Federated Friesians

It’s now time to let you know that the General Membership Organization (GMO) program we’ve been working is finally set to go. We’ve had inquiries from our friends at several other registries who want to participate once the program is up and running.

So let's first define this program.

The GMO program is designed to do only two things: 1) allow sharing of data and 2) promote sharing of resources. Period. There are no hidden points where one registry gains control over another or usurps anyone's proprietary information or members. The basic concept is to establish a cooperative effort so different groups and registries can act together for the good of all.

Interested in Joining as a GMO? Email the FOA for more information
Want more indepth GMO info? Click here to download the FOA GMO form.
If the above link does not work, try this Alternate Link

Here are the FAQ's:

What is the new GMO program called?

The collective name for the new entity will be Federated Friesians, a name that was suggested by someone very involved in the breed who graciously agreed to let us make this name official. The definition of "federate" is "to unite in an alliance", which seems appropriate. As each organization voluntarily joins the Federated Friesians, the program will grow in resources, wisdom, and collective strength. An analogous structure can be seen in the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), which individual clubs can join as GMO members without surrendering their independence.

Why is it called the FOA's GMO program if it is a federation?

The FOA initiated this program. Member organizations of the Federated Friesians (FF) agree to abide by the by-laws of the FOA and the laws of the state of Pennsylvania, though the rules and concerns of the FF itself will be determined by the federation (see next question). It is our hope that the FF will eventually become a stand- alone organization when the participating members can form a US corporation with rules, regulations and bylaws to govern it.

Who will control FF?

Until the FF becomes independent, the FF will operate under the administrative and legal umbrella of the FOA. However, within that FOA structure, the rules and regulations of the FF will be defined by the participating members. Each member organization will have a single vote, including FOA. The FF controls itself, makes its own rules and regulations, and defines its own programs

Who can participate?

Any organization or registry that has Friesian-specific organizational bylaws, that documents the Friesian breed or its partbreds, and that offers services to its members may apply to join the Federated Friesians.

Who decides who participates?

The FOA will offer an open invitation to any organization that wishes to apply. If an applicant organization meets the entry requirements, the FF itself confirms the invitation.

What are members of the GMO required to do?

Member organizations must

-- allow access to horse information as part of a cooperative database that will be available to all participants;
AND
-- must allow sharing or access to member services to FF members at the same fee that is charged to its own members. At this time, such services are restricted to inspections, sponsored cooperative show classes, DNA and microchip services, and horse data concerning pedigree information, physical characteristics (i.e. inspection results), and performance data (show results).

Is there a fee to participate?

No. Fees are only charged to individual members who use the services provided by the participating organizations.

If we join, how do we know the FOA won't just try to take us over?

Organizations joining the FF are asked only to tell the FOA how many members they have and provide a list of zip codes keyed to number of members. These data are needed so that FOA can evaluate what resources are required and the data will be shared with all the participating organizations. The FOA will have no means of contacting the members of FF organizations directly so all information will be distributed through the member organizations. The FOA cannot "steal" any other organization's members.

What rights does the FF have within the FOA?

The FF will have its own board, with one voting member from every participating organization, including FOA. The FF will act autonomously within the FOA as a chapter.

What if a GMO member wishes to quit the FF?

All organizations entering FF as a GMO Unit may withdraw from the FF without contest 60 days after giving written notice to the FF Board of an intent to separate. Until the end of the 60-day period, all terms of the agreements made to that point must be honored.

How will data be shared?

A common database will be built from entries are provided by the respective organizations. Every participating organization will have access to and the ability to download and retain the database within their own organizations as it is updated. This way every organization can access pedigree information, DNA file info, microchip info, performance info on all the horses with the FF chapter.

Are owners identified?

No, the only identification listed in the common database will be the file number, and organization code. Any inquiries about owner or breeder will be forwarded to the appropriate organization for action. FF members are not required to reveal personal information of any kind about its members beyond id number and zip code for demographics. Membership number and zip code will not be tied into any data about the horse(s).

OK, how does the FF share resources?

Now we're getting to the meat and potatoes of the FF! This is best explained with an example.

The FOA has inspections of horses for its members and requires that every horse registered with the FOA (purebred or partbred) must be inspected at least once. Members of organizations participating with the FF will be able to have their horses inspected at FOA inspection sites for the same fee charged to FOA members. If FF members choose to take advantage of this option and notify the organizers in time, then the inspection will be listed as a joint FOA/abc/xyz inspection.

Similarly, if FOA members want to have their horses inspected but do not live near an FOA inspection site, then they may take their horses to the inspection sponsored by another FF organization and have the results accepted and recorded by the FOA.

The bottom line is that such services will be available to a larger number of customers so they can be offered at lower individual expense. Make sense?

OK, if anyone has any more questions we'll take them individually and add their answers to this document, so look for updates.

We'd also like to extend an open invitation to any and all organizations that might wish to participate. Please spread the word: there's a new way to bring the breed together! Federated Friesians will allow the various organizations to keep their individuality and support while allowing their members greater lobbying power and a new ability to participate for the breed overall.

Every journey starts with one step. We're stepping out and extending what we see as a good opportunity to bring the breed together in a common cause.

It's About The Horse!