To: BOD USEF
Copy: AMHA BOD, USEF Morgan Rules Committee
Subject: Proposed Rule Change (USEF Rule Change Tracking #315-05)
To Whom it Concerns,
We, the undersigned Morgan Horse owners and breeders, and those that admire the breed wish to register our objection to the newly proposed and AMHA approved Rule Change MO103.1 and USEF Rule Change Tracking #315-05 (previously submitted as 117-05). We would like to see this rule rescinded. The rule was 'passed' and approved by the AMHA on the basis of a polled 0.5973 %** of the total Morgan Horse ownership who attended Rules Forums at Regional Horse Shows. This percentage figure represents a very small minority of the total number of Morgan Horse owners and breeders.
That percentage cannot be considered a fair representation of all Morgan Horse owners and breeders. We feel that the rule change as it now stands will have a detrimental effect on our breed as a whole. Not just in the show ring, but in terms of potential and future Morgan Horse owners. Such people are not apt to see the Morgan horse of the show ring with bands on excessively long hooves, as the ideal family horse. The majority of Morgan Horse owners do not show their horses but cater to and breed for a good all around, safe, using, family horse. The image projected by a hoof banded Morgan in the show ring is hardly one to encourage sales to families.
We are also concerned, and very much bothered by what we consider the long term horse health and soundness issues that can, and most likely will arise due to the misuse of such devices.
The Morgan Horse as a family, using animal may almost be considered an endangered breed. The implementation of this rule will not in any way counter that fact, but may in fact aid and abet the demise of The Morgan as a using, family suitable horse.
In areas of Open Competition it is highly unlikely one will ever see a Morgan Horse shown with bands on its hooves. Only in the breed shows is it likely. That in itself gives one some perspective as to the proportion of Morgan Owners who participate heavily in such shows. That number is in fact, a very small percentage of total Morgan Horse owners or breeders.
We formally ask that you take our very real concerns into consideration and rescind this rule.
Very sincerely yours,
Your name here
** Based on AMHA statistics posted on their website 6/2/05 as of 5/27/05