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Topic: Letter to the ATA Board of Trustees (Read 1009 times)
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Shawnda
ata
Gold Medallist
 Offline
Posts: 314
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In light of the often negative comments that we frequently receive from disgruntled mare/stallion owners, I was delighted to read this letter that was recently published in the ATA newsletter.
This person has certainly set an example for the rest of us to follow.
Dear Sirs,
This year was our first entry into the world of warmbloods. The Trakehner inspection in Spokane, WA., was our first inspection in which we presented 5 mares without the benefit of prior experience or professional assistance. Needless to say we faced an intimidating and traumatic process.
Fortunately for us, the first outing was with your association. Despite our obvious lack of knowledge, we were treated with respect and courtesy. Every possible offort was made to help us fairly present our mares. This in itself speaks well for your judges. However, of greater importance is the education we received. I cannot over-emphasize the value of the comments and remarks made by your judges, and especially Sam Eidt. We can state unequivocally that what we learned in that inspection has been invaluable and is helping us formate ongoing improvements in our breeding program.
Since that inspection, we presented at two other warmblood inspections and attended others without participation. At no time did we see the level of professionalism, education and assistance delivered at the Trakehner inspection. Even though not all of our mares were passed, we do not consider our time and investment in any way except exceptional and of very high value.
Please extend our appreciation and thanks to Sam Eidt and the other judges who gave their time and knowledge in such a gracious manner to us and the other participants of that day in Spokane. It certainly augers well for the future of the association that you are so well represented in the field.
Sincerely, Galen Loven, President, Dos Amigos Homestead Inc.
Valleyford, WA.
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suzette b
Guest
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Bravo!
They sound like really classy folks. It is nice to hear someone who can accept criticism - and learn from it - rather than "bristle" from it.
We will never begin to improve until we admit that we have room for improvement.
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fuzzy
Guest
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Thanks, Shawnda, for sharing that letter here. I voted for mandatory mare inspections, and did find the two inspections I've attended to be positive axperiences. Sure, there are still a few things that should be tweaked, but the ATA does have a great program - especially since it's so flexible in location.
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Eileen
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Old Hand
Offline
Posts: 523
I LOVE Trakehners!
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I, too, was glad to see the positive remarks made about our approval system. I am relatively new to the ATA ( this is my second year) and have attended both annual meetings/inspections. I have been most favorably impressed both times. I have yet to present anything for approval, so my observations are just that -- observations.
I do question having only 1 inspector for the mares. I understand the economic aspects of a committee versus an individual; however, the cost of having a mare turned down on the opinion of 1 individual is very high. Possibly, we could have more inspectors qualified by a course and examinations, or another method. These inspectors would also be volunteers. Then maybe 3 or more could go to the mare inspections. As a mare owner, I would feel more fairly judged if my mare were turned down by a committee rather than by a single person. All of us have bad days as well as our own personal preferences, including the inspectors, and we need to relieve them of some of this pressure and responsibility. As a mare owner, I would gladly pay the differences in the costs. Again, the cost of a mare refused approval is higher.
Also, maybe there could be a published procedure under which those mares/stallions turned down for approval or unseen by the ATA could be reviewed for approval -- such as by performance records. After speaking with the office, I had the impression that the current method is quite nebulous.
As a "newby", I'm certain this has all been discussed by the board before. Maybe, however, there is a large enough membership now to be able to make changes. Just a thought.
I know we are a relatively new and evolving organization.
I love the Trakehner and truly want our organization to continue to exist for the welfare and improvement of the breed.
Best wishes,
Eileen
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