I hope you enjoyed our Annual Meeting and Panel on racing conditions. If you missed it I look forward to seeing you next year on the 29th of January back in Albuquerque.

During my first term as President and attending all of the meetings, it was certainly an eye opening experience. What I learned was that this Association, which has much knowledge, wealth and which goes from border to border, has very little impact in our industry. This year I hope we can change that perception and continue our goals of last year, which are to increase the value of our breeds and get more opportunities to run. I would like to offer two suggestions on how we can make this Association a leader in this industry.

First, we need to become proactive both within our industry and politically. We must educate our legislators on just how important we are to the economy of New Mexico. I will ask the Board to approve the creation of a brochure that will contain highlights from the economic study prepared by NMSU. Here is where we need everyone’s help! If there is an event in your community please let the Board know so we can provide these brochures to you to pass on to your local and state officials.

Second, I would like to see the creation of an Executive Council, consisting of Board members from the breeders, horsemen and general managers from the tracks. We would meet quarterly to discuss how to improve racing and all aspects of our industry. Hopefully we can unite to move this industry to the forefront.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact any of us on the New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association Board of Trustees.

I hope you all have a great year and good luck racing.

Sincerely,

Q. Mike Cadotte

NMHBA President