President’s Message from Edgar Schutte

Back to Normal-ish, Great Happenings in 2021

Tired of hearing, or worse, dealing with Covid 19? Look at how fortunate we are that our industry is thriving once again.

The horse market is hot, prices are high and good horses are hard to find. The nations inventory of good Hanoverians and Rhinelanders is low, and it is a great time to be a breeder that produces high quality. Auctions are selling at all time high averages in Europe and even in the US. As a stallion manager for over 20 years, I say it has never been busier than this year and it appears to be continuing. This is an exciting vibrant market and it is great seeing breeders do well.

The AHS is fully prepared with more nationwide AHS sites planned for inspections than ever before. AHS judges are ready to meet the demand and see you at whichever site you decide to participate. The tour is from August through October, late enough to have restrictions lifted. At the time of press we hope to have the official go ahead for our German judges to join us, despite their absence, in 2020 inspections went well, and we are gearing up for another grand tour regardless.

The tour will be followed with 3-day stallion performance testing and stallion licensing. Oct 14-16 at Pollyrich Farms Inc. in CA and conclude Oct 18-20 at Hilltop Farm, Inc. MD. Test riders and FN judges are confirmed, we look forward to great participation. Allowances have been made for those stallions who aged out because of last year’s Covid problems. Spectators are once again welcome.

If you took part of this year’s auction excitement you know how successful the stallion service auction and “silent” auction were. Thanks to all who donated services and items! Without you nothing would happen. It is very much appreciated by the whole membership as now we all get to partake and enjoy the continuous series of webinars and educational opportunities funded by the auctions and organized by the education and marketing committees. Special thanks to Jessica Stallings and the annual meeting team for an outstanding job promoting AHS stallions and auction items like we have never seen before.

Some of the same people responsible for the above success teamed up to increase awareness of the AHS managed, Rhineland registry, gaining ground in the US. With a successful, rich history, the registry is an excellent option for your nonHanoverians. Look for Rhineland on social media, shows and awards.

The annual AHS business WebEx meeting was a success and although nothing replaces seeing you all face to face it was certainly special, fun and appreciated with international participation from the Verband and Hanoverian societies around the world.

Have you seen the new AHS website? It looks great, easier to navigate, improved features to get your horse business done, find information, a free marketplace, its mobile friendly and has more to come. Thanks to Joanne Hodges, Sandy Werkheiser and Kate Palmquist who tackled this task and made it a beautiful, functioning reality.

See you at the inspections!

Edgar Schutte AHS President