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INGHAM COUNTY HORSE COMMITTEE
March 12, 2008

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February 13, 2008

            The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Debbie Bingham with all officers except the treasurer present. 

            Clubs Represented:  Boots & Saddle, Country Friends, Critters & Company, Dansville Wranglers, East Hamlin Horseman, Echoing Hoofbeats, Equine Adventures, Fit-to-Show, Golden Stride Riders, Growing Together, Happy Hustler Horses, Home School Horse Project, Kactus Creek All Stars, Ribbons-n-Riders, RTC Equestrians, Saddlemates and Well Dunn.

            Clubs Not Represented:  Operation Military Kids.

            The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Amber Adams, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Melissa Pugh.

            Secretary’s Report:  accepted without any corrections.

            Treasurer’s Report:  no report.

      4-H Report:  given by Ginger Kenney-Sweet as follows:

§           Betty Jo Nash, the new Extension Educator, was introduced;

§           4-H Council representatives, Fair Board representatives, 4-H staff and Horse Committee representatives participated in the horse Superintendent interviews today;

§           Leader lists and member lists were distributed.  Please check all information, especially e-mail addresses, for accuracy and update with the 4-H Office as needed;

§           Fundraiser Application and Report forms were distributed and are required for all fundraising;

§           Information on statewide 4-H events and other counties’ tack sale information was distributed;

§           ANR Week at MSU is February 29^th thru March 8^th;

§           Vet-A-Visit at MSU is March 29^th;

§           Guidelines are being developed for the 4-H Participation Fee, of which $5.00 stays in the County for 4-H use.  Training sessions will be coming.  Think of ideas that could be submitted for uses by the Horse Committee.  Gene Schneider added that, as 4-H Council develops the preliminary guidelines, they would like to use the Horse Committee as a test.

Tack Sale:  no report, but Ginger heard things went about as well as last year.

Leaders’ Show:  given by Debbie Bingham.  The judge on Saturday will be Linda Schuberg and the judge for Friday night and Saturday’s performance classes will be Susie Flannery.

            Drill Team:  given by Tracey Seyffert.  Practices for the MHC Expo will be February 29^th through March 2^nd at Crestview Tack Shop.  Anyone interested can come watch to see if they would like to be involved for the summer.  Tracey can be contacted at 676-4064 or e-mail at tracey721@gmail.com.

            Michigan Horse Council:  given by Ida Glassbrook.  Not many applications have been received for the MHC scholarships.

            Four riders from Ingham County will be riding at the Expo.  Volunteers are needed to work during the Expo.  Laurie Miller reported that Horse Committee will have a booth at the Expo and volunteers are needed to sit at the booth.

            State Show:  given by Jenean Battin.  They will be meeting on March 1^st at MSU.

            Judging Team:  given by Gwyn Heyboer.  The Team thanked Horse Committee for the support.  They were the second high team at the Arabian Nationals in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

            They are looking for new members for the Jamboree on April 15^th.  The Team meets the first and third Thursday at 6:30 in Conference Room B of the Hilliard Building.  They will be selling t-shirts at the Fair again this year.

            Gwyn introduced Marci Charest who will be taking over as the head coach of the Team.

            Horse Camp:  given by Debbie Bingham.  Registration forms are available for pickup for the regular Horse Camp participants, the 5-8 year old participants and the teen volunteers.  The registration deadline is May 10^th with a cost of $60 per rider or $45 per rider for families with three or more participants.  The Camp is open to both 4-H and non 4-H riders.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday. A concession stand will be on the grounds; however, there will be no food tickets for Thursday.  Everyone will need to purchase their own food on Thursday.

            Home School Horse Project: no report.

            Banquet:  no report.  

      Fair / Achievement Days:  given by Jenean Battin.  The Fair judges are:  Saturday-Trevor Walton, Sunday – Dennis Clement, Monday – Bonnie Hazen and Tuesday – Joe Gill.

      Achievement Day #1 judges are:  Susie Flannery, Richard Weaver and Trail – Stephanie Likens.  Achievement Day #2 judges are:  Alex Ryder and Kathie Schroeder.

            Old Business:  There was discussion on the 2008 Budget.  Consensus was that Horse Committee needed to approach the Fair Board to see if they would drop/reduce the grounds rental fees for the two Achievement Day shows as it is a closed show and not a fundraiser (current cost = $800).  In addition, the golf cart rental is not needed if not donated so should not be included in the Budget.

