Director Surveys

The following questions were submitted by Area III members. The candidates were emailed the survey and these are the responses that I received. These are for informational purposes only. This website does not endorse either candidate.

Area III Director Candidate Survey

Name:  Stephen A. Henderson

How many years have you been an AMHR/ASPR/ASPC member? __19 Years_____

What AMHR/ASPR/ASPC offices have you held or what committees have you served on? Feel free to share a bit of your experiences...

I have served as a member of the ASPC/AMHR Board of Directors since 2006 and served as 1^st and 2^nd Vice-President.  I served on several committees both as a board member and prior to being a board member.  I am currently on the Modern Shetland and Modern Pleasure committees and have served on the Finance, Congress/Mini National (chairperson), and USEF committees.  I feel my work on the committees has been very beneficial.  The Modern Shetland Committee recommends rule changes and judges for Congress; the finance committee is responsible for recommending budget items to the BOD; the Congress/Mini National committee made several recommendations which have resulted in more cost effectiveness for the club and membership; the USEF committee has reviewed overlapping/conflicting rules and made recommendations regarding potential judges. 

In addition to committee work, I have:

• Been active in breeding, showing, and promoting Shetland Ponies for the past 20 years;
• Served as show secretary/show manager for the Area III and Bluegrass Area Shetland, Miniature Horse and Show Pony Show held at the Kentucky Horse Park for 12 years;
• Attended and participated in activities at the National Convention on a regular basis;
• Assisted in the promotion of the Shetland Pony breed by participating in “breed demonstrations” at the Kentucky Horse Park including the Shetland Review.

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing the AMHR/ASPR/ASPC?

First, I would note that the greatest strength this organization is its membership -- the diversity of persons participating in the organization’s activities has made it one that everyone can be proud of.   The overall organizational structure is sound and provides a solid framework for all aspects of the small equine enterprise.   Membership and registration fees are reasonable, business transactions are handled in a timely manner, and  the primary publication, The Journal, is of high quality.   Generally, I would like to see more expediency and consistency in the BOD’s handling of member issues, greater emphasis on “policy” issues by the BOD,  and more opportunities for members to provide input regarding important issues through surveys and electronic media.   Three specific important issues which I believe need to be addressed are:

(1)  Cost containment for members.  The Board of Directors and Office Management needs to look at all aspects of finances to, as much as possible, reduce the costs of operating the organization and costs for member participation.  For example, it is imperative that bids be obtained for services such as our national  shows’ management and the purchase of  all necessary products including office supplies, trophies, ribbons, etc.

(1)  and create a committee structure so that more members can participate in the decision making process.

(2)  Development of a stronger ethics policy and practices for Board of Directors Members.  As much as possible, the Board of Directors needs to eliminate conflicts of interest and serve the membership by creating policies which insure equity for all members.  For example, I do not believe that it is appropriate for the organization to employ members of the Board of Directors to provide services to the board such as being a steward or judge at our national shows.   

Area III has been very divided in the past among many small groups. What would be your plan to draw this Area together, and how would you go about doing this?

Although, It is difficult to coordinate activities within a region the size of AREA III, it is very important that we have good communication among the membership.  The new Area III website is an excellent foundation for communication and provides an efficient way to post announcements and general information.  Our ASPC/AMHR/ASPR Director, Mary Wahl, has developed a communication network among the clubs in Area III and we need to build on that communication network.  The use of technology, such as webcams or conference calls, for meetings of Area III club leaders to discuss issues like the site/dates for the Area National Show, agenda items for the annual meeting, etc. could help bring the area together.    Although, we do not have an e-mail network to all members in Area 3 at this time, I would welcome having the capability of communicating via the internet as it is costly and time consuming to draft and send letters to everyone.  I have always tried to be responsive to member concerns and make it a point to respond to any inquiries by phone, email or in person.

Ohio State Fair(World Show) gives us $19,000.00 in prize money and the foundation gives us $4000.00 for the American Show Pony. There has been a big division among the board as to whether they should keep or get rid of this established show. If elected, what would your decision be regarding this issue, and why?

I have been and will continue to be a strong supporter of the Ohio State Fair show.   My voting record, as a member of the Board of Directors, is quite clear on this issue.   The Ohio State Fair show is well managed, has great horse accommodations/show facilities and  provides financial rewards for its participants.   In short, it is a show that is fun and rewarding for its participants!!   I have been an exhibitor at this show for the past 19 years and plan to continue.

   Shows like the Ohio State Fair are very important to the marketing efforts of small equine as we have exposure to other “horsepersons” and the general public.   I believe it is very important that ASPC/AMHR/ ASPR continue to encourage this show, as well as other similar shows across the country,  that provide this type of show environment for our membership.

