The following Press Release was sent to me Linda Hall:

AMHI Board Approves American Morgan Horse Pavilion at Kentucky Horse Park
Shelburne, Vermont-September 16, 2008 —

The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) Board of Trustees today adopted a resolution to build an American Morgan Horse Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park with a targeted opening of Spring 2010. The AMHA offices and the American Morgan Museum will remain headquartered in Shelburne, Vermont.

“This is a landmark decision for the Morgan world”, remarked Bob Morgan, President of AMHI, and a member of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board. “The Pavilion will showcase the Morgan breed and stand as a lasting tribute to its legacy and vitality.”
A committee of prominent AMHI Trustees has been appointed to oversee the project. Chairman Richard Hawkins is proud to announce the following members of the committee :Susan Fu, Elaine Galatz , Jack Gatewood, Arthur Perry, Frances Pugh, Mona Skager, and Jill Smith
Designed by the award-winning architect and Morgan owner, Kee Fu of Dragonsmeade, the main level of the 15,000 square foot Pavilion will house an Immersive Theater, exhibits highlighting the Morgan in History; in Art; in Sport and the Morgan today, interactive kiosks showcasing Morgan Farms throughout the nation and a Gift Shop. The upper level of the Pavilion will include offices and a conference room which can be adapted to a classroom for hosting meetings and workshops. The Pavilion will be surrounded by a traditional “Kentucky Stone Fence” and a pathway leading to a “Legacy Garden” honoring Morgan horses who have been the champions of the ring and the champions of our hearts.”
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I have been struggling to come up with good poll topics (hint-hint!) so I came up with this. I have wondered what the percentage of Amateur Owner/Trainers vs. those who send their horses to Professional Trainers is. Please vote and comment here if you would like.
(Also if you have any possible poll topics I would LOVE to hear those too!)

Given todays economic downturn many of the Morgan Shows throughout the country are having a tough time making ends meets. According to a story on the USEF website, the AMHA is offering grants to help those Morgan shows that are struggling to survive. These grants are offered on a first-come, first serve basis with the application deadline being January 31, 2009. For more information visit the USEF Industry News webpage.

The AMHA website has announced a partial list of the judges chosen for the 2009 Grand National and World Championship Show:

For the Hunter Pleasure and Western divisions:
Terry Jones Brennan of Hollister, California
Rick Davis of Bradenton, Florida
John McDonald of Lake Clear, New York
Josh Merritt of Vernon, Vermont

For the Classic/Park/Pleasure divisions:
Lynn Harvey-McNamara of Wethersfield, Connecticut
Renee Lavery of Simpsonville, Kentucky
Conky Price of Lady Lake, Florida
Scott Thacker of Whitsett, North Carolina

The dates for the 2009 OKC show is October 10-17, 2009. For more information visit the Grand National and World Championship Show website.