Editor's Note: The following letter is from newly elected WHTA President Bill Cantrell to the Walking Horse Trainers' Association general membership. The letter was made available to the Walking Horse Report by Cantrell.
Dear Walking Horse Trainers Assoc. Members,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am humbled and honored to serve as your new President. This will be a critical year in the life of the Walking Horse Industry. We must work together to revive our industry so that once again we can enjoy and succeed in the business that we all love.
It’s no secret that we have a lot of issues. Many times we are our own worst enemy. Time has come for us to unite as one…overlooking our own personal agendas and joining forces with all concerned groups…especially each other…to move this industry forward. It is important that we improve communication within our own Association…and with other Organizations. It is vital that we stay informed about our business…not only within the Board of Directors…but to the General Membership at large. Every member needs to know what is going on and be informed.
Beginning this month (January, 2011) each WHTA member will receive our new “WHTA NEWS” newsletter…keeping everyone informed of current and future news items. Please take time to read and respond where noted…especially regarding the Committee List request. We encourage each of you to take an active role in your association. In addition, the WHTA will send out a bi-monthly news brief update (if needed) in all walking horse media outlets.
We need to improve relationships with all organizations that are involved in our industry. The time has come for our Association to step up to the plate and take a giant leap forward to make this happen. We will look at planning future meetings to invite all interested parties of the industry…to discuss and develop a plan of action…to ensure that our industry lives on. This means members from all HIO’s and all organizations will be asked to come to the table to assess ways to save this industry. More information will be forthcoming.
We need to reaffirm our commitment to show compliant horses. We have done such a great job in this area…and we need to be rewarded for all of our hard work and dedication in giving quality care to the animal we love.
We need to review our finances and develop a budget plan for the year to help secure the life of our Association. In addition, we will look for marketing plans to promote our business. We have a great product to sell. It is time to “think outside the box” to get this done.
The time for change is now. We can’t answer today’s and especially tomorrow’s problems with yesterday’s solutions. That shoe no longer fits. I promise that I will do the following: I will listen to you, I will take you seriously, I will treat you with respect, I will give you straight information, I will do what I say I will do and I will treat you like I want to be treated.
Again, it is an honor to serve as your President. I need your help and involvement to make this journey a success.
Best Regards,
Bill Cantrell, WHTA President