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Founded
in 1976 |
| Bishop Mule Days had
been going on for several years. Since mules were becoming popular once
again, there was a need for organization and rules. Several meetings
were held that winter between Pat and Karen Parelli and Ray and Jackie
Winters culminating with one meeting where every known mule person in
the San Joaquin Valley was invited. There was a big turnout of probably
100 people. It was definitely decided to "do it" and the first officers
were elected. Pat Parelli was elected as the first President, LaVerne
Ordway as Secretary, Ray Winters as Vice President and Jack Winters as
Treasurer. Membership during that first year was 135 muleskinners! |
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Goals |
| At the time, goals of
the organization were to set some rules, organize the mule community and
proceed with more mule shows. All this for enjoyment and to enhance the
reputation of the mule. A primary objective of the American Mule
Association was, and still is, to dispel the mules' reputation as the
brunt of jokes and to advertise mules as the useful and talented animals
that they truly are. In 2005, the AMA is still working toward the goals
first set by the founding members. |
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Rules |
| Roxy McIntosh was
appointed chairman of the Performance Rules Committee. A meeting of the
Directors was called at Pat Parelli's. Roxy presented the results of her
research. She had gone through the American Horse Show rulebook, Quarter
Horse rulebook, as well as several other organizational rulebooks. At
that meeting, the Board of Directors decided on the nucleus of the rules
that are presently in use. Al Dodds and Bill Shaver wrote the racing
rules while Dave Wilson, Tokie Elliot and a group of professional
packers wrote the packing rules. By adopting rules from other
associations (with their permission), exhibitors have realized a general
consistency with their show rules. For clarity and flexibilty needed in
a growing organization representing an ever-increasingly versatile
animal, the rules have changed through the years. In 1998, the AMA
printed a newly updated, 106-page rulebook. |
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Shows |
| In April, 1976, the
first AMA approved mule show was organized by Pat Parelli in Clovis,
California. That year saw two other shows. For the next two years, there
were three more Clovis mule shows. There are presently fifteen approved
divisions plus a section set up for green mules with less show
experience. Show divisions include Packing, Halter, Coon Jumping,
Driving, English, Team Racing, Gymkhana, Donkey Performance, Western
Performance, Roping and Penning. There are also classes geared to youth
and amateurs. |
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Relationships With
Other Organizations |
| The AMA currently
enjoys friendly working relationships with other mule and donkey
organizations, registries and publications. The AMA is acutely aware of
opportunities to promote the mule through articles in many of the
leading equine publications. Not only does the AMA offer memberships,
show approvals, Mule, Jack and Jennet registries and a point system for
year-end awards, it also offers a monthly newsletter called "MULES". |
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