Meeting Minutes
Region 6 Delegates meeting
November 19, 2009
Caucus Attendees: Cecile Dunn, Cheri Clark, Marjorie Pope, Laura Lee Anderson, Lonnie Arp, Mary Bowden, Claude Clark, Dorothe Fisher, Jean Fredrich, Larry Fredrich, Linda Harrison, Steve Hugus, Myron Krause, Deb McGuire, Danielle Schmidt, Kymry Schmidt, Greg Stoffel, Val Stoffel, Brenda Wahler
Cecile Dunn, Region 6 Director, called the annual convention meeting of the Region 6 delegates, alternates, and guests to order on November 19, 2009 at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno, Nevada at 7:20 pm. Cecile welcomed everyone to the meeting and wished everyone a productive convention experience. She went on to say that in today’s economy with its many challenges, the key to future horse shows is the enjoyment and fun of the show itself, not just the showing and winning which has been the emphasis in the past.
Minutes of the June Region 6 meeting held in Rapid City, along with the agenda of the current meeting and a print-out of the YTD Regional show financials were handed out to all those present for their review. A correction to the June minutes was to add Sheila Rohne to the list of attendees as she had given a report on the activities of the Minn-I-Kota AHA at the meeting. Cheri Clark handed out a report of the total cash donations that were received by Region 6 for the show, that total being $11,916. It was then moved and seconded to accept the amended minutes.
Under old business, Cecile brought up the proposed change to the by-laws to elect the regional officers in the same year as they actually take their offices rather than a year in advance, as it now stands. The proposal called for the election to be held between September 1st and 30 days before the actual convention. Deb McGuire suggested holding this election during the regional show in June as so many of our members are present as volunteers at this show. Myron Krause reminded the members that the advantage of electing officers one year in advance allowed them the opportunity to attend an AHA board meeting prior to actually taking their office “just to get their feet wet”. Laura Lee Anderson reported that in the nominating committee’s efforts to find nominees for the offices, it was found that many are not willing to commit themselves to an office so far in advance due to unforeseen complications that might arise in the interim.
Laura Lee then presented a written amendment to the by-laws regarding the election of officers. She had done much research on this issue and how the South Dakota laws might affect its adoption. After reviewing the proposed amendment, and considering that the AHA board had all ready approved being able to vote electronically (I.e., on-line, etc.), and after discussion pertaining to same, the proposed amendment was amended to include voting electronically as another alternative to an actual physical meeting for the elections. It was noted that this amendment would not be changing any section numbers in the by-laws. Laura Lee then called for the question. The motion was passed unanimously as amended.
The treasurer’s report was then given by Greg Stoffel in the absence of the actual treasurer, his daughter NikkI who was unable to attend the meeting. He reported that the cash donations of $11,916 had been included in the final show income total of $83,041.04., as had the in-kind donations totaling $3,050 from various regional members. Members reviewed the financial statement prepared by Cheri and Greg. It showed an actual show profit of $2,768.94.
The Regional Show final report was then given by Cheri. She indicated that the final amounts were the same as what she had originally estimated. Dorothe Fisher reported that the demographics of where the various horses that were shown came from included horses from 19 states and 2 provinces (Canada) with the horses coming the farthest distance being from Texas. Cecile then reported to the attendees that Dorothe had gone “the extra mile” by personally hand writing and sending out “thank yous” to each and every exhibitor who had shown at the Region 6 show. Furthermore, Dorothe also paid the postage for these personal notes herself! Cecile and everyone else thanked Dorothe for her efforts and consideration in this endeavor.
Kymry Schmidt then gave the youth report. She had been told that AYHA had 500 new youth members this year and she thanked everyone who had brought Silent Auction items for the youth auction fundraiser at the convention. Cecile reported that of all the national events of AHA this year, the Youth Nationals was the only event that had exceeded the expectations set for the respective events. She proudly went on to report that the youth of Region 6 had been especially successful at this event:
Chandler Hiser of the Wyoming AHA won Reserve Champion in the junior Reining at Youth Nationals
Allison Cederberg, a 13 year old MAHA youth competitor, won 6 national championships with her various purebred and half arabians
Kelsey and Kristen Kimbler of the SDAHA have been very successful and active in competitive and endurance riding events. (Note: I apologize that I was not able to catch the particulars of these girls’ successes during the meeting--Marjorie). It was noted that Kelsy is our current regional youth representative.
The Minn-E-Kota club had 3 teams in the Youth Tournament Competition at Nationals.
The Wyoming AHA youth judging team was again successful in the horse judging contest at Nationals. They placed 1st in halter, performance, and Overall as a team, and second in reasons in the 4-H division. Ruth Uptain was the high point winner overall and will have the privilege of attending the Arabian horse judging school. Keylee Sayler was third overall individual with teammate McKensie Harris placing seventh overall.
Claude Clark then gave the Competitive/Distance riding report. They had a successful ride October 2-4 at Custer State Park in South Dakota with 15 riders participating. Next year he would like to do a combined event and would also like to make rides available in all areas of the region. If any regional club would like to do a ride, it can be posted on the website so that other people can also take part. Claude can be contacted to help put any ride together. This year the national ride at Stillwater, Oklahoma was very well-received and everyone seemed quite excited to have the riders presented Saturday night in Center Ring at Nationals in Tulsa.
Club Reports: Arabian Horse Society of South Dakota--Deb McGuire read a letter written by Van Jacobson in which he reported that by moving the regional show to Rapid City, they were forced to cancel their own shows. Because of this result, their club is requesting to join Region 10 as they do not feel they can continue to be successful in Region 6.
