February 2005 Meeting Minutes

by Sandra Shiver, HAT 2^nd Vice President

The HAT meeting on February 3^rd was called to order at 7:15pm by Roger Dougan, HAT President. New member Matthew Felton was introduced and special guest “Cricket” Holcomb was welcomed.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read by Sandra Shiver. The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented by Jenni Dougan.

Old Business:

• Sally Thomason, Show and Events Chairperson, gave the show committee report. A copy of a show flyer was passed around for suggestions, revision, and approval. Rules for shows were discussed with final discretion being with the judge. The rules for the shows will be announced during the shows and will be displayed at the show registration table. Sally has volunteer sign up sheets for each show. Members and non-members can sign up now. The concession stand was discussed.
• Sandra Shiver, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, presented the 2005 Scholarship application. Advertising the scholarship was discussed. Sandy Holcomb and Gerry Snipes volunteered to participate on the selection committee.
• The Mare/Foal and Breeding/Stallion Management Clinic with Dinner report was given by Sally Thomason and Jenni Dougan. The event is Monday, February 28^th, at 7:00 PM at the Grayson County Court House. Dinner will be served by Mark Arnold, Grayson County Extension Office. Gerry Snipes, Sandra Shiver, and Sally Thomason were recruited to set up and clean up (see New Business).
• Members were encouraged to represent HAT by participating in the BOABH – Best of America by Horseback™ trail ride at Lake Fannin scheduled for Saturday, March 19^th. The registration information received from the Texas Horse Council was for the wrong trail ride. For correct information, contact Mike Scully (e-mail MScully209@aol.com).

New Business:

• Sally Thomason announced a silent auction would take place during the Mare/Foal Clinic. Proceeds will benefit the H.A.T scholarship program and other H.A.T. projects. Any horse related items, products, or services were welcome, but the premier items would be stallion donations. Owners can donate a breeding to their stallion by notifying Sally Thomason (903-463-6463). Bidding will start at half the price of each stallion’s breeding fee. Owners will receive the booking fee and any mare care involved.
• The web site had not been updated. Jenni Dougan will contact Trudy White or Mike Bernier. There were no volunteers to assist/backup Trudy White, HAT Webmaster.
• Sandra Shiver proposed having programs during the year that are open to members only to increase membership and to take advantage of our current insurance coverages. Suggested ideas were to utilize the wealth of area resources for program presentations at meetings or tours of facilities.

The February issues of the HAT Chat with the Stallion Showcase were distributed with members assigned to cover specific outlets for distribution, and the meeting was adjourned.