Q1. Why do we need a separate event fund?

Answer: Our membership dues are purposely set at a basic level. Those funds are used for administrative and supportive efforts toward our goals, for the website, software licenses, postage, insurance and other small marketing efforts. Not everyone is interested in events, competitions and expositions that will showcase the Mangalarga Marchador. In the past, the small number of Marchador horses made them difficult as well. We’d like to get this effort started on a larger scale and need to build a separate cash fund if we are to support the members and breeders who put forth the effort to make these events happen.

Q2. How will the program be managed?

Answer: The first line of support will be our existing member show subsidy and event host subsidy program managed by D.j Klein and approved by the President. . That level of funding will be increased to $500 if the event fund is successful. If the funding requested is over $500, then the person / group will to submit a plan and budget to the USMMA board for approval. Funding should be sought first at the local level from feed stores, vets, other businesses. Other ways of raising money to cover the event – ticket sales or a fund raiser will also be pursued.

Q3. How many people will be attending these events?

Answer: The sponsors and the breed will get exposure! The answer is – it depends on the type of event. For some regional events, the numbers may be a small group because of geography. For the competition events, we expect to draw people in from neighboring states and the people coming to watch could be up to 1,000. The competitions could be one or many classes – gait, conformation, obstacles, trail rides, specialty rides (historic places or trails and others). For horse expositions like Equine Affaire or World Cup events where the USMMA might have a booth, the numbers could be in tens of thousands.

Q4. Can we have more events if we partner with other breeds? Or will the cost be less if shared?

Answer: It is something we are going to pursue with FOSH (Friends of Sound Horses) and other similar breed associations – gaited or iberian – would be a good place to start. Yes, we think the cost would be less with more horses and people!