Source:  News Release

American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., Holds
National Convention for ASPC, AMHR, ASPR &
NSPR in November
Elections Held; Bylaws Passed; Awards Presented; Breed Rules Considered

Morton, IL — The American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., held its 2011 Annual Meeting and national convention in Portland, OR, November 1-6.  This annual event conducts business for all American Shetland divisions as well as for the following registries: the American Miniature Horse Registry, the American Show Pony Registry and the National Show Pony Registry.   Additionally, business is also reviewed for all member programs - from breeders to youth to amateur to officials – for the entire ASPC/AMHR/ASPR/NSPR organization.

Action items at this year’s meetings included consideration of show rule changes by the breed committees, awards presentations, program reviews, educational clinics, fun activities and more.  Rule or program matters enacted during committee meetings are pending board approval at the ASPC/AMHR spring board meeting. 

In addition to breed, show or program rules, several other noteworthy items of business transpired at this year’s convention. The board upheld the Congress site vote conducted earlier this fall among recent show exhibitors. As a result, the ASPC’s National Congress will be held in Tulsa, OK, August 7-11 in 2012.  

Another major action at this year’s convention was the tentative approval of bylaw revisions that were presented at the 2010 convention and tabled until this year for publication and review. 

The board elected ASPC’s officers for the coming year.  They are:  Pat Sanders, President; Stephen Henderson, First Vice-President; and Lewella Tembreull, Second Vice President.

ASPC’s Director of Finance Joe Schroeter gave a financial report providing an optimistic picture for the association despite the dismal economy. Members’ equity has held nearly steady for six years due in large part, according to Schroeter, to the organization’s continuing efforts to “operate leanly.”

Several awards were presented throughout the event.  Owners of the 2010 Horses and Ponies of the year received their plaques at Friday night’s banquet.  Many Shetlands, Miniatures and Show Ponies received Hall of Fame recognition at Saturday morning’s breakfast. Several youth awards were presented as were the Supreme Amateur Awards.  This year’s ASPC and AMHR Supreme Amateur awards both went to Sherry Martin of Quitman, AR.

The 2011 Sue Price Memorial Creativity Contest had strong participation with entries ranging from essays to photographs to scrapbooks to quilts and more.  This year’s creativity contest received additional support from an anonymous benefactor who was moved by a black & white fancy turnout photo captured by a member at the 2011 Congress.  This photo was ultimately selected as the Adult People’s Choice winner.  Winners in all categories received prized money from the ASPC.  The Adult and Youth People’s Choice winners each received an additional $100 in prize money thanks to the donation.

ASPC’s 2011 Queen Keely Stawicki of Oregon said farewell.  Alyssa Palas of Iowa was crowned as the 2012 registry queen during Friday night’s banquet.

Following Friday night’s banquet, the Trainers Committee hosted its annual auction, which raises money for the youth and amateur awards sponsored by the trainers. This year, the auction total was $10,642.  Area 8, this year’s convention host, raffled a harness donated by Kate Sherry of Equiot, Inc., and graciously added the proceeds from this fundraising to the Trainers Fund, giving an additional $1,740 to this worthy cause. 

One of the fun highlights of the convention was Thursday night’s Karaoke activity, illustrating the fun and camaraderie to be found throughout Area 8.

Meeting coordinators from the Pacific Northwest were helpful and gracious hosts.    The bulk of the planning and hosting work for this convention fell to members Mark & Sharon Bullington and Rob Crater.  Syndi Kanzler, Diane Zmolek, Leslie Brack and Mamie Wheeler also helped with some convention work. Area resident Margot Cahill sponsored the goodie bags that included some interesting local offerings provided by other generous Area 8 members.  

The 2012 ASPC convention and annual meeting will be held in November in St. Louis, MO.  Please watch for more details as they become available.    

For more information about the ASPC, AMHR or any of its programs, visit www.shetlandminiature.com or call the ASPC/AMHR Office at (309) 263-4044.