NORTHEAST FJORD HORSE ASSOCATION

June 9, 2007 NFHR General meeting

River Rock Farm, Brimfield, MA

In Attendance- Bill and Norma Coli, Hilary Harty, Kay Konove,  Julia and Alex Merriman, Denise Antya , Cliff, Reed and Patrick Ennis and Rita Maccini

The meeting was called to order at 11:35

Bill informed the group that the reason why the rest of the board were not able to attend the meeting:

Louise was absent due to illness, Bev and Oalf had farm business to attend to, Carol T. was on vacation and Danielle was absent due to a death in her family.

In Louise’s absence Bill presented the Membership report:

Only 53 members have joined or renewed memberships for 2007. This is down from 89 members in 2006.

Discussion-

Kay spoke with a few past members who thought that they were still active members due to the fact that they had received the NFHA newsletter. Bill explained that the newsletter was sent to past members hoping that they would rejoin. He felt that this is leading to confusion. Instead of sending out the newsletter some in the group felt that a postcard should be sent to past members asking for support. The benefits of joining the club must be articulated. These benefits include: support of the breed, the newsletter, a subscription to the Equine Journal, reduced show costs and as Julia Merriman stated” Fellowship of people of like minds and interests”.

Bill explained that without greater support that it was likely that the Club would not be able to sustain itself. Kay asked how many of the Finger Lakes show group belonged to the club. Bill told the group that he had spoken with Pat McCurdy and asked that she speak with the group and ask for their support. Since Pat understands that the Finger Lake show depends on the NFHA insurance policy it is our hope that she will discuss this issue with them. Bill and Rita will put together a letter to send to Pat. Denise thought that there should be a membership booth at the Finger Lake show.

Bill moved that Danielle should be requested to send a postcard to all past members seeking their support. Hillary seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Treasurers Report-

In Oalf’s absence Bill read the Treasurer’s Report on his behalf:

 

Class list- All in attendance agreed that we have a very demanding class list. Curt felt that as long as all classes started on time that we would be able to hold all scheduled classes. It was also decided that there will be no ADT this year. Hopefully the club will be able to hold an ADT next year.

Friday Classes- Bill reported that a few members, who are coming from long distances, had voiced concerns about Friday’s schedule. They felt that if the games were held on Friday evening, the same day that they were arriving, that they would not be able to compete. They felt that given the travel time to Winchester, competing in games might be too much for their horses. Discussion amongst the group was that the only division class to be held Friday would be the trail class. Since this class is not too demanding these horses should be able to compete. Also it was expressed that any member could arrive at Winchester Stables as early as August 20^th. Curt said that he would contact these members.

Bill Coli made a motion to adopt the Friday evening classes as proposed on the class list. Rita Maccini seconded the motion. All in attendance were in favor of the motion.

Saturday Classes- The group discussed the possibility of holding the in hand classes in the indoor arena.

Dressage- It was agreed that a dressage judge would need to be hired to judge both ridden and driving dressage. Curt said that he would contact the judge who had last judged the Woodstock show to see if she was available. It was also discussed that we would see if Karen Cabic could judge.

Changes to class list- Not holding the ridden cones classes scheduled for 12:30. Instead of cones Curt suggested moving ridden dressage to 12:00 on Saturday and seeing if Karen Cabic could judge the class.

Kay expressed that many members enjoyed the cones class and she would hate to not to see it included in this years show. After much discussion she suggested that the course be set up so that riders could do the course for fun. All in attendance agreed to her suggestion.

Curt suggested adding Jumping classes to Sunday’s schedule at 9:00 AM. The jumping classes will be held in the main arena and will become part of the divisions.

In summary the changes to the class list are:

• No ridden cones class
• Move ridden dressage from 8:00 AM Saturday to 12:00 PM Saturday
• Hold classes 30-40 in the main arena beginning at 2:00 PM instead of 12:30 PM
• Add Jumping to the divisions and hold the classes in the main arena beginning at 9:00 AM

Bill Coli made a motion to adopt the changes to the class list. Norma Coli seconded the motion. All in attendance were in favor of the motion.

Issues needing attention-

Carded Judge- The Club needs to enter into a contract with Karen Cabic ASAP. Curt informed the group that she books up fast.