            The survey reviewing the suggested Budget reductions from last meeting were discussed and suggestions were as follows:

§         Increase Achievement Day fees to $3.00;

§         Increase stall fees for Achievement Days to $10.00;

§         Keep two Achievement Day shows;

§         Reduce the grand and reserve trophies with photos to just grand and cut down on the size and/or photo;

§         Reimbursement for State Show must be cut if the monies are not there – many counties from farther away don’t reimburse their State Show exhibitors;

§         Increase the cost of Horse Camp except for the 5-8 year olds unless craft expenses increase;

§         Don’t cut meals for Horse Camp but don’t provide lunch tickets for Thursday;

§         Don’t change the Banquet to a weeknight – clubs could donate to cover the cost of the hall (about $10 per club) – the snacks/desserts went over well this year;

§         Should still support our County activities and Teams.

            An update on Katie Wixson is that she is doing well and back to school half days.

            New Business:  The Superintendent interviews went well but final decisions cannot be disclosed at this time.

            Adjournment:  Jenean Battin made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

            Respecfully submitted,

            Sheryl Steiner

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INGHAM COUNTY HORSE COMMITTEE

January 9, 2008 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Laurie Miller with all officers present. 

            Clubs Represented:  Boots & Saddle, Country Friends, Dansville Wranglers, Echoing Hoofbeats, Equestrian Adventures, Fit-to-Show, Golden Stride Riders, Home School Horse Project, Kactus Creek All Stars, Ribbons-n-Riders, RTC Equestrians, Saddlemates and Well Dunn.

            Clubs Not Represented:  Critters & Company, East Hamlin Horseman, Growing Together, Happy Hustler Horses and Operation Military Kids.

            The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Megan McNeil, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Brooke Janetzke.

            Secretary’s Report:  accepted without any corrections.

            Treasurer’s Report:  given by Mike Yanz.  The beginning balance was $998.43.  Since the November report, there was a deposit of $206.00 for judging team donations, and expenses of $184.60 comprised of plaques for the horse awards banquet, banquet expenses, MHC dues and a funeral floral arrangement.  This resulted in an ending balance of $969.83.

            Mike presented a 2008 Projected Budget.  Due to projected expenses exceeding income, the Committee felt that expenses needed to be reduced.  After discussion and suggestions from members, clubs are asked to review the following expense reductions to be discussed at the Committee’s February meeting:

• State 4-H Horse Show reimbursements – reduce from current $50.00 per exhibitor;
• Achievement Days – increase per class fees from current $1.00 per class; increase stall fees; reduce Achievement Days to one show rather than two.
• Donations – reduce/eliminate donations to other areas such as the judging team.
• Banquet – continue with dessert banquet such as was done in 2007; change day of banquet as the hall rental fee (currently $175.00) is waived for 4-H from Monday thru Thursday and could be in place of a regularly scheduled Horse Committee meeting;

      Larry Heuer offered to check to see if GM would sponsor the banquet.

• Fair expenses not covered by the Fair Board – eliminate plaques and/or photos for grand and reserve champion classes.

            Debbie Russell reported that Pepsi in Howell will match sponsorships when the appropriate form is submitted.  Mike Yanz is going to check into this for the next meeting.

      4-H Report:  given by Ginger Kenney-Sweet as follows:

• Betty Jo Nash, the new Extension Educator, has started;
• the Club Leader lists are being prepared from reenrollment information and need to be reviewed and verified by all leaders;
• the final 2008 Ingham County Calendar of events is available;
• the new Overnight Policy for Kettenun Center was in the Cloverleaf – any person over 19 must go through the volunteer process;
• new leader orientation is February 28^th from 6 – 9 p.m;
• the 4-H Benefit Clinic is February 2^nd at MSU;
• 4-H Communications Day is February 16^th;
• 4-H Capital Experience is March 9^th – 12^th with registration forms due February 8^th;
• the PEP Instructor Update is February 16-17, 2008;
• Jamboree information is out – contact Ginger if you need information;
• the Great Lakes, Great Traditions photo contest information was in the Cloverleaf.

      Ginger gave an update on Kaitlyn Wixson after her accident.

Tack Sale:  given by Larry Heuer.  Flyers for the tack sale are available.  Booths are selling slow.  Kids are needed to watch the doors so contact Larry if available at 449-3156; he would like workers for one hour shifts.  The food booth will be done by Happy Hustlers Club.

Leaders’ Show:  given by Debbie Bingham.  The judge for the show is Linda Schuberg.  No judge has been contacted for the gymkhana classes yet.  It was suggested that Linda be asked to judge both Friday night and Saturday classes.

