Wednesday, March 25, 2009

UPDATE REGARDING THE LFA

To Our Members:

In an attempt to keep fellow members of LANA up-to-date on the progress of the unification process, we are reporting the following developments to our members.

The following update was written by LANA's representatives to the Interim LFA Board of Directors, to be distributed to the members, via the blog and later the newsletter.

---Delphi


LANA has tried to keep its members informed about the work towards formation of a member-based LFA. Prior minutes and documents have been posted on the LANA website, on this blog and in our quarterly newsletter. Please realize that the LFA has existed as an umbrella organization of the three major American Lipizzan associations for about ten years, and continues to serve as the American representative to international Lipizzan associations.  

The minutes and drafts of minutes of the telephone meetings by the Interim LFA Board of Directors have now been posted on LANA’s website. [Despite the request of a USLR board member that the draft minutes be removed from LANA’s website, we have chosen to keep them public for our members to review.]

During the Florida annual meeting, when it was determined that an all-out effort should be made to effectuate unification, a schedule was made in order to keep the process flowing. That schedule was posted to LANA’s website.

John Gliege, an attorney by profession, undertook to draft modifications of the Articles of Incorporation of the LFA. In addition, several sets of By-Laws were drafted and circulated by various members of the Interim Board.

During the first two telephone conferences, the Articles were discussed and, in large measure, approved. However, the By-Laws were questioned by some members of the Interim Board because they were more like club rules than By-Laws that would pass legal muster. John N. Iannuzzi, also an attorney by profession, undertook the task of drafting a set of legally appropriate By-Laws to be ready by the next meeting.

Meanwhile, a controversy arose regarding the distribution of the proceeds from the auction that was held in conjunction with the most recent annual meeting in Florida. Courtney Tripp, of Tempel Farms, who ran the auction, has not yet distributed the funds to the three organizations. 

After the By-Laws were drafted by Mr. Iannuzzi, as had been agreed, several additional versions of the By-Laws were drafted by other members of the Interim Board, changing, adding and modifying the By-Laws back to the unacceptable version that existed before Mr. Iannuzzi was assigned the task of re-drafting the By-Laws.

There was a call for the various versions of the By-Laws to be circulated so that they could be compared at the next telephone conference. By that time, the By-Laws were so muddled, it was decided to adjourn the telephone conference until a set of the By-Laws could be modified into one document by a By-Laws Committee [consisting of June Boardman, Muffin Smith and J.N.Iannuzzi] so that the Interim Board could add to, modify and remove provisions in some orderly fashion.  

Meanwhile, Laura Wiener-Smolka [former president and director of USLR] circulated an email that the USLR should not bother with the delays that were taking place in the unification process and instead urged USLR to just start stealing LANA’s members, or urging them not to renew their LANA memberships, thereby basically eviscerating LANA - which, of course, would result in unification by execution.  [Copies of that correspondence are attached below.*]
 
Members of the LANA Board were very upset by the revival of USLR’s intent to “subsume” and eliminate LANA [intentions that had appeared previously in print on the USLR website, as well as being suggested by various USLR members at the Ohio, Oregon and Illinois annual meetings]. It was hoped that the three organizations were operating in good faith toward the common goal of unification; this vicious suggestion seems to be out of the bounds of decency.  

Further, various members of the Lipizzan community, through the on-line bulletin boards, have chosen to make spurious, scandalous and libelous allegations and accusations against members of the Interim LFA Board, which have further hindered the work of the Interim Board of Directors of the LFA and resulted in the resignation of John Gliege from the LFA Board.  

On Friday, March 20, 2009, J.N. Iannuzzi wrote a letter on behalf of LANA to both USLR and ALBA asking for a clarification of the USLR position, and asking for an assurance that unification, not evisceration, was the goal of the USLR. [A copy of that letter is attached below for viewing by LANA Members.**]

As stated in the most recent letter, all unification processing has stopped, awaiting some word from USLR and ALBA as to their perception of unification, and also an explanation for the refusal to distribute the proceeds of the auction to the three groups.

To date, there has been no response whatever to LANA’s concerns from either USLR or ALBA. Nor has there been a distribution of the held funds. We are waiting.

March 25, 2009

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[LANA LETTER TO USLR AND ALBA]

March 20, 2009

Ms. June Boardman
A.L.B.A.

Mr. Tim Foley
U.S.L.R.