Curt will talk to Karen Cabic to see when she is planning on arriving to Newfane. Once this information is obtained, Norma will make arrangements for Karen’s hotel accommodations. Norma will also put together a gift basket for Karen.  Oalf and Bev volunteered to pick Karen up at Albany airport and transport her to Winchester Stables on Saturday.

Draft Classes- Kay will speak with Peter Wrobel to see if he will assist with the set-up of the draft classes

Timers- Hilary expressed concern over the fact that the club was not in possession of the timers. It was felt that Trish Lipson may still have them from last years show. It was brought up that the cones are also still missing. Bill will check with Trish to see if she has them too.

There was some discussion on different timing methods. Curt and Hilary will work on this issue.

On Call Vet and Farrier-  Bill will check with Winchester Stables.

Show Program, Display Ad and Deadlines-

• Kay volunteered to put together the show program. Rita will assist.  Both will research the cost and report back to the board.
• Show rules can be obtained from the Fjord Register
• Rita and Christina will work with Curt on the prize list
• Deadlines for entries and stalls will be July 31^st.
• Show display ad and column must be submitted to the Equine Journal by May 15^th

• The cost to rent stalls from Celtic Cross -$50/uncovered or $100/covered
• Since it is less expensive to rent uncovered stalls Bill researched tent rentals and found a tent for $700 that would fit over the outside stalls.
• Winchester can rent the club 15 stalls in their barn
• The club can put 8 to 12 portable stalls in Winchester’s barn
• With a rented 40’X80’tent, another 24 portable stalls can be put up outside on the grounds
• There is a potential for 51 Stalls (15 Winchester and 36 portable, 12 inside and 24 outside)
• Stalls would be rented at $25/stall/night
• Participants would be able indicate on the entry form whether they want an indoor or outdoor stall(s).
• There are not enough tack stalls for everyone. Will ask that participants share.

Food Wagon- A local 4-H group will handle the food for the show on Saturday and Sunday. Bill will check with the group to see if they will be able to do Friday night as well.

Cheese and Wine Reception- Bev will coordinate. It will be held Friday evening on the deck beginning at 7:00 PM.

EMT- New Brook Fire Department will provide EMT services at the horse show. Curt felt that since their headquarters were so close to Winchester Stables that it would not be necessary for them to be on the grounds.

Banquet- Norma told the group that in February she, Bill, Christina and Rita had visited River Bend Restaurant. During this visit a 30 person minimum was agreed to. Christina informed the group that she had spoken with the owner and he upped the minimum to 45. Bev and Christina agreed to meet with the owners on the 29^th.

Prizes and Awards-

• Someone needs to check with Trish to see if she has left over ribbons from past shows.
• Games and Dressage Awards will be awarded Saturday night at the banquet.
• Kay volunteered to compose a donation letter
• It was decided that ribbons alone should be given for classes.
• There will be special ribbons for Champion and Reserve Champion in each division. Some type of award will also be given to each division champion as well
• High Point Junior and Adult will receive coolers
• Julia and Christina will research awards to be presented to each winner-9
• Norma stressed the importance of having a time set aside for the presentation of awards.
• Kay asked that a procedure for special awards be developed. The group may want to set a judging panel

Curt Pierce made a motion that the club should change how the points for the Versatility Award are calculated. Currently only 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd placements are counted. His proposal was that all placements would count with the highest point value going to 1^st. Classes for this award would be all normal classes and an award would be presented to both a junior rider and an open rider. Bill Coli seconded the motion all were in favor.  

Other business-

Oalf went over the budget. He still is awaiting bank documentation from Carol Kota.

Insurance-Carol Kota still has the policy. She was to send it to Oalf by April 5^th. He still has not received it. Oalf has learned that:

• The clubs policy expires on August 5, 2007
• A new policy will be issued in June
• The policy will cost the club $640 per year and will cover seven day events.
• An additional $40 per day will be charged if we go over the seven days
• Last year the club used nine days- 2 days for the 2006 show, 4 days equine affaire, 1 day Forest Park Zoo and 2 days for the Finger Lake Show.
• Oalf will increase the coverage for 2008.

The meeting was adjourned  at 4:08 PM