Meeting Minutes
Region 6 Caucus meeting
November 20 , 2008
Region 6 Convention Caucus meeting—November 20, 2008
Meeting attendees: Deb McGuire, Mary Bowden, Dorothe Fisher, Carlton D. Huitt, MD, Myron Krause, Cindy Krause, Cecile K.H. Dunn, Cheri Clark, Marjorie A.Pope, Nikki Stoffl Lowis, Richard Hamilton, Linda Harrison, Steve Hugus, Keith McGuire, Claude Clark, Kymry Schmidt, Becky McAllister, Danielle Schmidt, Laura Lee Anderson, Eric Kobernusz, Lonnie Arp, and Jan Stevens.
The meeting was called to order at 8:00pm by Deb McGuire, out-going regional director. Attendees introduced themselves by telling a little about themselves and their involvement with the Arabian horse world.
Deb then asked Cecile Dunn to give a report on the youth judging team from the Wyoming Arabian Horse Association. The team had a very successful year, having won the Scottsdale judging contest in the AHA division, went on to win 4th overall at the World Youth Quarter Horse Championships in Oklahoma City in August, and then took 1st place in the AHA division at the Arabian Nationals in Tulsa in October. Stephanie Schroeder “made history” at the QH championships when she not only placed 1st in reasons, but also scored a perfect “50” on a set of reasons, a feat that no one attending the contest could remember had happened in at least the last 10 years of the contest and probably even longer than that! Young McKensie Harris from Laramie also judged in the Morgan Nationals contest where she placed 1st in halter, 4th in performance, and 1st in her division, and was the Reserve Champion overall judger of the entire contest. Stephanie was 1st in reasons at AHA Nationals, 1st in halter, and 2nd in performance and was the high individual in the AHA division for which she was awarded a beautiful Dale Chavez western saddle, the third saddle she has won through her youth judging experiences. Marjorie Pope was given a resounding thank you from those present for her dedication to these youth and her efforts to provide these opportunities for them. Marjorie, in turn, thanked the youth for their perseverance and work to achieve their goals on such a noteworthy scale.
Mary Bowden then gave the treasurer’s report. Spread sheets summarizing the Region 6 General Account, the Regional Grants for 2008 to the various clubs, and the Regional Show Income/Expenses were passed out to the attendees. Discussion was held regarding the USEF grant money for which individual clubs are eligible to apply, usually for an amount of $1000. Mary then proceeded to explain and clarify the respective accounting sheets and answered questions posed by the attendees. The Region 6 General Account has $4,308.77 as of the date of the caucus meeting. The show account has $16,263.54, the Youth Account has $1,623.36, and a CD came due now worth $1,530.10—this CD was reinvested for another 3 months. Regional grants to the various clubs in the region totaled $4,650.00.
Cheri Clark then gave the Regional Show report. This venue in Rapid City was the least costly of any venue we have used thus far. Cheri attributes this to the fact that we do our own arena preparation and working the arena. We still have lots of ribbons and trophies left for use in next year’s regional show, so the cost for this area should be minimal for next year. Because the exhibitor number was small, most of the exhibitors went home with ribbons and awards. No deposit was made into the show account until June when the first actual paid show entry was received. Deb McGuire requested that we keep the proposed regional directory as a “zero budget” item for now in that she believes this is still a worthwhile project, if only we can get sponsorship(s) for it in the future.
Deb was presented a pair of gold diamond earrings in the shape of English riding stirrups as a thank you from the region for her term as regional director. Discussion was then held regarding the need for a regional youth coordinator as Mary Bowden is wishing to retire her position. This is mostly a show-related position. Kymry Schmidt from the Montana Arabian Horse Association graciously volunteered to accept this position.
Discussion was held regarding the possibility of having an AHA representative at Arabian horse auctions to encourage registration of newly purchased horses at these auctions. Myron Krause said that this is really not a viable option in that many of these horses do not have clear registration histories upon their sale, thus opening up a big potential for legal problems further down the road.
Eric Kobernusz presented a proposal to the region that the Sioux Falls club would take on the cost of the next two regional shows on a trial basis with the main reason being the location accessibility for exhibitors in that area. Danielle Schmidt from the Montana club countered with a motion to keep the regional in a more centrally located venue for Region 6 in order to better serve the entire region. This would be a permanent move for the region. The motion was seconded by Marjorie Pope. A lively discussion then ensued regarding this proposal. Cheri explained that by continuously moving venues, we lose our dates at these various venues and it then becomes almost impossible to get into another venue. It is also difficult to establish new working relationships with new people every 2-3 years. Myron voiced concerns regarding the word “permanent” as that “could be a really long time.” With that consideration, Danielle amended her motion to a “multi-year contract”. Carlton Huitt called for the question. The motion carried 9 to 3.
Cecile reminded the attendees that the most important problem to be addressed at this time is that of the financial issue Region 6 now faces and how that situation could be improved. The next issue for consideration would be that of what the actual exhibitors would prefer. Members were encouraged to talk with the exhibitors to see what their input might be on this issue. Cecile presented a show manual put together by Myron and Cheri about 10 years ago that everyone should review to become reacquainted with the basics of putting on a quality show.
Deb explained the possibility of allowing shows to be qualifiers for 2 different regions. Deb moved that the Nebraska show be a Region 6 and Region 8 qualifying show and that we will approve them to do that. Concerns were expressed that it might affect the Sioux Falls show, but most felt that should not be a problem. A vote was taken and the motion passed.
Linda Harrison reported on the Arabian Horse Galleries meeting she had attended. They are still needing funding for this project and they have private donation cards for pledges/donations for individuals or clubs wishing to donate to this worthwhile project. She brought some of the donation cards to the meeting for anyone who might be interested.
Cecile reminded the members of the World Equestrian Games coming to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2010. This is the first time these games will have ever been held in the United States. So far no one has sponsored a banner for these equestrian games; it was suggested that we consider sponsoring a banner in the area where the veterinarians will be examining the endurance horses, an area where there will most likely be television cameras. Because the endurance world is dominated by the Arabian breed, this would be the most appropriate location for our sponsoring banner. Members were asked to consider this possibility for the future.
Members then discussed the various proposed resolutions and the recommendations on how delegates should vote on these issues. Myron was able to present the pros and cons on several of these issues and answered various questions from the members. Ultimately, delegates were encouraged to vote according to their own personal feelings on each issue.
Deb moved to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Mary.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Marjorie Pope, Region 6 secretary
November 22, 2008 (Addendum to above regional caucus meeting; made during the Region 6 Show Commission meeting held after the morning General Session of the Convention)--
Cheri Clark made a motion to not carry the regional grant money given to the clubs into the General Budget for 2009, though it had been reflected in the 2008 budget. Furthermore, if money is made from the regional championships in 2009, the grant money will then be reinstated. Deb Maguire seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, the motion carried.
Added by Marjorie Pope, Region 6 secretary