Page 94 - New Mexico Horse Breeder Spring 2018

HIGHLIGHTS OF
NMHBA ANNUAL MEETING
News and notes from the New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association annual meeting, held in Albuquerque on January 25
Story and photos by Michael Cusortelli
The New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association held its annual meeting at the Marriott Uptown Hotel in Albuquerque on January 25.
NMHBA president Ralph Vincent of Albuquerque began his opening address
by introducing several special guests in attendance, including Dr. Jason Turner, associate professor and extension horse specialist at New Mexico State University
in Las Cruces. Dr. Turner introduced local county agents representing Dona Ana, Socorro, Lincoln, Rio Arriba and Valencia counties and discussed the services provided by the agents.
Mr. Vincent then introduced the NMHBA board of trustees and recapped 2017 as it related to association business.
“We had a very busy year and we accomplished many of our goals,” he said. “We put a lot of emphasis on our website and social media. That included revising
and updating our website. We made that a priority because our website and social media connections help us inform our members about what we’re doing as a board, as well as what’s going on in the racing business in our state.”
Another aspect of the NMHBA’s outreach to members included a “New Mexico Breeders’ Association Day” at SunRay Park, organized by trustee Jill Giles, during the track’s spring meet near Farmington.
Mr. Vincent also discussed an important rule change that went into effect in 2017,
one that allowed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse broodmares to leave New Mexico after they’re bred, as long as they return to the state to foal.
“The breeders of 90 mares, comprised of 53 Quarter Horse and 37 Thoroughbred, paid
the $500 fee to allow their mares to leave the state,” Mr. Vincent reported. “After the rule was passed, we said that we would evaluate
the effects of the change and after four or five years decide if it was good for our association. We’re only one year into it, but we did get
the breeders of 90 mares who participated and sent them a survey asking about their plans for the future.
“According to the survey, it looks like we might have more breeders take advantage
of this rule change in the future,” he added. “Most would prefer to foal out at home and have the foal still be eligible to be registered as a New Mexico-bred, but that’s not how our rules currently read. However, it’s something we might need to look at.”
Mr. Vincent acknowledged the following outgoing trustees for their service: Pierre J. Amestoy, Jr., Dr. Kevin Blach, Brad King and Bobby McQueen. We have ordered belt buckles for each of them. He also acknowledged several New Mexico-based horsemen and women who were recognized during the American Quarter Horse Association’s world championship ceremony at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City on January 17.
Dr. Janis Murray, who with her husband, Mac, own and operate MJ Farms at Veguita, New Mexico, was honored with the Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement Award. Named in honor of the longtime horsewoman whose heritage runs deep within the Quarter Horse racing history books. The award is presented annually to a woman for her contributions to the Quarter Horse racing industry.
“Janis has an outstanding Quarter Horse breeding operation,” her nominator said. “She also helps educate people on equine reproduction to help keep the Quarter Horse racing industry alive. She is a great teacher.”
The AQHA Gordon Crone Special Achievement Awards were presented to
two men: Paul Blanchard, president of Albuquerque Downs, and Scott Wells, general manager of Remington Park in Oklahoma City. Named in honor of the longtime horseman from Kansas and national promoter of Quarter Horse racing. This award is presented annually to a man or men within the industry to recognize their achievements and contributions to the industry.
“Each of these racetracks took a highly visible stand against racing on prohibited drugs,” their nominator said. “Both of these tracks, under the leadership of these two gentlemen, exemplified the goal of AQHA
to provide the highest caliber of stakes racing opportunities free from the influence of prohibited medications.”
The AQHA Racing Council also acknowledged, with a Special Recognition Award, two women with New Mexico
racing connections. Laura Joiner of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Mindy McArthur of Austin, Texas. Ms. Joiner and Ms. McArthur spearhead the efforts of the Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation, which gives assistance to disabled jockeys and offers youth scholarships. In 2017, the foundation distributed $38,000 in scholarship money to 10 youth, all of whom have family involved in the racing industry.
In addition, MJ Farms, along with Julianna Hawn Holt of Blanco, Texas, was recognized by the Racing Council with a Special Recognition Breeder Award. Last year, MJ Farms bred 39 winners and the earners
of more than $2.3 million from 98 starters, including stakes winners Carson City Girl, Play Misty Foreme, Daddys Blushing, Bigg Daddy and Jesse Lane.
92 New Mexico Horse Breeder