Sandra Matthews
ApHC BOD Candidate Territory II, Zone C
Colorado Springs, CO
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1-719-651-1771

Greetings, I'm Sandra Matthews and I'm running for re-election as director for the ApHC Board of Director's seat in Territory II, Zone C. I have been a member of the ApHC since 1967, and I am currently a life member. I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and I have a small training/breeding business. I have shown on a regional and national level since 1971, winning many regional high point awards in halter and performance, placing many times at the National Show and the World Championship Show and placing horses in the Top 10 in the Nation.

Even before I was elected 3 years ago, I attended several BOD meetings and assisted various directors with proposals that came before the Board, many of which have been implemented as policies, programs or rules within the ApHC. Among these were large non-pro and youth awards at the National Show as well as the Performance Permit, IRIP and other international programs. While looking at current programs in place, I look for ways they can be revised or augmented to give the most benefit to our members such as my recent proposal regarding the Performance Permit and to raise the age deadline for the lower fees

I have spent the last several years working to bring the concerns of the members before the Board and continuing to educate myself on the rules, governance and history of the ApHC. I also look at other organizations’ policies and rules as well as the different equine industry standards that will affect the ApHC. When writing proposals we all work with the association’s attorney to be sure that we follow not only federal law but also Oregon state non-profit law.

Finances and growth are the two big issues in the club at this point. Unfortunately, these are problems not unique to our association but are facing the entire equine industry. If we can figure out how to draw more folks to our registry the financial problems will be helped, but not cured. We have so many perks through our Appaloosa Advantage Program and our other partners that there is a lot of value to our membership. The BOD has been trying to come up with programs that will encourage folks to come and try us out. We recently passed a fee where for $25 you can do multiple transfers for 6 months. This will help people when the transfers on their horse haven’t been done for several owners. Breeding is down in all breeds and until the economy turns around we can’t count on many new registrations. As to finances, the BOD itself has cut our budget to the bare bones. At our last budget session, the BOD cut even more out of the overall operating budget than what was planned. The ApHC needs to stop over estimating revenue and under estimating expenses. We are continuing to look at ways to cut costs without affecting member programs, as well as increasing renewable revenue.

Things I have accomplished as a director of the Appaloosa Horse Club:

• I arranged for the free showing of the award wining short film Trail End at the 2007 World Championship Show. This included having the stars of the film, award-winning actor Barry Corbin and Appaloosa horse, Chippen Gold owned by Appaloosa member Tony Nix, at the show. The movie was screened 4 times a day for three days. Barry, his stunt man and the producer were available at the screenings, and Barry participated in presenting high point awards. It was great for ApHC members to see this film at the show as it was not screened in major theaters.

• I developed the Stallion Service Silent Auction. This is a low cost program (less than $300) for the ApHC, which has brought in over $10,000 annually. The foals from the purchased stallion services are eligible for over $30,000 in prize money.

• I implemented the Broodmare Incentive Program portion of the World Sale. In this part of the sale, consignors pay a fee that allows the foal the mare is carrying to be eligible for our World Sale Incentive Futurity Classes which pay over $30,000 in prize money.

• I was appointed to the ad hoc committee that was given the task of reaching out to the regional clubs and members in these difficult economic times, and finding ways to help them grow their shows and get the most for their show dollars. We hope the ApHC will invest financially and institutionally in our regional shows. Because of our efforts, a pilot programming geared toward assisting regional clubs with the hiring of their show judges has been implemented for 2010. We hope this program continues because it will assist struggling regional clubs as well as the members that attend their shows by keeping costs down.

• I am working diligently to continue the sponsorship, by the ApHC, of the recreational trail rides—Chief Joseph, Apache Land, Sheltowee and Land of Liberty rides. I believe that without this sponsorship these rides will likely cease to exist. Considering the historic, as well as emotional, aspect of these rides it is important that the ApHC continue to support this important niche in our industry. Trail riders are a valued segment of our membership.

Last year exhibitors received the first payout checks from the Color Incentive Fund, which is the companion program to the Performance Permit. In each territorial zone, members with colored Appaloosas in show, race and competitive trail received financial rewards for outstanding results in performance. The payout was over $48,000. This is the first time colored horses were recognized financially by the ApHC. I fully supported the implementation of the Performance Permit and the Color Incentive Fund. Even though this was put in place before I became a director, I had helped research the necessary information and gathered opinions from the members as to the need for programs of this type.

I have made a point of being a communicative director, and I have tried hard to maintain my commitment to represent not only the members of my zone, but all members of the ApHC. I have routinely sent members reports of what happened at the board meetings and have asked for feedback on comprehensive issues coming up. I am working to compile a member email list so I can reach more members. If you would like to be included please contact me at the email listed below.

I appreciate the support you have given me, and I am grateful and honored to have represented you for the last 3 years and I look forward to representing you for 3 more years.

If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you,

Sandra Matthews