[RC] Thank You From the AHA National Distance Commission - Eric Rueter
From the perspective
of the AHA Distance Nationals Commissioners -
Most of the paperwork is done. We are all home, basically unpacked and a little
rested. It is now time to reflect on what was accomplished last week at
Lake Carl Blackwell (LCB), Stillwater, OK.
With tremendous help from the crew at Lake Carl Blackwell, Anne McFarland,
Louise Burton, Brenda Wyant and Lisa Gallery, LCB was turned into a fair course
from one, which was very suspect when we first started this adventure.
We also had "on-site" some of the hardest working volunteers that I have ever
seen. Our hats are off to Carla Jo Bass, Lucie Hess, Mo Miller, Randy and
Joannie Bass, Tony Troyer, Jane Huff and all the others who I did not have time
to meet who worked very hard being timers, vet scribes, pulse takers and
providing very delicious food! We could not have made this ride successful
without the assistance of these VOLUNTEERS, most of who made the trip and stayed
the entire week - just to help!!
We should not forget our sponsors and vendors! Included in the list of
sponsors and vendors are Distance Depot, Running Bear Tack, Stable Gear,
Adequan, ABC (Advanced Biological Concepts) Products, Cowboy Magic, Detail Pet
Portraits, Equine Monitors, Arabian Horse Distance Riding Association,
Stillwater Convention and Visitor's Bureau, AHA Region 3, AHA Region 8, AHA
Region 9, AHA Region 12, AHA Region 14,Tezmaral Arabians, Fisher Marketing
Services, Annetta Tinsman, and Region 6 Youth Association. They
provide more than just sponsorship, they are part of our Distance Family, and
it's always good to see them around. Next time you visit one of these
sponsors, thank them for being there!
Thank yous are also in order for those brave few who decided to take the trip to
Tulsa on Saturday and be part of the opening ceremonies for the U.S. Nationals
final session. Always nervous when someone mentions flag, horse and crowd
in the same sentence, we were thrilled as all three horses performed their
duties just like the fine animals that they are. Just as awesome was the
video shot at LCB during the first part of the week. More than 8 hours of
video condensed into just 3-5 minutes, but it will make the hair stand up on the
back of your neck!
What was accomplished at the AHA Distance Nationals? First and foremost,
we brought both distance disciplines together at one venue during the same time
frame and there were no fistfights. While we did not witness any
"hippy-type free-love" going on, we are pretty sure that everyone got along just
fine, and nobody felt slighted. Of particular note is the fact that one
rider rode in all 3 AHA events, several riders rode in two AHA events and one
rider was the AHA National Champion in both the 100 mile endurance and the CTR
event. Secondly, AHA stood up and managed it's own ride(s), and finally
stated; yes Distance is just as important to AHA as Youth, Sporthorse and the US
National Shows. Thirdly, it was evident from the participation, that this
concept *is* viable. There were horses and riders from Canada, California,
Vermont, North Carolina, and Texas - essentially from all across America (and
Canada). And this participation following the recent WEG trials in
Kentucky, just a couple of weeks earlier. So, the AHA Distance Nationals
were a success!
Could we have done things that would have made it a bigger success?
Absolutely! Will we make adjustments for next year, we have a long list
and it is growing. Do we want to hear from everyone - whether you attended
or not - with ideas on how to improve the event - again absolutely!
Either catch us at the AHA National Convention in Reno (we will not be hard to
find, just look for the people with the big grins on their faces), or drop us an
eMAIL (DistComm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx).
We will be listening - it's one of the best ways to
learn.
