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We are looking forward to a fantastic Annual Convention to be held November 11-13 in Jacksonville, “where Florida begins.” The convention theme is “Enjoy the family fun under the Florida sun!” and our events will be modeled after a family reunion, so there will be many opportunities for you to get involved. We’ll experience true Southern hospitality at The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville—Riverfront, our host hotel. The horse events will be held at the marvelous Jacksonville Equestrian Center with its state-of-the-art dirt floor and modern arenas The Hyatt offered us super rates ($79 per room) and first-class accommodations. The rates are in effect Nov. 7 – 16 so you can come early and stay late to take some day trips to see the area. Reserve your room by calling 1-888-421-1442 (Toll Free); be sure to say you are with the ATA to get our special rate. Or use this link to make your room reservations online. Don and Connie Redden are our hosts for the hotel events. If you would like to help plan the Welcome Reception (Thursday) or Awards Program (Saturday), help with games and prizes, or be a greeter at the door, contact them at richwood@mhtc.net. Ruthanne Faine-Gardner is coordinating the Silent Auction held in two parts: items will be sold at the Welcome Reception AND at the Awards Program. Contact Ruthanne at kosakejv@yahoo.com to help her collect and arrange the items, count money or to notify her of an item you plan to donate. Fred Rockhold, betarock@betarock.com, and his daughters: Jennifer Rodgers and Rebecca McVey have agreed to serve as barn managers. If you want to have stalls near someone, let “Fred and his girls” know and they will try to accommodate your special request. We’ll send more details about stall arrangements and pricing later. Margaret MacGregor, Chair of the Education Committee, is busy lining up presenters for the many 30-minute clinics and educational sessions to be held throughout the Convention. If you have a topic for a session or want to present a mini-clinic, please contact Margaret at holdershilltrakehners@gmail.com. Did you know that Jacksonville is known as the River City and has a fascinating history since 1564! Anissa Cottongim said one of her favorite things at the convention is to coordinate the Thursday afternoon Mare and Young Horse Show. This is always a fun show to watch and needs a dozen behind-the-scenes folks, such as announcers and helpers, gatekeepers, etc., so if you can volunteer, contact her at acottongim@yahoo.com. Kim Hunter’s specialty is coordinating the Friday afternoon Hunter and Jumper Shows. We are going to try some new and interesting events, so lots of helpers to organize and line up competitors, present ribbons, etc., will keep everything running smoothly. Volunteer for those shows by emailing Kim at txmickey@aol.com. Jean Brinkman is coordinating another stellar performance for the Friday night Gala/Exhibition. This event has several moving parts so Jean would appreciate some experienced folks at key positions so the show can stay within the allotted time. Owners of approved stallions, Jean wants to know if you are coming to the convention and bringing your stallion. Volunteers and owners of stallions and stallion candidates, contact her at valhallahorses@gmail.com. Ann Cottongim has agreed to handle the publicity for the convention. She may ask for pictures of your horse or snippets of quotes to include as she prepares news releases; be sure to respond in a timely manner to her requests. Watch for an e-mail from her: eliann1@comcast.net. Please feel free to contact any of these leaders; we’ll need many helping hands for everything to run smoothly as we meet our ATA family in Jacksonville, a city that has more parkland than any city in the U.S. so has earned the name: Nature’s Playground. Check back soon for more details!
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
225 East Coastline Drive
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