It’s hard to believe but another year has zipped by and, to say the
least, it’s a busy time for all of us. By now I’m sure everyone has
finished their Christmas shopping (well almost everyone) and some,
have even started foal watch for those early foals.
In reflecting back over the past year, it’s apparent to me, that while
attendance at our shows (the National excepted) is down, the level of
competition has increased substantially for both mules and donkeys. To
place in a green donkey class has become a significant achievement and
to win a mule class you need your very best game face on! This to me
is a good thing. To improve you must compete with the very best or you
remain static in your level of accomplishment.
The National Show was a huge success and the level of competition was
awesome attracting more than 5800 spectators and nearly 700
exhibitors, with a record setting 1593 entries from not only our
organization but NMDA, the AGMA and ACOSA as well. The committee is
working even now to make the 2010 show even better. If you would like
to sponsor one of the forty three (43) National Championship classes,
please contact the Show Chairman, Tom Cochran at (919) 542-3565. A
donation of $240.00 will provide awards for both Class Champion &
Reserve Champion. Your donation of $155.00 will purchase a custom belt
buckle for the Champion. A donation of $85.00 will purchase a custom
stable table for the Reserve Champion.
Each sponsor will receive advertisement on the NASMA Website, now with
Facebook & Twitter enhancement, a detailed announcement at the time of
class placing and a placard with sponsor acknowledgement.
The Versatility Trail Program membership & participation is up
substantially over last year. Both Zones 4 & 5 had organized trail
rides this year, and I encourage other zones to host one as well.
We are currently working on a Hall of Fame for our mules & donkeys and
expect to have that program released by early next year, if not
sooner.
As a reminder, submission of rule changes deadline is March so if you
have changes in mind, please get an early start to allow sufficient
time for your suggestions to receive fair consideration.
If anyone is attending an equine event and would like to have
promotional material, please contact Sue King or check our website
under “About NASMA”.
I hope you find these periodic updates useful and I encourage you too
provide your comments to us so that together, we can continue to
improve our organization.
I wish you all the very best for the coming Holidays & I hope you have
a safe & happy New Year.
Karl Schneider,
NASMA President
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