Amateur classes - the future of MHCE

We all have to realise that the Miniature Horse industry is growing fast in Europe. There are a lot of people who are or become interested in Miniature Horses and plan on breeding, showing and having fun with this terrific breed. More and more miniature horses are being imported from overseas or born in Europe. More and more will find their way to new owners, new enthusiasts… Breeders that are in this industry already keep on improving the quality of their herds and are becoming more and more professional. To make a continuing growth possible, we have to start today to focus on the future.

We have to make sure to keep on welcoming new miniature horse owners to the miniature horse world, make them enthusiastic and keep it that way. We have to prevent that people get scared of by the huge difference we have between new owners and the experienced Miniature Horse owners. Otherwise the market is about to collapse because people will not even start with miniature horses. The fact is that there are already established breeders with good horses and much experience in showing (and winning). This could prevent people from participating (again) in the shows in Europe.

The board of MHCE has thought about a solution for this and is therefore offering amateur classes at all shows arranged by the MHCE. 
In the AMHA there is an amateur division. That works great there; professionals (in short: professionals are people who get paid for showing/training, it is their profession) are not allowed to enter the amateur classes. 

We do not have 'professionals' in Europe, so creating amateur classes would be eligible for everyone here. But, for the growth of the industry, it will be important that the breeders, who are consistent winners in the show ring, will take a step back and leave these classes for new people, new horses. That way we can continue growing by making it easier for others to become, or stay enthusiastic, by getting a fair chance to join the winners circle!

The board have also decided that from 2008 we will have an “amateur assistant” present at all MHCE shows. They will be there to help everyone who could need a piece of advice, and will be at the ring side before, during and after the amateur classes. 

The assistant will be published on the MHCE web site together with the show manager for each show.  
There will be no question on who decides who is amateur and who isn't. We are not deciding that, the AMHA rulebook is clear about that. In fact, like said, we are still ALL amateurs, but the breeders/owners that are winning should take responsibility and let new owners join the amateur classes.
If needed, the MHCE can and will advise participators who enter the MHCE shows. 

We wish everybody very successful and very pleasant shows. Together we can continue the growth in the industry. Together we should take the responsibility to make all shows a success and welcome every new miniature horse enthusiast!