Dear June and Tim:

  I write to you both on behalf of the Lipizzan Association of North America

  In view of the controversies that have reared their ugly heads recently, until such time as the LANA Board and Members can be satisfied that this unification process has not been a mere pretext to obtain LANA’s membership lists and then totally eviscerate LANA, i.e. to satisfy the apparently long felt desire to covet LANA members [as recently openly suggested by Laura Wiener Smolka who was repeating what had previously been espoused on the official blog/website of USLR] and that the attempt to convert the proceeds of a recent Auction proceeds by Courtney Trip at Temple Farms has been resolved, no further action shall be taken by LANA relative to joint by laws or unification.

  It may be that you yourself and the majority of your organization are not openly involved. Giving tacit approval, however, making believe it isn't so, is, in effect, a condonation of the openly professed underhanded activity and an endorsement of the evil intentions. 

  We realize, of course, that ultimately the members of all organizations would have been revealed in order to be blended together However that likely ultimate result does not entirely trigger the counsel of the current aphorism: No Harm, No Foul. The problem is not with the ultimate result so much as with the foulness of method espoused by your organizations to obtain that result, even to the extent of deceiving the very people your are courting. If you think about it, such actions are all well and good for the Courtor, but not so pleasant for the Courtee.
   
We might be able to put this matter behind us. However, personal attacks will not be tolerated nor ignored. The silence of the USLR board speaks volume as to the apparent lack of respect (to members on the LFA Board and LANA) and true intent to the formation of the LFA. We need some input, some action from A.L.B.A. and U.S.L.R. to allay our concerns. 

We await your response.


Very truly yours,

Lipizzan Association of North America

by_______________________________
  John Nicholas Iannuzzi, Director

Carolyn Blakeslee
John Gliege, Esq.
Sandy Heaberlin
Melody Hull
John Iannuzzi, Esq.
Gary Lashinksy 
Dr. Delphi Toth 
Johann Riegler, Senior Rider, Spanish Riding School
Dr. Jaromir Oulehla, Former Director, Spanish Riding School and Federal Piber Studfarm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*[recent emails and bulletin board postings by Laura Weiner-Smolka]:

Unification-LFA-Delays-How to make it happen
 
Hi Everyone, 
No, the delays are not caused by people on the LFA board who are too busy. 
Because the people on the LFA board do not want to perpetuate us/them or act rudely, they are remaining silent about the REAL CAUSE of the delays. 
I also do not want to say who is responsible for the delays, because I don't want to fan embers I hope are dying out. Also, I don't want to be rude or accusatory. 
But, believe me, everyone representing USLR and ALBA do not want delays in the unification process, and they are as frustrated as all of you are. 
I know of a way to cause the unification to happen - - but if I say what it is, I will offend 3 of the "old guard" persons in LANA. 
Laura Wiener-Smolka 
USLR member since 1982
p.s. if any of you wish to email me privately, I would give you the name and email of a particular person to appeal to""
 
 
How to Accomplish Unification
 
It is John Gliege, with assistance from Sandy Haeberlin.
I know this without a doubt. 
The way to make it happen is for LANA members to not renew with LANA. 
 They don't necessarily have to join USLR, but that would help the unification effort, especially if people who joined or renewed membership w/ USLR wrote a note on their check or paper enclosed, that their renewal is based upon accomplishing the unification (and, of course, maintaining members' right to vote for decision making representatives).
Honestly, if all the membership voices were represented by USLR right now, the unification would happen and LFA would be functioning.
The reason I suggest such extreme measures, is because, after 25 years, I know that there is no possible way to work with John Gliege and have fruition.
He's a cordial fellow (a lawyer), who thrives on his ability to cause monkey wrenches to perpetuate delays. He is not capable of any other method of operation in his personal or professional life.
 Also, John and Sandy simply do not want to give up their lifetime status/owernship of a Lipizzan registry. They certainly do not want to face running for election to maintain a decision making office/position. 
 John also wants to maintain his "power status" in the eyes of the Europeans. 
Laura 
 P.S. Non-essential reading about history of USLR/LANA: 
When John originally left USLR, it was because he was not reelected to the presidency. 
 He formed his own registry and sent out newsletters and invitations to join for free, but almost no one joined. 
 Later, Sandy H. and Barbara VanDam formed their own registry, and after Sandy's husband died and Barbara got divorced and hit hard times (she went to Arizona w/ her horses and moved in w/ John), the three of them formed LANA. 
 LANA did not have many members until Cheryl Wright, USLR Registrar, was afflicted with personal problems and failed to register horses for about two years. During that time, USLR members and new Lipizzan owners became very frustrated and began registering horses with LANA (that was in about 1994-1996). 
 Finally, USLR was basically broke and almost defunct - down to about 50 or less paid members. I just boldly, and w/o any authorization, send a mass mailing to all present and past members with a ballot - - members electing to temporary waive Bylaws, and call a meeting in Dallas, Texas, to rescue the USLR and appoint a new Registrar.  
 Won't bore you with the rest of the details - - and not looking for any pats on the back - - just providing some history of how LANA grew to have membership and a pedigree database long before USLR published its database... 
Laura Wiener-Smolka




Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Loss of LANA Board Member, Tom Hull


Tom Hull, LANA Board Member and Registrar of Pedigrees  
March 29, 1948 - Nov. 26, 2008

Tom was an absolute treasure
for those of us in the Lipizzan horse community.
He gave of himself and of his time with good spirits, integrity,
and a sense of fun and adventure.
He was devoted to compiling accurate pedigrees, with endless patience in investigating the confusing and sometimes contradictory international records, and he created a comprehensive data base to share with all Lipizzan owners.
We will miss his booming laugh, his sweet smile, and his warmth.
Months ago, Tom and Mel told his fellow Lipizzan Board members that he was ill, but he continued his activities with his usual good spirits,
even participating in our annual meeting less than 2 weeks ago.
No one can replace him in our small community; he was unique.
Our thoughts are with Mel
as we mourn the loss of Tom.
---Delphi


Monday, November 17, 2008

Orlando Meeting Kicks Off Unification Process

This past weekend, in the steamy warmth of Orlando, Florida, the three different American Lipizzan associations held their annual meetings.

The three associations (LANA-Lipizzan Association of North America, ALBA-American Lipizzan Breeders Association, USLR-United States Lipizzan Registry) are making efforts to unify into one organization to be called the Lipizzan Federation of America (LFA). Discussions of possible unification began years ago.

At this meeting there were concrete efforts toward following through on unification. There are now suggested steps toward unification, a process begun on November 15, 2008 and scheduled to proceed through May 30, 2009.

Here is the proposed schedule which emerged from the meeting:

Steps to Consolidation for Formation of the LFA


1. √ Adopt a Resolution of Commitment to Consolidation into the LFA by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 11/15/2008. (Resolution # 1A, 1B and 1C).

2. √ Establish a Board of Directors for the LFA. Three Members selected by each Lipizzan Organization by 11/15/2008.

3. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Steps to Consolidation for Formation of the LFA by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 11/30/2008. (Resolution #2A, 2B and 2C)

4. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Steps to Consolidation for Formation of the LFA by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 11/30/2008. (Resolution #3)
  
5. Revision of the LFA Articles of Incorporation by the LFA Board of Directors by 12/15/2008.

6. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Revised LFA Articles of Incorporation by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 12/30/2008. (Resolution #4A, 4B and 4C)

7. Development of the LFA Bylaws by 3/15/2009. (Attachment A)

8. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Bylaws by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #5A, 5B and 5C)

9. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Bylaws by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #6)

10. Development of the LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of Horses by 3/15/2009. (Attachment B)

11. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of Horses by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #7A, 7B and 7C)

12. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of Horses by LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #8)

13. Development of the LFA Board of Directors Transition and Election Plan by 3/15/2009. (Attachment C)

14. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Board of Directors Transition and Election Plan by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #9A, 9B and 9C)

15. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Board of Directors Transition and Election Plan by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #10)

16. Development of the LFA Financial Plan for Unification Including Membership Issues by 3/15/2009. (Attachment D)

17. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Financial Plan for Unification Including Membership Issues by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #11A, 11B and 11C)

18. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Financial Plan for Unification Including Membership Issues by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution # 12)

19. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Conveyance of the Assets of the Lipizzan Organizations to the LFA, as said assets are listed in an attachment to the resolution by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #13A, 13B and 13C)

20. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Assets Conveyed or Transferred to the LFA by the Three Lipizzan Organizations by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/30/2009. (Resolution #14)

21. Development of the LFA Database Plan for Unification Including Registration and DNA Records by 3/15/2009. (Attachment E)

22. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Database Plan for Unification Including Registration and DNA Records by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #15A, 15B and 15C)

23. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Database Plan for Unification to Include Registration and DNA Records by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #16)

