October 2005 Meeting Minutes

by Sandra Shiver

 

The meeting on October 6th was called to order at 7:20 PM by President Roger Dougan.

 

New members and guests included Casey Wion and Karen Mattingly.

 

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as read by Roger Dougan.  The treasurer’s report was approved as presented by Jenni Dougan.

 

Committee Reports:

·                    Scholarship: Sandra Shiver reminded everyone the Youth Scholarship application is available on line at www.hat-texoma.org or by calling 903-868-1453.  Information will be emailed or faxed to the schools by Mike Bernier.

·                    Shows and Events: Halter Challenge - Sally Thomason suggested utilizing 4-H group to do our concession stand during the November 6th show.  It was moved, seconded, and passed.  After discussion regarding added money to the Halter Challenge, a motion was passed to add $150 for the Grand and Reserve Champion of the Challenge.  Further discussion was suggested with the show secretary on an adjustable payout if there are limited entries in a class.  A ribbon order will need to be placed prior to the show with possible purchases being a neck ribbons for grand and reserve.  Special ribbons for the cutest pony would be a good idea.   Judge Shirley Barnett has been confirmed for the upcoming show.  The props for the trail class need to be redone.  A work day is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16th Sally Thomason’s.  Show up prepared to spruce up the trail obstacles.  Bring a covered dish and a swimsuit to enjoy the hot tub!

·                    September 18th Open Show – The show was yet another success, both from the exhibitors’ feedback and financially for the club.  Volunteers were thanked for their contributions of time and hard work.  Without the volunteers, we’d have no shows.  The shows are HAT’s primary fund raiser for the Youth Scholarship fund.  A check will be sent to Ricky Stephenson for arena preparation.

 

Old Business:

·                    Arena Fees: The Loy Lake Livestock arena fee remains the same as previous events.  As the Loy Lake Livestock Committee is considering no longer offering the arena free to youth events, the letter from HAT which was prepared to negotiate a reduced rate for our events benefiting the Scholarship fund was not presented by the LLLC member.

·                    Website – Check out the updates including the link to special events for details on the Adult Riders Clinic.  Show results and other links are populated, including HAT Chat articles and meeting minutes.  The local weather is also available.  Kudos to the Webmaster!

·                    Adult Clinic – Scheduled for October 23, 2005, at Loy Lake Arena with all proceeds to go to the Youth Scholarship fund.  The focus will be basic horsemanship for adult riders with emphasis on correct body position which is applicable to all riding disciplines.  Anyone interested in participating must register in advance with Jenni Dougan or Sandra Shiver.

·                    Club promotion: Calling members with a meeting reminder was suggested for the November 3rd meeting.  The Shopper ad continues to draw interest and new attendees.  Remember, you do not have to own a horse to be a member of HAT!

 

New Business:

·                    Show Classes: Given the number of members who have gaited horses, it was decided to look into including a gaited horse pleasure class. 

·                    Membership Renewals: Reminders will be sent out after the November show as many folks renew at that show.  With the exception of those who joined in August or September, memberships are renewable October 1st.

·                    Officer Nominations for 2006: Nominations received so far are: President – Roger Dougan; 1st Vice President – Mike Scully; 2nd Vice President – Sandra Shiver; Secretary – Donna Framus; and Treasurer – Jenni Dougan.   Any additional nominations should be directed to current HAT officers.  Elections will be held during the monthly meeting on November 3rd.

·                    Charitable Donations: Sandra Shiver confirmed our Katrina relief donation check had been delivered to Habitat for Horses, and then read a moving letter of appreciation from the organization’s web site (available for viewing at www.habitatforhorses.org/getinvolved/reliefdonations).  HAT is very proud to be able to help the horse community in this way.  Further discussion prompted the idea of earmarking a percentage of our show proceeds toward charitable donations such as Habitat for Horses or Creek Side Farms Horse Rescue.  All were in favor with details to be determined after the 2006 budget meeting. 

 

The meeting was adjourned and HAT Chats were passed out for distribution.

 

Paula Johnson, Habitat for Horses/Lone Star Equine Rescue, will be the featured guest at the November meeting.  She will speak on the rescue efforts after hurricane Katrina and Rita as well as an overview of the organization.