The first order of business was welcoming new member Vicki Smith, who came with Maryann. Vicki rides her son’s Quarter horse and will be showing at our Bears show. Eric McKown returned to the fold, announcing that he just sold his young horse, Harvey. Also in attendance were Sharon, Carolyn, Janis, Andrea, Michelle, Patti, Sylvia, Jane, Kris, Joann and, of course, Suzi. Michelle announced that she again has a horse to ride, a Danish WB/Arabian gelding she is leasing. Sharon shared that she is starting to look for another Haflinger, and had photos of a beautiful mare in Wisconsin she is considering.
Sylvia announced that our Bears show is close to full. There may be an issue with haul-ins who have not purchased stalls. We will make sure that riders understand that no horses are allowed in the barn aisles unless they have a stall.
Suzi moved that we continue to use the ODS Bylaws as our chapter guidelines. The motion was seconded by Sylvia and approved unanimously.
We discussed the fact that ODS does not charge a non-member fee at ODS-approved shows. We feel that this should be considered by our parent organization as a way to increase income and more importantly, encourage riders to join ODS.
Jane discussed details of a basic business bank account with Key Bank which would only allow 50 transactions per month. We may run over that around Bears; however, the savings feature is still favorable. The chapter voted and approved it. Jane is also working on a budget for the chapter. We would like to generate some additional income beyond the Bears show, and talked about a ride-a-test event or a Pilates clinic. We decided on a ride-a-test at Clover Valley on July 29, at a fee of $30.00 for 30 minutes. Suzi will judge a half-day, and we will find a 2nd judge/instructor.
Our next event is the Bears show March 3 and 4, followed by a regular meeting on Monday, March 12. This is scheduled to be another “food event,” a potluck at Clover Valley to celebrate Bears and make plans for the summer.
Parting shot; Suzi's cat – shown here with JoAnn - was very much in attendance, too!
