Ambassador Award Nomination 2009

I have known the 2009 Ambassador Award nominee for a number of years. In that time I have seen her work hard at helping with many of the PAHA activities; the consummate volunteer. Turning up when no one else had the time, she made room in a busy schedule to support and promote the Arabian Horse and PAHA.

Not one to miss an opportunity she has hosted retirement home tours to open houses, introducing and advancing the Breed and Club whenever she is able.

As a district director, she has managed horse shows, clinics, trail rides and shown an ability to “herd cats.” She has represented her district on the PAHA Board for a number of years.

On the state level she has given clinics, judged shows, work promotional booths (both large and small), served as a delegate and volunteered tirelessly for the Eastern Show; but she still curses her computer.

On the regional/national level she has represented PAHA very well with a concern for fairness and what is right for the horse and owner, attended regional meetings and national conventions and been active on several national committees.

As a professional she gives freely of her time. In the past her work with the youth led to a winning judging team, exceptional junior riders and some not so young ones. In fact, in 2009 she had three young ladies that did exceptionally well at Youth Nationals. On a personal note I was glad they flew to Albuquerque, knowing her sense of direction. I almost got her a GPS but her father beat me to it.

I am privileged to call her friend and but most of the time just call her Kid.

I am pleased to nominate Kristine Phelps for the 2009 PAHA Ambassador Award.

Martin E. Kleiner, Past President PAHA

Director Region 15 AHA

AZ Gambar (“Ace”): 1980 – 2009

Purchased as a yearling from Ray and Alice Antoniewicz in Wisconsin as a result of Gavitts’ search for a pinto, Ace spent his entire life with Wayne and Ruthann Gavitt. Over the years he grew into a prime example of the versatile Half-Arabian, participating as a show horse in many disciplines.

As Wayne’s first carriage driving horse, Ace proved to be a strong competitor in the Obstacle (cones) classes and had a lot to do with the Gavitts’ enthusiasm and continued success in that discipline.

As a youth mount, Ace was a winner in Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat and Western classes and a 4-H State Champion in Pony Pleasure Driving.

Wayne also rode him in several competitive trail rides in which Ace displayed his marvelous ground-covering walk, the envy of many riders on larger horses, along with the great attitude and stamina of an Arabian-bred trail horse.

AZ Gambar was a former recipient of the PAHA Special Gelding Award and was truly special to the entire Gavitt family.

PAHA SE District News

The Southeast District of the Pennsylvania Arabian Horse Association was well represented at the 2009 Arabian and Half Arabian Sport Horse Nationals held in Lexington, Kentucky in September. The weather was horrendous – raining every day, and the show grounds were not quite completed, but that did not stop the competitors! We were proud to bring home the following awards:

Lauren Annett – Savannahh: Half Arabian First Level Dressage AAOTR – National Champion and Half Arabian First Level Dressage ATF – National Top 10

Barbara and Ronald Cohen – SH Profection +: Sport Horse Under Saddle – National Top 10 with Cieara Danese riding

Ciara Danese – True Blue Gold Mine +++//: Training Level Dressage – National Champion with SH Profection – Sport Horse Under Saddle – National Top 10

Deborah Matthews – Warranty’s Double Take: Half Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle Open – National Top 10 and Half Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle ATR – National Top 10

Pamela Thompson – Training Level Open – Kholela Bey +: National Top 10 – Owned by Megan Frantz; Training Level Open – Siraj Amir Moniet: National Champion – Owned by Debbie Williams

Tracey Norcini – SH Nuveau ++//: Sport Horse In Hand Open – National Top 10 – with David Conner; Sport Horse in Hand ATH – National Top 10 – with Tracey Norcini

And Hunter Hack – ATR – National Top 10 – With Danielle Blymier

Tammy Wood – Cajun Classic: Semi Finalist – Sport Horse Under Saddle

Barb Stanley – Country Caden: Shown by Christina Scott – Sport Horse Under Saddle Jr. Horse

Other highlights: SH Nuveau ++// earned his Legion of Merit and Legion of Excellence and Kholela Bey earned her Legion of Honor.

We all had a wonderful and successful time together!

Submitted by Tracey Norcini

SE Director PAHA