June 2004 HAT Meeting Minutes
by Di Hopkins
The HAT Meeting on June 3rd was called to order
by Sally Thomason at
Special Presentation:
The majority of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by the Texas Horse Council (THC). Their representatives at the meeting were THC President Jerry Thames, Harvey Turner, Tim Potter and John Eckland.
Their presentation discussed what THC does, why it’s important, and how HAT and/or its members could become involved. Among the highlights:
· THC’s purposes include providing a point of focus for issues important to horse owners; promoting the growth of the equine community; education; and monitoring of legislation as it pertains to horse owners. There are approximately 9,500 council members across the state.
· HAT can join as a club, making it a local chapter of THC. The cost for HAT to join would be $100 for the first year, and $300 per year after that.
· HAT members and non-members may both join THC individually, whether HAT joins as a club or not. THC annual membership fees are: $15 for adults, $25 for families or businesses, $100 for Business Card members, and $300 for Business Card and Website members.
· If HAT joined THC, a portion of the THC membership fees paid by local members would be split with HAT for local use.
·
Once 10 local chapters have been formed
statewide, the plan is for THC to hold regular meetings with representatives
from each local group. These reps would
be expected to travel to meetings held in various cities across the state such
as
· THC offers several additional benefits to local chapters, including support for sponsoring clinics and youth programs.