IRENE HOWCROFT

I am Irene Howcroft and this is my letter of intent for the position of Secretary of the USMMA.

I am a lifetime member of USMMA and have been actively involved with Mangalarga Marchadors  since the initial  meeting  that wrote the bylaws for USMMA.   I attended that meeting as a pro-active, contributive participant, already committed to the breed.

I bring a unique and fresh perspective to the Board with the vested interest of a consumer/rider and private owner, not a breeder.  I have been with Marchadors for 20 years and had the privilege of having two geldings in my boutique equine program for gaited horses when I owned and operated Ruidoso Equine for several years. In this capacity I exposed countless riders from all regions of the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico to this relatively unknown breed. They were entranced.

I am an avid trail rider and am an active member of AERC (American Endurance Riders Conference) and have started the journey to compete with my Marchador mare. I have already had contact with some of the AERC “royalty” at different events and rides and have discussed the breed at length with them.  Many had neither seen a Marchador in person nor heard of the breed at all.  Important exposure, one step at a time.

I own and operate Ruidoso Malinois. I breed, raise and train Belgian Malinois and have the largest Belgian Malinois kennel in the United States that specializes in this breed from whelped to fully trained K-9. Consequently I understand the importance of unwavering dedication to the preserving the integrity of a breed, canine or equine.  I understand the importance of representing a breed with honesty and humility and fierce protection as stewards of that breed. I understand the critical importance of matching the right animal to the right environment, person and intended use/partnership for resulting success and wellbeing of the equine. I understand the importance of correct breeding and bloodlines for health, temperament, conformation and talent. I will bring this knowledge, focus and commitment, together with the freshness as a consumer, not a breeder, to the Board of Directors.

I am proficient with computers and have good communication, logistics and organizational skills. I understand the importance of time-lines and clear, informative and easy-to-navigate websites. 

Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Irene Howcroft

(505) 400-923

LINDA HOLST

Rancho Linda Marchadores P.O. Box 722708. San Diego, CA 92172 www.marchadorhorses.com marchadorhorses@gmail.com 858.212.6650

Owner/ Breeder of Brazilian Mangalarga Marchadors since 2001

  

VISION:

“Marchadors 2.0” is about inclusion and enlarging the number of new people who are interested in the Mangalarga Marchador Breed. Initiating participation with association support that is easily obtained for events and advertising is a primary goal. Breeding and importing are encouraged with inspection and registration support so the financial burdens can be lighter and the number of available horses can increase in the U.S. for everyone’s benefit at every level. Experience is shared with new breeders and those interested in various disciplines and competitions. Through active participation there will be more opportunities for all members to grow and enjoy their horses. Transparency, open leadership and timely communication will make this possible for the next decade.

BIO: From the moment I fell in love with my beautiful stallion Batuque De Miami twenty one years ago, I have been engaged in marketing the Mangalarga Marchador breed and growing the public’s awareness on the U.S. West Coast. Beginning with us exhibiting in the 2001 Equitana in Lexington KY, and riding in the Pasadena Rose Parade in 2002, I am among the first decade of Marchador owners who pioneered showing the breed at numerous horse expos, events, shows, on TV and wrote PR articles in magazines. I traveled to Brazil numerous times to meet with important breeders and selected the imported mares that have built the genetic foundation for my breeding program. After devoting 22 years as a breeder, my heart lies in fostering horse agility, teaching cooperation, and maintaining the high level of communication and quality relationship that I have developed with each of my current herd of seven. I look forward to welcoming their next generation of offspring arriving in 2023.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

My core profession is business development and strategic marketing. I have an
extensive corporate executive history demonstrating the business skills that will
prove beneficial for this USMMA board position. Prior to starting my business
consulting company, Vision Marketing Group, I was recruited to be the Vice
President of Marketing for the Dallas Market Center and World Trade Center in
Dallas, TX and have been the Director of Marketing for numerous Industry Trade Shows. My extensive business management experience, proficiency with legal matters and State Corporation Compliance, along with top communication skills in speaking and writing, allows me to readily accept the responsibilities of USMMA Secretary.

Per the instructions posted, the Secretary arranges notifications and logistics for board meetings, reads and takes minutes of the board meetings, and assists with voting for elections. The Secretary puts out the agenda for the board meetings based on the input of the President and board members. The Secretary serves as custodian of all USMMA official records. The Secretary keeps official records of the USMMA current and works with the web master to keep records up to date. (Such records may include minutes, the by-laws, operating rules, breed standards, membership roll names and addresses and emails.) The Secretary shall work closely with other members of the Board and consult with the President on all documents. (USMMA website)