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Topic: Why Join (Read 1577 times)
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Deb
FEI
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Posts: 208
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Why Join
« on: January 31, 2005, 01:41:53 PM » |
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Hi Guys: My membership is about to expire and, unfortunately, money is tight. I'm trying to decide whether to renew membership or just get the magazine. I have been a member as I have bred my TB mare to a Trak for the last two years but I'm not planning to breed for a while again. My two babies will not be shown for a couple of years. So, if I'm not breeding and I'm not showing, what would compel me to join? What is the benefit?
Thanks!
Deb
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Joy
ata
Old Hand
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Posts: 1,270
I love Trakehners!
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2005, 05:20:53 PM » |
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The answer to that is...love of the breed. The ATA promotes the breed, and without our membership dues, the prmotion gets thin indeed. Other than that...it's really up to you. BTW, you can show in hand. I've always found that great fun, a good way of introducing babies to crowds and showing, and a way to get people ooohing and aaahing over Trakehners. 
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Deb
FEI
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Posts: 208
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2005, 08:48:30 AM » |
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Thanks guys! Anyone else? Unfortunately, love of the breed doesn't pay my mastercard bills.  Regardless of what I decide, I will continue to volunteer at ATA booths in my area. Showing in hand isn't really an option due to the additional fees and the limited number of shows with in hand classes in my area. Rather than showing now, I've put my priority on trying to put money aside for training and for lessons for me (provided appliances stop breaking around here). Sadly, not showing, breeding, or being able to vote in the association leaves me really wondering why I should join. 
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Joy
ata
Old Hand
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Posts: 1,270
I love Trakehners!
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2005, 12:58:01 PM » |
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If you have purebred TK's, you can vote...and the ATA is actively lookiing at how to extend participation to those unable to attend the annual meeting. Even if you don't have a purebred, you can still vote on corporate matters.
I do understand the money crunch, though. It's your decision to make, and only you know the state of your affairs.
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Deb
FEI
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Posts: 208
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2005, 01:30:23 PM » |
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Don't have purebreds. Mine are all registered Anglo-Traks and the conventions have all been too far away. Looks like I may be an example of someone who reluctantly decides to drop membership, at least temporarily. I'll wait and see what finances look like in March and they maybe join up again.
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acottongim
ata
Old Hand
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Posts: 1,435
I love Trakehners!
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2005, 04:25:06 PM » |
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Deb - I understand where you are coming from! I spend easily close to $500 in various "association fees" to have the privilage to show my horse and vote on matters etc!  I DO show in hand, and I have an older TK gelding that I am going to show First Level this year so it is worth it to me. However, I think that one day soon I'll bite the big bullet and pay for lifetime fees (I will still own TKs 10 years from now and would rather not pay ever again!). You have to make the decision based on what is right for you and your pocketbook and if that means that you take a year or so off then so be it - you may actually be ahead of yourself in the long run!
As for conventions - I had an email from someone that was wanting to have the 2006 convention in TN and Joe and I have talked about trying to host one down here in FL (how nice would Panama City Beach, FL - ON the beach - be for a change??) in the near future.... so maybe one day it will be close enough for you!! I went to Seattle only because I have relatives that live there (made a double whammy trip) and am planning on Houston this year. They are a lot of fun!
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shadytrake
ata
Gold Medallist
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Posts: 263
I LOVE Trakehners!
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #8 on: February 07, 2005, 04:10:45 PM » |
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Deb,
I struggle with the "fees" issue every year also. I am the one proposing the ATA meeting in Murfreesboro, TN and I am in the thick of the pricing/proposals for the Board.
Unfortunately, my ATA membership expires right before the annual meeting so I have a large bill in November.
Even if you can't be a full member, keep your subscription to the magazine so that you can keep up to date on the breed.
I'm with you. Every hobby I like is very $$$$.
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Deb
FEI
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Posts: 208
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Re:Why Join
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2005, 12:45:28 PM » |
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Regardless of whether I rejoin this year or not, I am planning to rejoin sometime in the future. I will HAVE to rejoin if the conference is in TN!! 
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