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 NASMA
President’s Pen
I know one of the reasons my wife and I love equines, especially
mules and donkeys, is because Deby's grandfather took the time to
introduce her to them. It was a package deal when I married her, and
I became hooked as well.
Now it is our turn to pass along the heritage.
Not all kids have such a ready introduction to mules and donkeys.
Even if they have an initial interest, they're not sure where to get
started. That's where all of you come in. We can design all kinds of
membership drives and PR campaigns to promote NASMA, but nothing can
compare to a mule or donkey owner taking an interested young person
and giving that kid the opportunity to ride and learn.
Take a little time while you're at a show, and make an effort to
look out for newcomers who might just need a helping hand. This can
be somewhat challenging because of some of the "uninformed”
questions that might be asked. But keep in mind these kids and even
adults are our future members. To keep this lifestyle growing we
have to keep looking for ways to get the kids interested; usually
all it takes is an introduction, and the mule or donkey will do the
rest.
We also need to keep in mind that our youth mirror our actions. The
sportsmanship that adult exhibitors project will have a lasting
effect on our youth.
And speaking of our youth, thanks to Dale Ann Gramman for agreeing
to Chair the NASMA Youth Committee. I’m confident she will be a
great role model.
At times there are people in our organization that work behind the
scenes but don’t get the recognition and praise they deserve. One of
those that come to mind is Sherri Pledger. I know our Secretary,
Stacy Golian, joins me in thanking Sherri for all her hard work and
preparation for our annual meeting this year in Shelbyville,
Tennessee. Thank you Sherri for stepping up to the plate.
Appreciation goes out to the NASMA rules committee. I know it has
been a difficult year and I apologize for my lack of knowledge in
getting the proper information into the annual meeting on schedule.
You have a difficult and often times thankless job.
Many thanks to the show management of the new NASMA sanctioned shows
for 2010. The All American Mule and Donkey Congress, The Ohio Mule
and Donkey Classic and the Fort Smith Mule and Donkey Show were all
successful shows. In addition to these fine shows we have new for
2011, The National Western Stock Show held in Denver, Colorado on
January 21, 22 and 23, 2011. Please go to the NASMA website at
www.NASMA.net for recent updates on upcoming shows and events. Your
support and participation is greatly appreciated.
After recently attending the North Carolina State University 2010
Horse Judging Short Course, I have a new found appreciation for all
of our NASMA Judges. Thanks to Judges Committee chair Wayne
Whitehead and his committee for their hard work.
The holidays are just around the corner, so I would like to take
this opportunity to wish everyone and their family a Happy
Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Tom Cochran
NASMA President
Trcdbc@aol.com
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