Michael D. Brown

:For other people of the same name, see Michael Brown (disambiguation).

IAHA tenure

Before joining the DHS/FEMA, Brown was the Judges and Stewards Commissioner for the International Arabian Horse Association, (IAHA), from 1989-2001. After numerous lawsuits were filed against the organization over disciplinary actions{{ref|IAHA}}, Brown was forced to resign.{{ref|BHerald}}

Related Topics:
International Arabian Horse Association - 2001 - Lawsuit

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A March 2000 two-part report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, chronicling one of the disciplinary actions, lauded Brown for pursuing an investigation against David Boggs, "the kingpin of the Arabian horse world," despite internal pressure to end the inquiry{{ref|praise}}. The Brown-led investigation found Boggs performed medically unnecessary surgery on horses to enhance their visual appeal. An ethics board suspended Boggs for five years. Boggs protested through multiple lawsuits against both the organization and Brown, alleging slander and defamation. Brown and the IAHA prevailed, but the lawsuits nonetheless took a toll on morale. Some members interviewed felt Brown showed an imperious attitude, and nicknamed him "The Czar." {{ref|KRT}}

Related Topics:
2000 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Ethics - Slander - Defamation

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Brown started his own legal defense fund before resigning, a move he said was necessary to protect his family's assets. {{ref|AHW}} However, some IAHA insiders claimed that this was what really led to his ouster. He raised money from breeders for the fund as well as IAHA, creating a conflict of interest. Also, his contract stipulated that IAHA was to pay all his personal legal expenses, on top of his $100,000 annual salary, so there was speculation as to why he needed a personal legal defense fund. {{ref|kos1}} IAHA became financially depleted, and had to be merged with the Arabian Horse Registry of America. {{ref|kos2}}

Related Topics:
Breeders - Contract - Arabian Horse Registry of America

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