February 2006 Meeting Minutes

 

President Roger Dougan called the meeting on February 2nd to order at 7:10pm.  With one the best attended meetings to date, HAT welcomed new members and guests including Correy Leath, Misty Hall, Ray, Sue and Ruby Aguilar, Norma Cundiff and son Keith, James Clark, Jay and Rhonda Gamble, and Betty Ann Sullivan.

 

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as submitted by Donna Franus and read by Mike Bernier in Donna’s absence.  The treasurer’s report was approved as presented by Jenni Dougan.

 

Committee Reports:

·        Scholarship Report - Sandra Shiver reminded everyone the Youth Scholarship application is available on line at www.hat-texoma.org or by calling 903-868-1453.  Applications are being accepted now.  A scholarship application must be filled out with an accompanying 300 word narrative summarizing how you have benefited by being involved with horses.  The essay may be longer, but must meet the minimum of 300 words.  The deadline is April 12, 2006.

·        Show Committee (Sally Thomason) - After a lengthy discussion on the area arena options, a motion was passed to diligently pursue the Loy Lake Livestock area based on location and suitability for our shows.  A planning meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 9th, to confirm activity dates for the year.

·        Sponsorship - Paul Johnson volunteered to approach and invite individuals and businesses to become sponsors of our activities.  A letter and sponsorship form will be created and approved by officers.

 

Old Business:

·        A lively exchange followed Sally Thomason’s suggestion to focus on balancing our show activities with education and fellowship.  Debby Van Nurden expressed the benefit of activities with other horse related clubs or associations such as TQHA and the Cowboy Church.

·        Paul and Sheila Johnson presented ideas and locations suitable for club trail rides with Lake Ray Roberts trails as the most favorable.  Suggested format was a morning ride, break for potluck or sack lunch, and afternoon ride allowing riders to participate in part or all of the day and non-riders welcomed for the lunch social.  A trail ride committee was formed with the Johnsons and Jay Gamble.  Any member interested is welcome to join the committee.

·        Sandra Shiver was designated as Program Chair with a goal to have meetings during the year with guest speakers, club member presentations, or farm tours to educate, inform, or entertain.  Direct ideas or suggestions for topics to Sandra. 

·        Jenni Dougan reported our insurance had been submitted for 7 events and included all possible arenas considered to date.  It was noted that if an event, such as a trail ride, is limited to members the event is covered and does not count as one of the 7 events.

·        Mike Bernier explained the details of the Stallion Auction which is in place on the website www.hat-texoma.org.  See the February issue of HAT Chat or the web site for complete details including on-line ads, a first for the HAT website, for the donated breedings.

 

New Business:

·        A motion was passed approving a full page advertisement in the Saddlebound 4-H 2006 Open Horse Show booklet.  Ad layout is due March 13th.  The show date is April 8th.

·        A ribbon order for the first show was approved pending price comparison with a new vendor, Creation Station.  Orders placed with our previous supplier by February 15th will receive a 10% discount.

 

Tid-Bits  o–o

·        The Denison FFA Booster club is hosting a local show and auction on Saturday, February 25th, with dinner and auction at 6:00 PM.  Among the many fabulous items available at auction is one Equine Touch™ donated by Sandra Shiver, Certified Equine Touch™ Practitioner and HAT vice president.

·        Best wishes for a speedy recovery are sent from all members to fellow HAT member Kenneth Dolezalek, hospitalized after a recent accident.   Although Kenneth’s accident was not horse related, Sandra Shiver stressed the necessity and importance of keeping safety first and foremost whenever working with or around horses.

 

The meeting was adjourned and HAT Chats with the 2006 Stallion Showcase were passed out for distribution.  Additional issues are available from the editor, Mike Bernier.