2018 Miniature Horse World Magazine SPRING, Volume 34, Number 2 | Page 8

president’s message
by Joe Kahre
I
think it can easily be said without any
argument that we are living in a different
world than most of us ever could have even
imagined possible even a few short years ago.
Technology, while it can be our friend, is more
often than not our foe as well. People cannot
even sit at a dinner table without their phone
in one hand. This so-called “phone” is the
furthest thing from actually being what most of
us identify as a phone from our foregone years.
Social graces have been lost, communication
skills are not what they once were, and perhaps
most of all a level of understanding and patience
has been tossed asunder. We find ourselves
wanting answers and results almost before they
are even mentioned. This whole positive/nega-
tive revolution in our world leaves us shaking our
heads in wonderment, confusion and a lack of
understanding. How has this happened? When
did it happen?
Of course, these “advancements” have changed
much in the core of our people. We have a new
fragility level in the world that leaves me often
thinking “suck it up buttercup”. We see the
“me, me, me” mentality all around us. Whatever
is most pertinent to an individual trumps all
other needs and wishes of others. It has fostered
a strong me, myself, and I mentality. From my
perspective, this is all NOT healthy to a fruit-
ful and productive life. Actually, it is kind of
frightening.
6 Miniature Horse World
SPRING 2018
Here I am writing this message to you, our
AMHA members hoping to balance some of
these world issues with our little subculture of
Mini horses. ALL of the above mentioned has
a daily impact on those of us working for you,
myself, other leaders, and mostly our office staff.
Saying it is anything less than difficult to make
everything work and keep everyone happy is a
huge understatement.
We have gone for many years without really any
forward motion, and now as we are trying to
incorporate some modernization, it is embraced
by some and rejected by others. There are grow-
ing pains happening in this department for sure.
Again, when we are trying to take care of years
of no progression, make things work efficiently
with much attention being paid to the financial
ramifications of it all.
Take a look at the magazine. I hear weekly from
people that we cannot lose the magazine, that no
one wants to read an online version. So, trying
to balance it all out to accommodate a financial
responsibility on our behalf we are confronted
with people not wanting to invest the money
in advertising. I understand this with the new
technology in the world for people to get their
message out, but how are we to fund this print
edition? It is like other things; a vicious circle.
Everyone cannot sit back and say one thing and
do nothing to prevent it from happening. It is
on everyone, not just a select few.
I was just forwarded a post on facebook that
referred to someone having difficulty reaching
someone in the office. While they were typing
this negative message, I wonder why they didn’t
just pick up the phone and call back into the
office. That is exactly what I do. We have a
great group of dedicated staff working for ALL
the members, spreading themselves thin to get
it all done. While one individual is calling, there
is likely 20 others doing the same thing. Some
patience and understanding and consideration of
others would go a long way. Slapping something
up on social media with a negative tone does
NOT help the total sum of us.
I guess I am coming to you asking that you all
show some kindness, understanding, and an
open mind to all the possibilities for positive
outcomes. We are all passionate about these
little horses which adds a mix of emotions. This
is great! Please keep those passions aimed in
a positive direction and do not succumb to
nonsensical rumblings and mumblings. Stand
up for OUR association, be patient, be kind, and
be understanding and respectful of what many
workers are trying so hard to accomplish for each
and every one of you. Do your part, support,
promote, and be POSITIVE! It really isn’t that
difficult and does help the big picture more than
you can possibly imagine.
It’s the time of year for new foals, shows, new
friends, and new adventures. Embark on all of
them and ENJOY! We have much to be thank-
ful for!
God’s Blessings,