The BAPSH and the LBSGB
Why support your Breed Societies?
Having just resigned/retired from 3½ years working on the BAPSH board I have been in the unique position to see how a breed society works from the inside. Unpaid and hard working Board members are often criticised or blamed for all manner of things, ranging from too many wasps at a summer breed show to not allowing late entries 1 day before the Championship show takes place.
People are also quick to complain when their imported Spanish horse, who’s “papers will follow in the post” turns out NOT to be a PRE and who then decide that this oversight must somehow be the fault of the breed society in the UK!
However, when members make some very valid complaints (or indeed suggestions) they are taken seriously and the board discuss them at their regular meetings. The Board try to ensure that the situation is rectified or an explanation is given as to why a decision is made etc. This is where your voice – as a member – will be heard.
Board members represent the BAPSH membership.
Working for the BAPSH board means representing the members first and foremost and I felt my particular role was to promote classes at horse shows and to lift the profile of Spanish horses among the wider equestrian field. This brought me into closer contact with the Lusitano Breed Society of Great Britain and together, the two associations were able to widen their scope of influence. More influence brings greater benefits to the membership
Organising the BAPSH National Championship Show.
Being on the show committee of the BAPSH National Championship Show, and the Iberian Performance Show in addition to assisting with the Spanish classes at the Lusitano Breed Society Show has also given me the opportunity to understand the complexities of organising, and coordinating complex equestrian events. It must be said that without a team who ‘pull together’ the event itself would either not exist, or would be poorly run. Suffice to say, even the most efficient and motivated team can, and do, make mistakes.
The satisfaction however, does come from seeing lots of competitors who turn up, compete, enjoy themselves and their horses and who, (hopefully) return home with a few rosettes and a trophy or two!
Membership support.
Usually, the organisers are unable to compete with their horses and sacrifice the ability to promote their own stud or business, in order to get the job done for others to benefit. In an ideal world which was fair and just, everyone who has the opportunity to compete regularly would at some time or another donate their time. But for many, they choose to exhibit their support by sponsoring an element of the show. This is a perfectly acceptable position to take and one which benefits everyone.
Using your vote.
Members have a voting right, an opportunity to have their say and to influence the way in which their Association is run. The A.G.M. is the forum at which their voice can be heard. There is little point in having a view or wanting something to change if members do not bring their views to the A.G.M. or decide to simply not be a member.
What you get for your membership.
My personal experience in working for BAPSH and alongside the LBSGB is that the Board members of both associations work extremely hard. They DO usually put their responsibility to the membership first, act in good faith, promote and advertise the breeds, liaise with official bodies, oversee the website, produce a professional and informative magazine, maintain the finances, run the stud books, organise the gradings and inscriptions, manage the membership AND run an annual Championship Breed Show. I believe this represents good value for money where the membership fee is concerned. If that is not enough perhaps you could be a contributor who would make the difference.
The future of our breed societies depends on what we do in the present.