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April
25, 2005 Contact:
Jessie Christie
Calgary, Alberta --- Historic amalgamation talks between the Canadian Sport Horse Association (CSHA) and the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association (CWHBA) on April 14-15 have resulted in a positive agreement. Hosted by Spruce Meadows, Calgary's internationally renowned show jumping facility, representatives of the two groups and Agriculture/Agri-Foods Canada met in the spirit of cooperation and the support of their respective memberships. The meeting's aim was to investigate options for amalgamation of the two associations. These successful talks have led to formulating an all-inclusive home for Canadian breeders of performance horses in the disciplines of Hunter, Jumper, Dressage and Eventing. By developing an overarching framework, specific breed categories will be registered while ensuring continued recognition under Canadian and international standards. Our long term goal is to make Canada a world power in the breeding of top sport horses," said Chris Gould, Chairman of the CWHBA. "It is clear we can get there faster, and have more fun while we are at it, if we work together." The positive outcome from these initial talks will generate exciting possibilities for the performance horse sector of Canada's $600 million equine industry. As this is a membership driven initiative, both CSHA and CWHBA will continue ongoing and extensive consultations with their members. Canadian breeders should be delighted to hear that the talks went so well and that a consensus was reached to move forward, noted Paul Morgan, President of the CSHA. For additional information contact: Paul Morgan e-mail: ashland@sympatico.ca, tel: 613-257-2184 or Chris Gould e-mail: tsf1@telus.net, tel: 780-786-4337. Updates will be posted on both www.canadian-sport-horse.org and www.canadianwarmbloods.com
Representatives from both groups, once again met in Okotoks Alberta on June 26 & 27. Details were addressed regarding possible amalgamation of the two associations. Governance issues and program harmonization were straightforward. The most complicated issues dealt with the studbooks and maintaining the Distinct and Evolving Breed status. Once again the group left on a positive note with the next step to be working with Agriculture / Agri-Foods Canada for agreement on the proposed plan. This will then be presented to the membership of both associations for a vote of approval. The membership can rest assured
that the representatives from both groups have maintained the
integrity of their respective associations through this entire
process and will continue to do so.
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