The KMSHA would first and foremost like to thank the many volunteers that helped make our 2008 show season a great success. Without the enthusiasm of our members and the various people involved in our committees this could have been a tough year. The economic situation has been tough on all of us and the fact that our association weathered the storm speaks volumes about the people involved in the KMSHA. From the beginning of the year our show committee worked hard scheduling and planning our show circuit. The end result of that teamwork was a 2008 season that may well have been the best ever.

Looking back at the season we were proud to see the exhibitors giving the KMSHA the opportunity to prove it is the best of all Mountain horse show circuits!!

The BIG Three… The Spring Premier, The KMSHA State Championships and the International Grand Championships were all extremely successful events. Some were concerned that the economy would drive people away from showing their horses, but our exhibitors showed determination and came out in record numbers to showcase their horses and support their association. Our KMSHA State Championships were a huge success and that momentum carried over to the International. The 2008 KMSHA International Grand Championship was, to say the least, FANTASTIC! From the record number of exhibitors to the expert clinicians and a great selection of vendors the International showcased a week filled with smiles.

From day one when the KMSHA highlighted the Futurity classes all the way until Saturday’s Grand Championships, we were amazed at the outstanding participation. What a great feeling to be in the lineup and see as many as twenty other exhibitors showcasing their world class horses.

We would like to thank the KMSHA IDJ Garnett Rison for doing such a superb job with the judges. For the first time in a long time, people overall were very happy about the judging. The youth classes were also amazing with record numbers of participants. The KMSHA fully appreciates the importance of a solid youth program and looks forward to bringing new and exciting events geared specifically to the youth now into the future.

Once again both the KMSHA horse and rider showed just how versatile our breed is. The versatility classes highlighted some amazing horses competing in many diverse events from barrels, trail obstacle, harness to western pleasure and the majority of the mountain horses and handlers preformed flawlessly.

The Championship classes saw some great competition this year, from conformation all the way through the under saddle divisions. If you were lucky enough to take home the blue at the 2008 KMSHA International Grand Championship, you embraced a memory that will last a lifetime.

Looking forward to 2009, the KMSHA plans on doing the best job it can to gain as much worldwide attention for our beloved breed as possible. In April we will once again be heading to Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio. This prestigious event allows the KMSHA to spread the word about our horses and showcase their abilities in several breed demonstrations.

We would like to remind everyone to start thinking about the Stallion Issue of the KMSHA News to be published the first quarter of 2009; this is by far our largest and most prestigious issue each year. Please feel free to call the KMSHA staff anytime to discuss any four of the 2009 issues for content or advertising…we would love to display your ad or publish your editorial contribution.

Congratulations to all of our members for a great 2008 season and we will see you on the rail or trail this coming spring 2009.