Introducing VHOA Member Michael Moertl

It is an honor to be considered as one of the people who may bring the Valley Horse Owner's Association into the new millennium. Since its original inception as the East Valley Horse Owner's Association, the VHOA has a long history of working for equestrian rights in the San Fernando Valley. Along the way it has proudly placed many equestrian lifestyle trophies upon its shelves. Among them we can include the creation of local riding trails, bravely facilitating evacuations in times of crisis, fighting for equestrian rights and maintaining precious but dwindling local equestrian property.

Now more than ever we need a watchtower organization that serves as a guardian for local equestrians of all disciplines and an interface with local and federal government. In the latest edition of the Equestrian News, there is an article chronicling the latest meeting of minds regarding the creation of a new organization designed to unite Los Angeles' various local horse groups. Guess what? It already exists! It's called the VHOA it has proudly been around and functioning effectively for the past thirty-four years!

As quick-money developers and their political cohorts are increasingly harassing equestrians nationwide, equestrians are bonding together as never before…and finally using their clout to stand up for themselves. Statewide, the California equestrian community spends over $600 million dollars annually…right here at home. In consideration of this, it is my belief that once again the time is right for the association to expand, just as the original association did when it changed its name to from East Valley to the much broader Valley HOA.

In doing so, I believe the first goal is to significantly increase our membership. This can be accomplished by employing a high profile promotional campaign, possibly even enlisting a Hollywood celebrity equestrian as spokesperson (there are many to choose from). Additionally, offering increased member benefits and creating an environment where VHOA membership affirms a certain status in the local equestrian community will boost memberships exponentially. I also believe that in this day and age, an organization of such importance as ours located in one of the largest metropolitan in the United States should have permanent offices employing a fulltime staff; leading us to our second goal, getting the association's finances in order. Generation of the necessary operating capital will have to involve the implementation of an enthusiastic fundraising campaign, actively soliciting donations and even investigating non-compromising sponsorship must be explored.

The possibilities, ideas and opportunities are endless. At this point in its illustrious existence, the VHOA needs some clean straw, good oats, cold clear water and a gentle but steady hand on its reins. I sincerely hope that other members who feel the way I do will support myself and my staff and will enable us to do this, and I want to thank Carol for all her kind words of support and encouragement.

Michael Moertl, August 2007