(full article below)

Amateur President's Message

Hello Amateur Members,

I would like to welcome everyone to the PHBA National Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The National Convention is a great place to renew old friendships and create new ones as we focus on making PHBA an even more incredible association. Thank you to all the delegates who took time to come and help make positive changes in PHBA. Also thank you to everyone who brought items for the Amateur Silent Auction. I am sure it will be a great success again this year. The proceeds for the Auction will continue to be used for funding of the Stakes Classes at the World Show.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the honor of serving as President in the 24th year of the PHBA Amateur Association. Please feel free to contact myself or any member of the Amateur Executive Board, with ideas, suggestions, or any questions you may have throughout the year. All contacts are in the Palomino Magazine or on line at www.palominohba.com. If any APA amateur association has something they would like mentioned please let me know through an email.

Spring is around the corner, which marks the beginning of show season. As you make your travel plans please keep in mind our newest PHBA opportunity, the Permit Program, which will give you the opportunity to show your non yellow horse with your PHBA family. More information is in the January/ February issue of Palomino Magazine or online.

Just a reminder the first entry deadline for the World Show is near. Don’t forget to start planning for this year’s trip to Tulsa. Hope you all have a great productive convention. Please keep this in mind as we look forward to a “Golden” future with PHBA. In closing I would like to share with you a quote from Tommy Lasorda, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.”

Best Wishes for the Spring Season
Amberly Phelps PHBA-A President

Youth President's Message

Dear PHBA Youth Members,

This is the time of year that all breeders and mare owners are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new foal crop with the anticipation of a safe and healthy foal delivery, followed by the expectation of greatness of this new offspring. Another group of eager horse lovers is the futurity enthusiast. There is the group evaluating their yearlings, trying to decide which ones might make it to the show arena as yearling longe line prospects, the 2-year-old enthusiasts and the ones who prefer to hold their colts back for the 3-year-old year, each and everyone mapping out a plan with vision of success. One important thing to remem- ber is that success comes at different stages, and it is the visionary who sees the rainbow further down the road. The one who holds the golden pot is the one who values his riches greater than the man before.

The growth and development of PHBA is due to the many dedicated horseman who have shared their vision and belief to further the welfare of the Palomino horse and the youth of our organization. They have taken the quality and depth of education forward so that the Palomino horses and the PHBA Youth Program have long success in the show world and other horse related events. As we attend this year’s PHBA Convention in Tulsa, please take the time to thank those who have dedicated so much of their time and energy in moving our organization forward.

We have a very hard working Chief Operating Officer that brings a unique perspective and insight into our association. Our PHBA Executive Board and staff are very dedicated to moving our association forward and are fully committed in making PHBA a huge success. Please encourage and support the PHBA Youth Program and young professionals entering the horse industry.

I hope everyone is ready to make the trip to the 2009 PHBA National Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Please remember this is your youth organization and you have a voice as members, please plan to attend the youth meeting, express your views, meet new youth members, and renew old friendships. We plan to work hard, play hard, and have good fellowship.

Best of luck with the upcoming show season. Remember to work hard but remember to have a good time. As always, if there is ever anything I might assist you with, please feel free to e-mail me at HYPERLINK "mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I always enjoy hearing from each of you.

See you in Tulsa!

Warm regards,
“Chance” Worth
2008-09 PHBA Youth President