May 2008 Meeting Minutes

by Michele Beard

 

President Sandra Shiver called the meeting on May 1st to order at 7:07pm. There were no guests, only members.

 

Program: No program was presented.

 

Announcements:

·                     May 10 – HAT/Saddlebound Youth Clinic – Loy Lake Arena: Passed out flyers.

·                     May 24 – Adult Horsemanship Series, Call Jenni to register (903) 814-8470: Flyer isn’t on web – need more copies and add Jenni’s phone #. Pay in advance.

·                     June 14 – HAT Summer Open Horse Show, Crossfire Ranch Arena, Calera, OK:  Mentioned

·                     August 9 – HAT Fall Open Horse Show, Crossfire Ranch Arena, Calera, OK:  New Location

·                     October 18 – Futurity & Open Show, Crossfire Ranch Arena, Calera, OK:  Mentioned

 

Congratulations to David and Denise Mitchell on their recent marriage!

 

Minutes - Michele Beard read last month’s meeting minutes and they were approved.

 

Treasurer’s Report - Sandra verbally acknowledged transactions as a report was not available. Sponsorships for April show were added. Materials for directional signs were donated. There are now 63 individual and 10 family memberships, with 32 being renewals.

 

Scholarship Report - Sandra Shiver, Gerry Snipes, Carroll and Cotton Waldron met and chose the 2008 Scholarship winner. Rachel Newman was selected from 10 applicants from schools in Texas and Oklahoma. She is 1 of 8 adopted children and home schooled. It was suggested that we get permission and post the winning essay, but it was pointed out that we have not published the essays in the past to ensure future applicants submit completely original writings. Thanks to a special Stallion Auction donation of $350 made specifically for the scholarship fund; there was sufficient funds available to award a second scholarship of $400. It was voted and approved to give two scholarships, $500 to the 1st place applicant and $400 for 2nd place.

 

Old Business:

·                     April Show Report

o                                There was great feedback regarding the Crossfire Ranch Arena location for our April show. Participants had positive comments regarding volunteers, directions, and enjoyment of the show.

o                                It was suggested that we mention it is permissible to ask the ring steward to ask the judge re patterns, rules, etc. because our shows are geared to be a learning environment. Debby addressed on Yahoo but many may not know that is an acceptable practice.

o                                There is concern announcements cannot be heard outside. As there were no entries in some of the early halter classes, some exhibitors were not aware of how quickly the morning classes were progressing. The arena owner will be asked about the possibility of an outside speaker. However, it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to be on time. David Mitchell suggested a bullhorn could be used and then asked Denise’s permission to be at the next show to perform this duty.

o                                More advertising was suggested to result in better turnout. Health certificates were sited as a possible inhibitor to show participation. Mike sent information twice to media outlets but no advertising was provided. Debby Van Nurden volunteered to get on the news. Sandra had done some phone campaigning prior to show in an effort to draw in participants.

o                                Paul Richards was commended by Mike Scully as instrumental in their joint venture to design the signs that were used to guide to the show. Improvements will be made on the arrow prior to the June show.

o                                Rick Fehr did well on his first show secretary assignment with help from Mike Bernier.

o                                Wayne Gollick did a great job as he went from horsepower on the track to horses in the arena as our announcer.

o                                Appreciation was expressed for the other volunteers that helped with the show.

o                                It was suggested that we move the line up across the arena to face spectators and move the cones down towards the stands so spectators can better view the judging.

o                                Sandra received a phone call from the sister of an exhibitor requesting the list of HAT events. She is a member of the Red Hat Society and their club is interested in attending our upcoming shows.

o                                The “Bribe the Judge” class for the Crisis Fund was brought up and other special events.

·                     Youth Clinic - Mike Bernier will be in attendance and provide the certificates. Flyers need to have Donna Franus’ phone number 214-789-2429. Volunteers are needed. Sandi Bauer and daughter will be asked to volunteer. Donna will be asked if 4H members will help. Persons without horses may or may not be allowed in arena depending on environment/safety.

·                     Trail Ride - The April 20th ride was a huge success with a great turnout and new members. A Friesian and a Paso Fino were a special addition to the other beauties there. Bonnie Stradling on Hwy 56 is open to doing a trail ride and BBQ and will be contacted by Mike Scully.

·                     Freeze Branding Clinic - Debbie Van Nurden will call again to confirm a date.

·                     APHA PAC Application - The application has been filed by Sandra. It must be renewed annually. Rick Fehr will be notified.

 

New Business:

·                     August Show Location - Choctaw Casino and Resort is unable to host our August 9th show due to construction concerns, but has offered a generous sponsorship of our event to help toward the arena cost. Crossfire Ranch Arena is available and the judge contracted for this show has no problem using an arena without climate control. It was voted to hold our August 9th show at the Crossfire Arena.

·                     AQHA Points & Incentive Funds for Open Shows – A new program by AQHA for Open Shows was discussed. Some of the requirements are an AQHA carded or progressive judge, 90 day advance submission of application and must use AQHA rules (currently using). Drawback would be judge and their affordability. Advantage would be increased show participation. Concern to keep our shows geared toward learning is most important. There was a motion and acceptance to try next year. Topic is to be discussed further at a later date. There is a link online to learn more about requirements.

·                     Donation - On April 3rd, Dr. Ray Stuckey’s daughter lost her life in a traffic accident. Debbie Van Nurden sent a card on behalf of HAT. A scholarship fund has been set up in her honor at American Bank of Texas. It was voted and approved to send a donation from HAT to the fund.

·                     Upcoming Events - Some events were mentioned: Trail Riding Clinic 5/17 at Lake Ray Roberts 8:30a; Pond Management by Texas A&M 5/15 in Aubrey 5:30p; Madill Round Up Club Trail Ride 5/17; Kim Thornton of Cornerstone Wellness at Royce City (healingtouchforanimals.com).

·                     Miscellaneous

o                                Materials sent in to HAT were mentioned.

o                                Beverly Akin, who along with her granddaughter has shown in HAT shows and who has also been a key person in the Choctaw Nation’s association with HAT, had the misfortune of her barn blowing away during the heavy thunderstorms on April 3rd. Only the slab remains. Luckily all of her horses were spared, and those that were injured are expected to heal.

 

HAT Chat - No newsletters were available to distribute due to a computer hard drive problem.