To:
Al Khamsa, Inc.'s Supporters
From: Jennifer Krieg, President
Subject:
2007 Convention Report
Ellen May
Moro
Bay
Al Khamsa
held its 2007 Annual Meeting and 32nd National Convention on October 12–14
in Paso Robles, CA. It had been 19 years since our last convention in
California, and the Golden State welcomed us back with enthusiasm and
warm hospitality.
Christine Emmert
A lovely
foal at Silver Maple Farm
Events
began on Friday with a visit to Christie and Henry Metz’s Silver
Maple Farm in Santa Ynez for a presentation of their beautiful mares and
magnificent stallions. A special highlight of the afternoon was meeting
the farm’s undisputed ruler, legendary *Simeon Shai+.
Friday
evening, we gathered at the hotel to enjoy a light supper and get acquainted.
Pat
Lawrence
Joan
DeVour, Joan Schleicher and Rosemary Doyle pose while chatting.
Attendance
for the convention was excellent, and there were many new friends to meet
from all across the US and Canada, and even from Europe.
The
evening’s first presentation was entitled “Risk Management:
Don’t Own, Buy or Ride a Horse,” but those expecting a dry
lecture on legal liability were instead treated to a hilarious courtroom
skit presented by the multi-talented Lorriee Golanty and her supporting
cast of dubious characters.
Rosemary Doyle then shared a fascinating account of her travels in Syria
with the WAHO conference, complete with slides and video footage of this
extraordinary journey in honor of the Arabian horse. Through the presentation,
we were able to see these wonderful creatures at home.
While most folks then made their way to bed, a group of the young, brave
and limber went to a nearby establishment to try their luck at riding
a mechanical bull. From the highly entertaining stories we heard the next
day, those of us who had missed out wished we had stayed up, too!
Saturday
morning began with speaker Christie Metz’s talk on “How Strains
Developed,” which was illustrated by gorgeous artwork. The Metzes
were kind enough to bring along some fine art pieces from their collection
for us to see, as well as two precious books from their library.
Cynthia Culbertson then spoke on “Arabian Type: Romance versus Reality”,
an outstanding presentation on the subject. She described and showed via
photographs the distinguishing characteristics that are hallmarks of true
Arabian type, and also explained how breeding to standards that westerners
might be more used to can cause these characteristics to be lost.
Christine Emmert
The
"Sharp" mare Polynesia LD and the Blue Star filly Awasef perform
at the Fantasia.
We then
made our way to Twin Rivers for the “Fantasia of Al Khamsa and CMK
Horses In Hand, Under Saddle and at Liberty.” Joe Ferriss, master
of ceremonies extraordinaire, brought his usual flair and his deep knowledge
of bloodlines to enhance a splendid exhibition of fine horses. A variety
of breeding groups and disciplines were represented for everyone to enjoy.
In the evening, we dressed in our finest western attire and moseyed over
to the AJ Spurs Saloon for some tasty grub at the banquet. Phil “Max”
Lang officiated over the drawing of winners for Al Khamsa’s first
annual raffle. Max then demonstrated his formidable talent as an auctioneer.
He skillfully worked the enthusiastic crowd, eliciting top bids for items
ranging from a beautifully engraved silver belt buckle, to limited-edition
books, to a rainbow assortment of outsized sombreros. Everyone had a marvelous
time.
Sheila
Bautz and Jill Erisman modeled Sombreros. The steely-eyed hombre in the
background is Joe Ferriss
Sunday
morning began with the presentation of the 2007 Al Khamsa awards. The
President's Award went to Lisa Kimes Jones for her important pro bono
legal work on behalf of the organization, Carol Wilkinson Stone received
the Phyllis Ramsey Award for her exceptional long-term dedication to the
Al Khamsa Arabian horse by her work to preserve the Ma'anaqi strain, the
2007 Al Khamsa Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Edouard Al-Dahdah
for providing invaluable assistance with the upcoming Al Khamsa Arabians
III, and Special Recognition was given to Jerry and Mitzi Peterson
for their vital contribution toward keeping the CenPAK affiliate together.
Liz Salmon next gave an excellent talk, accompanied with video footage,
about showing “Sport Horses” in hand and under saddle. She
also emphasized that sport horse competition levels the playing field
between participants, and it is a discipline that all Arabian owners should
try.
Unfortunately, Diana Johnson was unable to attend, but Anita Enander kindly
stepped up to give Diana’s presentation on “The Babson Importation.”
This comprehensive review of the important group on the 75th anniversary
of its importation showed how *Fadl and his mares have exerted enormous
influence worldwide, both as a closed breeding group and in combination
with other bloodlines.
The morning’s final speaker was Michael Bowling, whose topic was
“Syrian DNA Project: An Update.” Michael and Edouard Al-Dahdah
are pursuing a research study on mtDNA haplotypes found in the Arabian
horse, and are pursuing asil lines throughout the Middle East. We will
all learn more as this ongoing study plays out. Edouard was unable to
join us, as his job had him flying, but he did talk with the Board (and
guests) via speaker phone.
Ellen
May
Dr. Jody Cruz and Jabaar
El Halimaar MH
Then
it was off to Los Osos, to Rancho Bulakenyo where Dr. Jody Cruz &
his family presented their superb bloodstock, most of which trace to the
incomparable mare RDM Maar Hala.
Ellen May
Jessica
Knight Maiyer, Joe Ferriss, Jennifer Krieg, Debbie Mackie, Mike Brooks
making sure he wasn't blocking Debbie!, Pam Studebaker, Ken Keele, Deb
Switzer and Jill Erisman
Finally,
the convention activities drew to a close, and it was time to say farewell
to old and new friends. I would like to thank everyone who helped make
the 2007 Convention an experience to remember. All of you did a wonderful
job, and your contributions to our education, entertainment and enjoyment
are greatly appreciated.
For
more photos and chat, a Special Edition of the Khamsat Express
will follow in a day or so. We hope everyone who attended enjoys the memories,
and everyone who could not attend is able to join us next year! After
all, the most wonderful program in the world isn't worth anything without
people of intelligence and humor who come prepared to interact with others
and enjoy themselves!
You can contact
the Board directly at Board@alkhamsa.org.
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