The Morgan horse breed was celebrated in Lexington, Kentucky, at the 2010 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Annual Convention, held February 17-20.

“The true measure of a successful convention is the satisfaction and feedback the Board and staff hear from attendees,” said AMHA Executive Director, Julie M. Broadway. “By all accounts, the 2010 convention was not only successful in terms of being educational and informative, but fun too! The convention committee did a great job with fabulous farm tours, great historical topics, and some excellent present day learning experiences. We had something for everyone.”

This year’s event started Wednesday evening, February 17, with a welcome party and stallion presentation at Bill and Sammi Hazen’s PlayMor Farm in Lexington. Thursday morning buses were loaded to take attendees on a day-long farm tour to nearby Dragonsmeade and Saralin Morgan horse farms; Keeneland, where they toured tour the country’s top Thoroughbred facility; and the Kentucky Horse Park. At the Annual Meeting of Members, Cindy Mugnier of Belchertown, Massachusetts, was re-elected as AMHA president for her third term as well as a Region 1 director. Sara Foy of Kingston, New Hampshire, was re-elected to represent Region 1 on the AMHA Board of Directors; Kathy Newcomb of Stockton, New Jersey, and Sharon Skelly of Byron, New York, were elected to serve Region 2; Linnea Sidi of Loveland, Colorado, was re-elected to represent Region 9; and Bill Pettis of Linden, California, was re-elected for a second term to serve as Director at Large.

The AMHA/World Morgan Futurity Stallion Service Auction raised nearly $80,000, which will be distributed to the AMHA Marketing Program, World Morgan Futurity, AMHA regional horse shows, and the AMHA Show Grant Program. The top-selling stallion’s service went to Mizrahi for $5,800, a multi world champion. In addition, $2,300 was raised for the American Morgan Horse Educational Charitable Trust, $2,700 will benefit the AMHA Legal Defense Fund, and $300 was raised for the youth program’s charitable campaign, Justin Time for a Cure.

“Lexington, Kentucky, was the perfect venue for Morgan enthusiasts to gather for our annual convention,” said Erica Richard, AMHA Registrar and Convention Liaison. “Old friendships were rekindled and new friendships were made. The AMHA/WMF Stallion Service Auction was an overwhelming success raising almost $88,000 for various aspects of the Morgan community. Many thanks to all who volunteered their time and effort. Events such as this one would not be possible without their uncompromised support!”

The event also saw special recognition given to honor those who have dedicated their time and devotion to the breed. Year-end awards were presented to many deserving recipients for their dedication and accomplishments in the breed in 2009.

AMHA will hold its 2011 convention February 23-26 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. “We hope more Morgan enthusiasts will join us for next year’s convention!” Broadway said.

Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 100 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations.

For more information on America’s original horse breed, contact the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., 122 Bostwick Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482′ (802) 985-4944; www.morganhorse.com