January 2008 Meeting Minutes

by Michele Beard

 

President Sandra Shiver called the January 3rd meeting to order.  Guests and members introduced themselves to the group.

 

Program:

Dr. Nancy Jane Elmore shared some of the interesting information she acquired about the Lipizzaner horses while on her equine-oriented trip and then showed the video “The Spanish Riding School of Vienna”.  This was followed by questions and discussion on the topic.

 

Announcements:

·         Welcomed 2008 officers and thanked outgoing Secretary Donna Franus and Treasurer Jenni Dougan for their contributions.

·         Kelsea Bauer was injured in a riding accident.  HAT wishes her a speedy and complete recovery.

·         Saddle bags for the HAT/CNHA Open Show reserve champions were displayed at the meeting and will be delivered to the recipients of the 14-17 year division and 18 & over division. The 13 and under division reserve champion received her saddle bag the day of the show.

·         A flyer with info on boarding was distributed for Stradling Ranches, owned by Joe & Bonnie Stradling.

·         An Executive Board & Officers Meeting was confirmed for 7:00 PM Tuesday, Jan. 8th at Gerry Snipes’ home.

·         Choctaw Casino & Resort will be a presenting sponsor for 2 HAT shows to be held at their improved Arena on August 9th and November 1st

·         HAT’s first show will be on April 12th at Wayne Carter’s covered arena in Calera, Oklahoma, where arena prep and concession will be provided.  It is an excellent facility and Mr. Carter’s generous offer is greatly appreciated. 

·         Health papers necessary for transporting equine to Oklahoma were discussed.

·         A decision on whether to schedule a fourth show will be made at the Executive Meeting.

·         Clinton Anderson is holding a 3 day clinic at Choctaw Arena Feb. 22-24.

·         Rick Fehr’s acceptance of the Show Secretary responsibilities was announced.  Mike Bernier assured he would help get him started on this important undertaking.  Mike will continue his other HAT duties.

·         Information will be requested from Donna Franus for the free 4H Youth Clinic at Loy Lake.

 

No meeting minutes were read from the December meeting as it was our annual Christmas Potluck.

The Treasurer’s report prepared by Sandra Shiver was read by Michele Beard reflecting the net income from the November HAT/CNHA Open Show.

 

Scholarship: Sandra Shiver announced the 2008 Scholarship Application is ready for posting on the website.  Mike Bernier will post and send the packet out to the schools.  The deadline for application is April 12, 2008. 

 

Old Business:

·         Debbie Van Nurden and Roger Dougan will confirm a date in March or April for the freeze branding clinic.

·         No response has been received on Stallion Auction inquiry information.  Mike Scully offered “Little Mikey’s” services.

 

New Business:

·         Members voted and passed a revision to Article I, Section 5 of the By-Laws to read as follows:  “For the purposes of membership and accounting, the fiscal year of the Association will follow a calendar year, beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31,” with the provision that all memberships already paid for 2007-2008 will be adjusted to expire on 12/31/08.

·         HAT will hold a Showmanship Clinic on March 1st.  The format will be divided by experience with the morning for Beginners and the afternoon for  Intermediate and Advanced.  Fee TBD depending on location.  Multiple arena options were discussed. Details will be posted on the website and published in the February newsletter

·         Interest was sought for a year end banquet for HAT board members, officers and volunteers.  Sponsorship may be available.  Attendance of minors will be confirmed. 

·         Red River Riding Club was used as an example of how they use points and hours of volunteering for qualification for year end awards or elect to pay for a certain number of volunteer hours to meet the criteria.

·         Chairpersons need volunteers with their committees.

·         Brainstorming for 2008 activities included mention of one Showmanship event in the spring, shows in April, August, and November, the freeze branding clinic, and the need for an instructor for the youth clinic in May.  Jane Elmore offered to host a dressage demo and riding day at her location.  There is continued interest in the Sunday trail rides.

·         Roger Dougan gave details of his and Jenni’s attendance of the Clinton Anderson tour event in Amarillo, TX.

 

The meeting was adjourned. HAT Chats will be available for distribution at the Executive meeting on January 8th.