24. Adopt a Resolution Committing to Run the LFA with NELA as the Business Office for a minimum of one year after unification by LFA Board of Directors signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #17)

25. Adopt a Resolution Committing to Disband the Lipizzan Organizations after all financial liabilities are satisfied by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #18A, 18B and 18C)

26. Vote by LFA Membership to accept LFA Bylaws by 5/30/2009.

27. Vote by LFA Membership to accept LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of horses by 5/30/2009.


The task looks daunting but possible.  The initial Board of Directors of the LFA is charged with following through on this proposal; this Board consists of three members from each organization's current Board.  Please feel free to post comments here or contact them directly with your questions or comments or support:

LANA:  John Gliege, John Iannuzzi, Susan Castle

ALBA:  June Boardman, Rennie Squier, Ingun Littorin

USLR:  Tim Foley, Lyn Schaeffer, Muffin Smith


GOOD LUCK!  ---Delphi

Sunday, September 7, 2008

2008 North American Lipizzan Symposium



The 2008 Annual Meeting will be heald at Walt Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by White Stallion Productions, Inc., this meeting is a collaboration of the American Lipizzan Breeders Association, the Lipizzan Association of North America and the United States Lipizzan Registry. Meeting information and registration is now available through the LANA website: www.lipizzan.org

Also, the following pdf links contain current meeting information: 2008 Meeting Announcement, Meeting Information, Registration Form

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Lipizzans Perform for President Bush at EU Meeting in Slovenia


AP photo by Filip Horvat

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

On June 10, 2008, Lipizzans from the Lipica Stud Farm Riding School performed the eight horse musical Quadrille for President George W. Bush, the first American President to watch a Lipizzaner performance in more than 20 years.
President Bush was in Kranj, Slovenia for the United States-European Union Meeting at the Grad Brdo near Ljubljana. The Renaissance style Grad (Castle) Brdo was first built in 1510 by a Carniolan aristocrat who was General Administrator of Habsburg private estates in the Duchy of Carniola, long a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Grad Brdo is now an international diplomatic conference center in democratic Slovenia.
President Bush joins President Ronald Reagan as the only two recent Presidents who have been horse enthusiasts and appreciative of the remarkable Lipizzaners.
Kudos to President Bush for respecting the Lipizzaners and their riders enough to demure when urged to ride one of the stallions.
---Delphi



White House photo by Eric Draper

AP photo by Filip Horvat

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

White House photo by Chris Greenberg

AP photo by Filip Horvat


for a brief video of this event, go to:  
President Bush & Slovenian Lipizzaners

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Bronze Sculptures Added to LANA's Store







LANA is pleased to be able to offer two different Limited Edition Bronze Sculptures by Colorado artist Micheal E. Halterman.  Mr. Halterman draws his inspiration from historical figures, war figures and wildlife. He runs his own foundry and is therefore able to offer exacting quality in these beautiful bronze Lipizzan statues.  One sculpture is one foot tall, the other is three feet 4 inches tall.

Please go to the LANA website for ordering information:
www.Lipizzan.org/store.html

Monday, May 5, 2008

Odd News of the SRS

from the Lancashire Telegraph:

The 140th Great Harwood Agricultural Show, May 26, will be moving to a new and larger show grounds.  Great Harwood is a small town in the Hyndburn district of Lancashire, England, 4 1/2 miles north east of Blackburn.  To highlight the last show at the traditional site, special events and exhibitions are scheduled. 
These special events include:  
ferret racing, a Romany fortune teller, archery contests, and  ... 
"A demonstration of show-jumping from the Spanish Riding School, with riders wearing traditional Spanish flamenco costume, on horses of Andalucian origin."  
I hope they post photos. 
--Delphi

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/hyndburn/headlines/display.var.2246301.0.great_harwood_shows_farewell_to_traditional_home.php
----------

We have received a wonderful comment about this delightfully mistaken article from the rider in Britain who put together this performance.-- Delphi


Amy Clithero wrote:  "hi, i found that article particularly amusing too. it is basically non horsey folk writing about horsey things, and not understanding the meanng of what they have said!  it is me, my mum and sisters that give a little spanish display on horses (we also happen to use them in the riding school - which i think the people got the connotation from) at great hawood for the past few years (nothing spectacular like the proper SRC).  Sorry for the confusion - my mum even told them it wasnt a jumping display either, just ring and ribbons games this year.
amy xxx

May 29, 2008 4:32 AM