also well in hand for the NSW State QH Championships to be run by the SQHA at Sydney International Equestrian Centre from 14-17 May 2010. Natasha Webster is currently looking for sponsors, if you know anyone who may be interested please let her know. Sponsorship of a regular class starts from as little as $50 with Feature Classes only $300. For a bigger commitment, there is also the opportunity for a company to have naming rights as sponsor of the overall show.
  • Owners of other breeds (Paints, Appaloosas etc) are welcome to compete in all Feature Classes at the NSW State QH Championships. Please spread the word to maximize attendance.
  • The Committee has also agreed to show dates for the next 12 months to assist members with their planning. Please refer to the Calendar of Events for details.
  • After carefully reviewing the SQHA Constitution the Committee agreed that an official SQHA Youth Sub-Committee should be appointed in the coming months. All youth members of the club will be encouraged to nominate for the sub-committee. More details to follow.

 

As always, I welcome feedback and suggestions at any time. Best way to reach me is via email mark@inglis.com.au . Happy showing.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Webster

SQHA President

 

 

 

 

 

9th August 2009

 

 

Fellow SQHA Members,

 

In my first President’s Report, I would like to make special mention of three club members who retired from our committee at the AGM on Friday 21st August. Steve Leggett, Linda Gillroy and Irene Norris have all made a significant contribution to the SQHA with collectively more than 40 years of voluntary service, I sincerely thank them for their efforts. I suspect you’ll see Steve and Linda in the show ring a little more frequently from now on.

 

I would also like to thank last year’s committee members, and welcome new committee members for the coming year. In particular I congratulate Helen Palister on her election as Vice President, Joanne Green as Secretary and Joanne Gregory as Treasurer.  Kym Drain has thankfully volunteered to be our Show Secretary again whilst Theresa Witheridge will be our High Point Keeper. Natasha Webster will manage our new website to ensure you are all kept well informed and will also focus on growing our sponsorship income. 

 

Tim French has decided to stand down as Vice President but I’m pleased to report he will continue to serve as a committee member. It’s great to have a trainer of Tim’s stature on our Board.

 

Charlie-Rai Drain and Jacinda Webster will continue to serve as our Youth Committee, and will be working hard to increase youth participation at our shows.

 

We have a busy year ahead as the organizers of the next NSW State Quarter Horse Show to be held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park 14-17 May 2010. The Committee also feel it’s important to conduct a major show in November this year at Sugarloaf, following the success of the Buckle Bonanza last year and the Winderadeen Show in prior years. The show currently scheduled as an A class show on November 29 will most likely be upgraded to an AA show and could be extended to two days. Stay tuned and keep November 28 free just in case.

 

The success of our club in the future will depend on our membership and participation at our shows. We will be making a concerted effort over the next 12 months to develop both of these, and I ask that each member assist by recruiting others to join as members and get involved. Showing is not just about competing for ribbons, points and prizes; it should be fun for the whole family. Beginner and youth competitors are crucial to the future of our sport, please make sure they feel welcome and enjoy their next show.

 

We are also planning to reignite interest in annual high point awards for our club. A function will be scheduled in September or October to present awards to last years winners. We will also use our new website to post regular updates on high point status after each show in the future so you’ll know exactly where you stand and how many points you need to catch up to others!

 

I welcome feedback and suggestions at any time. Best way to reach me is via email mark@inglis.com.au . See you at our next show, Sunday September 20. 

 

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Webster

SQHA President