What “Business or Personal” experience do you have that will benefit Area III and the organization?

and my involvement with Shetlands (breeding, showing, show management) gives me a broad perspective to deal with the issues the ASPC/AMHR BOD has to deal with.

Personal Statement, Viewpoints, Comments:

            I believe that I bring a broad perspective to the Board of Directors through my experience in breeding and showing Shetland Ponies, management of major area shows for Shetlands, Miniature Horses, and Show Ponies and my professional work in technology and program management.   As a member of the Board of Directors, I have developed a good understanding of, and the background to deal with, current ASPC/AMHR/ASPR issues.   I am committed to the development of an organization that is responsive to member needs, conducts its business in an ethical and efficient manner, and communicates effectively to the entire membership. 

            My interest in being elected to the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR Board of Directors representing Area III, is to serve the membership in a positive and consistent manner in an effort to make the organization stronger.   I will always try to make decisions based on what is in the best interest of Area III members, the overall membership, and the small equine industry. 

Name: Alicia Slocumb

How many years have you been an AMHR/ASPR/ASPC member? 14 years

What AMHR/ASPR/ASPC offices have you held or what committees have you served on? Feel free to share a bit of your experiences…

I have served on the National Board of Directors for eight years, and have attended almost every convention since 1996. I have served on several committees including the co chairing the National Show Pony Committee as well researching the original guidelines and rules for the Classic Carriage Division in 1999. Along with pursuing a college education in business, I was active as a young person in the United States Pony Club, 4-H, and breeding and exhibiting my family's Arabian Horses.

In Addition:

·         I, along with my mother was the founding members of the Southeast Shetland Pony Club which has been renamed the Area III Shetland Pony and Miniature Club

·         Hosted ASPC/AMHR Shetland Pony/Miniature Horse Shows in Florida

·         Been active in breeding, showing, and promoting Shetland Ponies for the past 16 years

·         Attended and participated at the nearly every National Convention since 1996

·         Driving is my passion, and along with showing at ASPC/AMHR Shetland/Miniature shows in several states across the United States.

I also enjoy competing with my ponies in American Driving Society (combined driving and pleasure shows) and trail driving on a regular basis.

·         Held a Judge's card with ASPC/AMHR/ASPR for several years

·         Was on the Bylaw/General Rules committee that did the last update to the Bylaws and General Rules (Excluding Article VI Section 6.3 thru 6.5 of the Bylaws which pertains to qualifications for Directors and mail in voting)

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing the AMHR/ASPR/ASPC?

·         Accountability of Board members as to the decisions that are made as a board

·         Better education of the rules and regulations for members and officials

·         Worldwide marketing

Area III has been very divided in the past among many small groups. What would be your plan to draw this Area together, and how would you go about doing this?

Because Area III covers a large area of the United States as does the other seven areas of the National Organization, with people of vast different backgrounds and interests, to effectively reach all groups, we have our Journal. The Journal is the official newsletter of the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR and there is also a National website. I am willing to be a member of the Journal committee and the website committee to help keep current news from official sources available to not only members of Area III, but the entire membership.

Ohio State Fair (World Show) gives us $19,000.00 in prize money and the foundation gives us $4000.00 for the American Show Pony. There has been a big division among the board as to whether they should keep or get rid of this established show. If elected, what would your decision be regarding this issue, and why?

My understanding is the prize money ($19,000) is divided between all breeds showing at this show, which includes Shetlands, Miniatures, Show Ponies, Hackneys, Morgans, and Saddlebreds. I have read or heard nothing that has indicated the Board is deciding to get rid of this established show, and from the Convention board meeting understand that a Fair Show class list is being made available to all fairs across the nation. Area III could have a show right here at a fair in Area III and receive the same consideration that those who attend Ohio State Fair have the privilege of receiving. This as I see it is a win win for everyone.  AMENDMENT... After further research, I have discovered that the 19000.00 is allotted for the Shetlands, Miniatures, and Show Ponies. 

What “Business or Personal” experience do you have that will benefit Area III and the organization?

I have been a member of the Board of Directors for 8 years, have been involved in breeding, showing, judging, and promoting small equine for much longer. I, and my family have sold small equine to Europe and I realize the market there has barely been touched. I have a college education in Business and have in the past, as a board member placed an emphasis not only on the best interest of all members but also on the best interest of the organization.

Personal Statement, Viewpoints, Comments:

I have served this organization not only as a board member, but also on several committees and have been committed to the small equine for over 14 years, and look forward to continuing to serve not only the members of Area III but also all the members of ASPC/AMHR/ASPR. Equines have been a way of life for me my entire life and I can think of nothing better than to return that gift by serving the longevity of these wonderful breeds. I participated in the 2009 election in Area III and won. I would like to thank Area III members for their support in that election and ask that you continue to support me in this election. I will always make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the small equine industry, Area III members, and the overall membership.