December, 2009

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and best wishes with whatever you'd like to celebrate. As we look toward 2010 we find many ways to enjoy our wonderful Arabian and part Arabian horses. My own coming three-year-old is enjoying his first under-saddle lessons. He is eager to have something to do!

This past fall, some of us went on a site visit to Nampa, Idaho. When you come to the Region 4 show, you're going to love the staff at the Idaho Horse Park. It is so refreshing to be dealing with a clean facility that is run by horsemen who actually understand our needs and want our business. For every problem we could dream up, Rod Orrison, Sally Tondu and their staff created exciting answers. We had a tour of every part of the 100+ acre Park. You can look forward to some very special treatment at the 2010 Region 4 Championship Show in Nampa.

If you participate in shows in Region 4, be sure to get your horse entered in the Region 4 Jackpot Program. You don't have to be a Region 4 member to get in on your share of the money available. Points count from placings at any of the Region 4 shows except for Regionals and Nationals. For the 2010 year we will have a "Major" sponsor, so that the winners will be earning back considerably more than their $25 per category entry fee. Also we have $$$ contributions from at least a couple of Region 4 clubs.

We are proud of our Region 4 Volunteer Service Award winners for 2009. Lisa Kolke and Kaye Phaneuf were presented with certificates and pins at the AHA National Convention in Reno. They have both served our region above and beyond the call, and I personally thank them for the awesome support.
	Lisa Kolke, Kaye Phaneuf, Regional Volunteer Service Award Winners with Region 4 AHA Director Peggy Weems

Kay Herbst is active in the newly formed AHA group promoting local trail rides. If your club wants to have a ride but needs some helpful hints, she is a good one to contact. Find Kay's contact information in your Region 4 directory. Speaking of the directory, we will be publishing a new one in a couple of months. If you are interested in advertising, contact Western Publishing. See their ad on page 112 of the current directory. Be sure to keep your AHA membership up to date. You need to be a member on the day we download the roster to be included in the 2010-2011 Region 4 Directory.

Region 4 AHA Club Delegates at AHA National Convention in Reno, Nevada