July 2005 Meeting Minutes

by Sandra Shiver

 

The meeting on July 7 was called to order at 7:19pm by HAT President Roger Dougan.

 

Cecile and Ann Sanderson were introduced as guests.  They will be holding an open house at Bon Aire Farm, Hwy 691, Denison, TX, on Sunday, July 10th.  Featured will be three Tennessee Walking Horses offered for sale.

 

Minutes from June’s meeting were approved as read by Sandra Shiver.  The treasurer’s report was given by Jenni Dougan.

 

The Scholarship report was given by Sandra Shiver.  This year’s scholarship was presented to Joanne Kremer from Bells High School during a brief ceremony at the Youth Clinic & Show on June 18th.   Newspaper and internet coverage was excellent in part due to a press release created by Sandra Shiver and Mike Bernier.  Sandra also shared a photo of Joanne and her horse from the Herald-Democrat.  They were standing in the rain waiting with a smile and umbrella for the Julian C. Hyers Lions Club world campers to arrive for horseback rides.  Jenni Dougan read a sincere thank you letter received from Joanne.  All members present agreed we were proud to be able to offer financial aid to young horse enthusiasts.  In particular, we are extremely proud of the HAT scholarship recipients.  It makes all the work worthwhile.

 

Show Committee report was shared by several members as Sally Thomason was absent due to a vet visit.  We took time to bask in the success of the Youth Clinic and Show.  All agreed we met the goal of having a safe, education clinic followed by a relaxed, fun show.  Debbie Van Nurden expressed how important it is to offer these kinds of programs to kids and parents who are new to horses to help get them started in their horse educational journey.  Gerry Snipes, clinician presenter, stated the parents seemed to learn a great deal with the hope that they will help the kids remember at home.  She presented a lot of great information accompanied by the handouts.

 

With limited members available the day of the Clinic, everyone pitched in to help out.  Sandra Shiver recognized those who helped make the day successful:

 

·              Gerry Snipes, Clinician

·              Janessa Dutton, Judge

·              Clinic helpers – Sara Ferguson, Sara Saltzman, and Sandra Shiver (who really wishes she’d brought a horse) …Chrome, Olive, and Kodak!

·              Show Chair - Sally Thomason got us off to a great start once Roger Dougan found the electricity!

·              Show Secretary, announcer and photographer - Mike Bernier (man of many HATs!)

·              Registration, setup, photographer, runner, and whatever – Sandra Shiver

·              Concession stand - Roger Dougan, Chris Bernier, Jenni Dougan

·              Setup and runners – Matthew and Stephen Bernier

·              Ribbons – Michelle Bernier, Debbie Van Nurden, & Zachary Flynn

·              Gate Keeper - Debbie Van Nurden

·              Ring Steward – Beth Ferguson (she’s working on her leads)

·              Clean up – Everyone but Sandra who gave out after completing the clinic while dismounted – even the concession stand treats couldn’t revive her!

·              Saddlebound 4-H - donation of trail obstacles

·              Loy Lake Livestock Committee – donation of arena use

·              The parents who cared enough to bring the kids and their horses

·              And the horses who lasted through out the entire day!

 

Discussion followed as to what did we do right and what can we improve for next year?  Gerry suggested replacing some of the show classes with a skill class built of elements and skills to control the horse.  Ideas included demonstrating proper position, keeping your horse on the rail, moving your horse away from and to the rail, and manipulating cones without using hands and reins.  Other suggestions included evaluation forms to the parents and participants, certificates of completion, H.A.T. information packet, awards for the most improved, most safety conscious, and safety during warm-ups and breaks.  As always, more help is welcomed and we will strive to get started on time.

 

Jenni Dougan concluded the discussion by reading a thank you note from a family who thoroughly enjoyed their participation.  These kinds of feedback along with the positive input received from other attendees the day of the clinic are the rewards we as club members strive for.

 

A brief discussion of the Autumn show concluded with agreement to charge non-members a higher all-day showing fee, increasing it from $35.00 to $45.00.

 

Old Business:

·              Trailer Project – Roger Dougan reported that the restoration and repair work is in progress.

·              Club Promotion – discussion as to how we can continue moving forward to create pre- and post-event press releases as we did for the Clinic and Scholarship.  Members are encouraged to gather a list of community calendar and notices sections of papers and shoppers.  Distribution of the HAT Chat was also discussed.

·              BOABH – Mike Scully said the BOABH (Best of America by Horseback) programs will be televised in August and will provide dates.

·              HAT Web Site – Mike Scully moved to notify Trudy White to put a hold on the current web site.  This was seconded by Gerry Snipes and the motion was passed.  Mike will notify Trudy and finalize details to get a new web-site in place.

·              Social – a summer social will be held at Sally Thomason’s on Saturday, July 9th, at 6pm.  RSVP to Sally.  Bring a covered dish (meat will be provided).

 

New Business:

·              Jenni Dougan asked everyone to bring any HAT photos or memorabilia for inclusion in a club scrapbook.  Sandra Shiver provided newspaper clippings from last month.

·              Debbie Van Nurden presented her idea for a type of horse hospice suggesting the club pay for Sandra Shiver to provide an Equine Touch session in the event of trauma or terminal illness occurring with a club member’s horse.  Everyone agreed this was an opportunity to do something positive for club members in time of need.  This will remain a permanent agenda item based on nomination and need with final decision by the board.

·              Sandra Shiver noted an equestrian scout troop had been formed in the Texoma area.  All agreed to invite the troop to club meetings and activities.

·              Members are excited and anxious to have a basic clinic for adults similar to the youth clinic.  Gerry Snipes offered her services as clinician.

 

The next HAT meeting will be held at the Grayson County Courthouse.  Use the south entrance.  If you arrive after 7pm please call (903) 814-4484 for admittance.

 

Meeting was adjourned.