Minn-E-Kota--They had a very successful ACS double show for which Cecile Dunn judged on the Sunday of the show. There were 50 stalled horses from which there were 80 entries the first day and 50 the next day. They had lots of “first-timers” ranging in ages from 4 to 65 years. This was followed on Monday by a clinic given by Cecile. The funds generated from this ACS show were used to support their youth programs and activities. The fees charged were $5 per class or $25 for both days.
Montana AHA--Danielle Schmidt reported they had a very successful 2009 show. They had a very successful open show combined with their regular Arabian show. Given the current challenges faced by the horse industry, they have deduced that this is the only way for a club such as theirs to survive. Drawings for prizes were held throughout the show. Danielle announced that their 2010 show will be both a Region 6 and Region 8 qualifier and will be held on their traditional Memorial Day weekend, the same date as the Denver show. MAHA also held a successful membership drive which was celebrated by an Oktoberfest-type party complete with dark beer and german sausages!
North Dakota AHA--Jean Fredrich reported it had been a difficult year for their club with their planned trail rides having been rained out and the future of their “Double-the-Fun” show presently “up in the air”.
South Dakota AHA--Mary Bowden reported that she currently had 16 teams doing the Hippology Contest with most of the teams coming from 4-H clubs. The East River/West River Futurity Show had only 15 horses entered this year with all horses being owned by only 2 people! The show was held the first weekend of September. The club also helped sponsor the Horsin’ Around Club show held by an enthusiastic group of people in the Rapid City area.
Southern Montana AHA--Cheri Clark reported that they had two barn parties this year during which they were able to look at everyone’s new foals. They also produced two successful open shows.
Tri-Arabian AHA--Brenda Wahler reported that there really does not seem to be a show presence in her area and that members are more interested in trail, endurance and distance riding. Breeders are not breeding much and therefore, not showing much. There seems to be a “blurring” between Region 5 and Region 6 members. They have not only lost their schooling show, but also their big open show (it “died” this year, she said). Endurance rides seem to be the “big push” right now, though she admitted they still have a lot to learn about putting on these rides. They have had quite a few “informal” rides, however. In short, she described her area as being a “community of flux” right now.
Wyoming AHA--Marjorie Pope and Steve Hugus reported that they are in a “down time” right now. With most of their previously-active youth aging out and going to college, most of the adult membership is not active. Outside of the two ACS shows the club puts on, the next biggest activity involves volunteering for the equestrian division of the Special Olympics of Wyoming. Cleo Waters acts as the show manager with other WAHA volunteers helping with the announcing, judging, gates, ring steward responsibilities, etc. Steve Hugus reported on the streamlining of the registration process he uses for the ACS show he has put on at his place since the inception of the ACS concept. Basically, it involves “self-registration” where entries are written and entered by the exhibitors themselves. There were many questions asked by the attendees on how to duplicate this process at their own ACS shows.
CREWW (Competitive Reining, Endurance, Working Western) AHA--Claude Clark reported on this newly-formed club organized in the western part of Montana. Though they all ready have a membership of 17, Claude says they are a “face book club” of over 40 members! He has helped the Horsin’ Around Club of Rapid City put on a Class B show this past year. He said he would be available to help any club that would like to sponsor or put on a Competitive/Endurance ride in their area. All that is needed is a campground and open spaces (like a BLM area) to ride.
It was announced that the Nebraska AHA will be joining Region 6 due to some discord with the rest of Region 8. They presently have 85 members. It was noted that they “were happy to come to Rapid City” and its regional show. They will also be holding a Region 6 qualifier show. Discussion then ensued regarding the boundaries of the present regions becoming “blurred” as other clubs are also moving to different regions. Cecile reported that Lance Walters, AHA president, said there is “absolutely no problem” in moving allegiances from one region to another. Greg Stoffel voiced a concern that Region 6 clubs are presently “getting nothing” from their region and that if this continues, none of our clubs will be able to survive financially in the future.
Under new business, a review of the by-laws and reformations for changes to same was suggested. A committee consisting of Myron Krause, Brenda Wahler, Lauralee Anderson, and Deb McGuire was formed to do this review.
Greg Stoffel recommended that an audit of the club finances be reviewed by the membership while still at this convention. Mary Bowden and Cheri Clark agreed to help with this endeavor. A report will be given to the convention attendees before the end of the convention.
Cheri Clark gave a report on the 2010 Regional Show to be held June 24-27. Lovely postcards advertising the show have been printed to be distributed at the convention and to be sent out later. Region 6 convention attendees were each given a sample postcard. Cheri reported that the Foothills and Grand Gateway Hotels will comp a total of 7 rooms for next year at a lesser rate than we had at our previous hotel. The show will be shortened by one day to help reduce the cost of the show.
Discussion was then held regarding the proposed resolutions being presented at the convention with recommendations for approval or disapproval made.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10pm. However, as an addendum to the meeting, Greg Stoffel moved to use $2500 of the regional money to be used as “grant money” to help the individual clubs put on their various activities with a maximum $250/club to be granted. Clubs are asked to apply to the region for this 2010 grant money. As a “friendly amendment”, Mary Bowden moved that the clubs apply for these grants to the regional treasurer by March 1, 2010. The clubs will be paid prior to their event. The motion was seconded.
Convention attendees then dispersed for the evening.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie A. Pope
Region 6 secretary