Article 3 - The American Quarter Horse Association and Raleighs Full Moon
by Catherine A. McCall
Raleighs Full Moon became a fully registered Quarter Horse this April 2004. Prior to their acceptance by AQHA, I was fairly active in the Cremello cause. When double dilutes were accepted, we still had not been able to locate Moon's dam whose DNA was not on file. This began an extensive search lasting two years, including fruitless DNA tests at UC Davis and the combined efforts of many. We were unable to locate the mare.
This Spring I learned that the AQHA convention would be held in Reno ; a short day's drive from where we live in California . My husband, Rick, told me I had to attend while other breeders encouraged me to "Stand up and plead my case". They had a very good point; I owed it to the horse. So I made a commitment by calling the AQHA and asking to be put on the agenda to speak to the Stud Book and Registration Committee. Could a small voice make a difference?
Cheri Barnes, Moon's breeder and a good friend since I bought the colt, agreed to meet us in Reno . Moon's sire, Sir Raleigh James owned by Susan Yeager, had sadly just passed away. Susan agreed to come to the convention as she felt it was important to continue her stallion's legacy through Moon, attaining his rightful status as a papered Quarter Horse.
There were four of us on the team, four representing our stallion. When we got to Reno , we discovered that we were not the only ones with a missing parent. We met others who needed to be heard and each took their turn in front of the microphone. Cheri spoke for us. We were successful! Our voices were heard! AQHA passed a hardship clause based on a case by case basis.
To keep the continuity and Hank Wiescamp legacy of Sir Raleigh James through the Quarter Horse blood of Raleighs Full Moon, Cheri Barnes' beloved AQHA mare, CR Cue Te is in foal for 2005. A dream will be realized; a circle complete. Friendship, vision and perseverance along with a tremendous registry who listened to the concerned voices of a few, resulted in the rightful registration of a Foundation bred American Quarter horse. Our reward is the future and the promise it holds. Thank You, American Quarter Horse Association!
~ Catherine A. McCall