As Fall Colors begin to paint our farms and surrounding landscapes and cooler weather returns to the South it reminds me of how blessed we are to live in this part of the USA.  We can be especially thankful for having such an enjoyable Equine Sport  and Life Still that allows us so much outside time. 

     Speaking of Thankful, we have the Thanksgiving Weekend Show "Fall Classic" on the way Nov. 27 and 28th with fun filled activities beginning Friday night Nov. 26th.  Please check the ALQHA Web Site for the latest Show Bill and mark your calendars for that weekends Show and don't miss the opportunity to put some more ALQHA Points in your column.  Kelly McCrory is the Show Manager for the "Fall Classic" and should be contacted for Stall Reservations and other needs that you may have for this show.  Kelly may be reached at kmccrory@windstream.net or at 205-601-1939...

     We are very proud of our Youth and the increase in the Youth involvement as well as increase in Youth Memberships.  If you have noticed our last three shows had a large number of Youth participating and an increased enthusiasm for the general membership to help the Youth grow their numbers.  We really appreciate this and it does not come without effort.  The Youth have had a group of involved parents behind them this year that have come up with ideas and acted on them to raise money and help make being involved with the Youth FUN.  Darcy Ward, Kim Hazel, Karen Hart, Tina May and Jan Hernig along with the support of their Husbands have giving their time to organize the "Kiss the Pig" contest, manage the Raffle Ticket final push at the Amateur Show, travel to Congress to organize the NYATT and accompany the Youth at the YES Conference.  This committee has shared the different responsibilities and have worked well together for the betterment of our Youth.........the "Back Bone of Our Future"........The Association thanks you !

     Please be sure to contact Beverly Davis (alqha@charter.net) if you have any changes to your contact information.  As the year grows to a close we will be turning our attention to Elections of new Board members, collecting suggested BY-LAW changes, preparing for our Banquet in January (date to be announced) and our plans for the upcoming 2012 Show Year. 

     Finally, on behalf of the ALQHA Board of Directors we appreciate you wishing to be a part of the ALQHA and we also appreciate your input with regard to improving the association.  ALQHA as an affiliate of AQHA wishes to promote the Horse Industry to all.  We welcome your ideas and hope to continue to serve the Horse Industry of Alabama in a way that will make you proud to say that you are a part of ALQHA and Proud that you own a GREAT AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE.......

See you down the Trail..............

Jock Hernig
President Alabama Quarter Horse Association
jack@marieco.com and talk2jack@aol.com

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AQHA ANNOUNCES NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS IN 2012