AMHI Board Approves Feasibility Study
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Shelburne, Vermont — The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) Board approved engaging a consulting team lead by Carriage House Promotions in a Feasibility Study to determine the potential for initiating a capital campaign to raise $3M in cash and in kind contributions to support the building of an "American Morgan Horse Pavilion" or alternative expanded presence for the Morgan breed at the Kentucky Horse Park.
"This study is timely, as Kentucky Horse Park will be the hosting venue for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, which will draw an attendance of 500,000 spectators, 8,000 exhibitors, 1000 Press entities, and will be televised reaching millions", said Bob Morgan, President of AMHI, and a member of the Kentucky Horse Park Advisory Board. "Having a broader representation of the American Morgan Horse at the KHP to complement the Morgan Horse statue and riding simulators which were generously donated and already in place, will allow us to showcase our Morgan breed to the large audience visiting the Park and attending events there. It would position us soundly at one of the major crossroads of the Equestrian world, while respecting and honoring our presence at the American Morgan Horse Museum and offices in Vermont."
"Conducting a Feasibility Study before embarking on a Capital Campaign will allow us to gauge the level of community and corporate interest in supporting such an endeavor, and to determine the scope of presence at the Park—from a American Morgan Horse Legacy Garden to an American Morgan Horse Heritage Pavilion." said Linda Hall, a longtime Morgan owner and exhibitor, and President of Carriage House Promotions who is conducting the study. "So far the feedback from Corporations and Individuals has been overwhelmingly positive, and we anticipate having very exciting news to share with the AMHI and AMHA members in the coming months."
"We are delighted that the AMHI has undertaken this study to evaluate the prospects of a larger Morgan presence at KHP. A Morgan pavilion would serve as fabulous backdrop for AMHA’s participation at the Games. AMHA has formed a very distinguished panel of experts and specialists with deep backgrounds in marketing, promotion, motion picture and television entertainment, fundraising, event and project management, and horsemanship to develop several Morgan exhibitions and special showcase events" said Julie Broadway, AMHA Executive Director.
The Feasibility Study has been funded through designated donations of two AMHI members, thus creating no incremental cost to the Institute or Association. The study will conclude in early June with a recommendation to the AMHI Board regarding scope of the project and potential funding sources. If the Feasibility Study reveals support at the Pavilion level, with AMHI Board approval, ground breaking for a new building could be as early as May 2009.
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