WEST GIPPSLAND QUARTERHORSE ASSOCIATION
UNOPPOSED SHOW DATES AND WHAT IT MEANS TO MEMBERS
The AQHA enforced a rule some time ago which prevented any affiliate in Victoria from running a show (except for 'B' class) on the day that another affiliate wants to run a AA show.
The idea behind this was to allow affiliates to run their yearly 'AA' show without any opposition from other affiliates so they would get maximum attendance from all competitors.
Good in theory we might say but the problem is that WGQHA and other affiliates can't run their monthly 'A' shows if there is ÁA' show running up on the border or anywhere else hundreds of kilometres away.
This has now cost the West Gippsland Quarter Horse Association six 'A' club show days as most of the nominated dates from other affiliates are through the summer and spring months when showing is at it's peak. Affiliates continue to pay full affiliate fees while being prevented from operating to full capacity.
We will continue to do what we can and run 'B' shows on the days we are prevented from doing anything else, at least to give our members a chance to add to their club high point tally.
WGQHA is lucky to secure the services of Nicole Martin, a professional equine photographer. Nicole will be attending our monthly club shows to take beautiful photographs to put in our newsletter. Click on the ad and you can see photo's from the WGQHA shows which are available to purchase.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT
A BAN ON TWISTED BITS IN VICTORIA
The Brumby government has released the new Prevention of Cruelty to Animal regulations to be in force for the next 10 years.
Part of these new regulations relates to “Use of twisted bits on horses”.
The AQHA Rules & Regulations accept the use of twisted bits, as per the current rule book, therefore the AQHA, at this time, have taken the following stance on this matter:
All AQHA approved events held in Victoria – it is the duty of the organising committee to notify all competitors that this new legislation has come into effect by announcements and signage. It is the responsibility of the Show Manager, Gear Stewards & or Gate Marshall to inform any competitor that is going to compete in a mouthpiece that is twisted at the point where the device is in contact with the bar of the horse’s mouth, that this is against the law in Victoria and that they will not receive any support from the AQHA in any matters that arise from them using this type of bit.
As this new legislation has only just come into effect and not many people would have been informed, the AQHA asks that organising committees be tolerant in allowing competitors time to change bits if necessary.
Carol Ricketts
Manager,
Australian Quarter Horse Association
carol@aqha.com.au