The North American Peruvian Horse Association

A Letter of Introduction

 

Dear Peruvian Paso Enthusiasts,

 

Associations evolve, as do all living things. And sometimes in the process of defining and understanding changes, the best opportunities arise.  Such is the case with the newly planned North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA). NAPHA will or, at this point, has become the evolution of PPHRNA – current members of the PP are now the foundation of this truly member-driven group and their participation is the key to its success.

 

For a time, endless efforts toward uniting our community appeared to be at an impasse; yet now the whole North American Peruvian Paso industry stands at a point to benefit, to use the progression of the past for positive change and move forward in a way that is new and exciting.

 

On behalf of the initially-appointed NAPHA Board, we are honored to introduce the concept of the North American Peruvian Horse Association. At this writing, NAPHA is still in development and we ask that you view this as its overview pending a formal announcement. Most importantly, we hope you and especially each current member will see the significance of its undertaking and potential impact for you, the breed and our industry.  

 

Clearly, a united North American Peruvian Horse community is good for everyone. Regardless of organizations or personalities, the way to prosper for all of us is by invitation to a place people want to “visit” and for a product and lifestyle they will love. Everyone devoted to a Peruvian Horse knows the value of the product and lifestyle. The opportunity for NAPHA, then, is to create the place they want to visit – the association they want to join – the lifestyle they want to have. With the involvement of its members, NAPHA is resolved to be the sustaining and positive voice for everyone in this industry.

 

The intent of this new organization is to protect the integrity and accuracy of breed records, respect the needs of the membership, appreciate the contributions of forerunners and other Peruvian Horse associations, realize a focus toward the potential Peruvian Horse owner/breeder, and to operate as a full-service equine association in which members will proudly belong.

 

The North American Peruvian Horse Association is our opportunity to return to what we share as passions and investments. It is the chance to capitalize on what works – the Registration process, proprietary software, Show systems – and it is the time to capture a new “spirit”.

 

Following are the highlights of what has been done so far and what is expected for NAPHA. Again, things are in development and subject to change. As soon as possible, a membership meeting will be held and be assured that the NAPHA Board wants to meet, survey and communicate with members quickly and frequently. Individual members and committees are the keys to a great association; and NAPHA wants to reflect the needs of today’s North American Peruvian Horse industry - grasping those needs is the task of good communication.

 

Highlights:

 

· The North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA) will or has become an entity upon the transition of PPHRNA records/materials/properties/members and registered horses to NAPHA and the dissolution of PPHRNA. All current members of PPHRNA are automatically NAPHA members.

 

· NAPHA will operate from a Business Plan which is completed and professionally designed and from investments of up to $100,000 per year for two years.

 

· PPHRNA Executive Director Janetta Michael retired at the end of February with a legacy of service and dedication; integrity and accuracy of records; proprietary software programming, operational systems, workflow, and history; and an unquestioned knowledge and love of the breed.

 

· The four initially-appointed members of the NAPHA Board are Richard Apsley, Bob Calentine, Jorge Galante and Larry Redman. Three additional Board members will be elected from the membership at large.

 

· NAPHA bylaws are very similar to the original bylaws proposed for the PP/AA merger. The amendment process is the same as Article 23 of the AA bylaws:  the membership or the Board may choose to change to a fully elected Board at any time. There is no discussion of an appendix registry.

 

· NAPHA will welcome the AA with open arms if the current Board and membership elect to pass a merger.

 

· As it is feasible, NAPHA will also begin to investigate the merits of regionalizing efforts.
 

·  After 18 years as the PPHRNA Registrar, Arlynda Castro will serve as the NAPHA Registrar and will handle Registrations and Membership from the office in Santa Rosa, California.

 

· NAPHA has opened an office in Texas and hired an experienced marketing and promotion person. A Marketing Plan has been written, including communication strategies within the NAPHA membership as well as a program for promoting the Peruvian Horse nationally.

 

· A new administrative person will be added to the Texas team to handle Show programs, administrative tasks and to help at the National Show. She will spend a few weeks in Santa Rosa to get acquainted with the office systems so the change goes smoothly.

 

· The first NAPHA Meeting is being planned and will be announced shortly!

 

The NAPHA Board appreciates this chance to introduce the concept of a new organization. NAPHA represents a fresh start – the beginning of the “Next Generation” in the North American Peruvian Horse world. The opportunity is to grow by introducing our horses and inviting people to discover what we already know. This is the time to emphasize the attributes that will attract newcomers. The perfect horse is the head start - having fun, being proud, putting forth a professional and smart image, planning, focusing on the positive, getting involved and maintaining integrity are the deal makers. The North American Peruvian Horse world is as magnificent as the people and horses in it – taking steps to support the best of this world is the promise that it will be here tomorrow!

 

Sincerely,

 

Richard Apsley, Bob Calentine, Jorge Galante, Larry Redman