            Drill Team:  Tracey is contacting riders to see if they want to participate at Expo.

            Michigan Horse Council:  given by Ida Glassbrook.  Only one person applied for the scholarships offered by the Michigan Horse Council so the deadline has been extended to February 15^th.  Workers are needed for Expo; check with Ida for times to sign up to work.  Anyone interested in riding with the clinicians should go to the MHC website for more information.

            Ida also reported that Mike Roath, who ran the barn at Expo, recently passed away.

            The Horse Committee has two tables available for advertising at Expo.  Contact Laurie Miller if interested in manning the tables at 655-3571.

            State Show:  no report.

            Judging Team:  no report.

            Horse Camp:  given by Debbie Bingham.  They will be meeting later this month.  They are looking at eliminating the lunch provided to riders the day of the Show so everyone would be responsible for their own lunch on Thursday.  Fees may also need to be increased.  A discussion followed regarding food options to reduce the costs.

            Home School Horse Project: no report.

            Banquet:  no report.  

      Fair / Achievement Days:  Interested people met after the December meeting to develop a list of potential judges who are being contacted.  Thank you to those helping with this as there isn’t a superintendent yet.

      Maggie Knust reported that possible changes are being considered for the dressage section for Achievement Days.

            Old Business:  none.

            New Business:  The showbills could not be put together because one was missing.  There are volunteers who will put the showbill packets together prior to the Tack Sale.

            Brenda Griffin-Bradley reported that two judges, Kim Kitchell and Barb Murphy, passed away this past year.

            Adjournment:  Brenda Griffin-Bradley made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

            Respecfully submitted,

            Sheryl Steiner

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INGHAM

December 12, 2007 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by Debbie Bingham with the secretary present. 

            Clubs Represented:  Boots & Saddle, Country Friends, Critters & Company, Dansville Wranglers, Equine Adventures, Golden Stride Riders, Home School Horse Project, Operation Military Kids, Ribbons-n-Riders, RTC Equestrians, Saddlemates and Well Dunn.

            Clubs Not Represented:  East Hamlin Horseman, Echoing Hoofbeats, Fit-to-Show, Growing Together, Happy Hustler Horses and Kactus Creek All Stars.

            The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ashton Fettes, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Rebecca Fettes.

            Secretary’s Report:  A correction was noted for last month’s minutes that Debbie Bingham should be contacted for horse camp, not Laurie Miller.  Secretary’s report accepted as corrected.

            Treasurer’s Report:  no report.

            4-H Report:  given by Ginger Kenney-Sweet as follows:

• 2008 Ingham County Calendar 2^nd Draft was available for review.
• the deadline to turn in club enrollment forms is January 7^th.  After enrollment forms are turned in, leaders need to verify the data entry with reports that are sent out.

Leaders’ Show:  no report.

            Drill Team:  no report.

            Michigan Horse Council:  given by Ida Glassbrook.  Be sure to check the web site as they are always adding new things.  Workers are needed for Expo; check with Ida for times to sign up to work.

            State Show:  no report.

            Judging Team:  no report.

            Horse Camp:  no report.

            Home School Horse Project: no report.

            Banquet:  For 2008, a club will be needed to host the banquet.  Please take this back and discuss with your clubs for further discussion at the January meeting.

            Fair / Achievement Days:  The discussion about increasing Achievement Days’ fees and camping is tabled until the January meeting, but expect an increase in fees.

            Old Business:  The additional fundraiser suggestion of working at the MSU concessions was discussed but the waiting list is extensive.  Another suggestion was the Trap Shoot as they like to work with non-profit groups and need teens to work.

            New Business:  It was suggested that proposals be written to get some monies back from the participation fees that stay in the County for activities such as Horse Camp and the Achievement Days.

            Potential judges for the 2008 Fair and Achievement Days will be reviewed after tonight’s meeting.

            All shows participating in the Ingham County Hi-Point need to have their showbills at the January meeting in order to have the packets ready for our Tack Sale.

            The food booth at the Tack Sale was discussed.

            Adjournment:  Jenean Battin made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

            Respecfully submitted,

            Sheryl Steiner

An Ingham County Year-End Hi-Point meeting will be held January 3^rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilliard Building Conference Room.

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INGHAM

November 11, 2007

            The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Laurie Miller with all officers present. 

            Clubs Represented:  Boots & Saddle, Country Friends, East Hamlin Horseman, Echoing Hoofbeats, Fit-to-Show, Golden Stride Riders, Happy Hustler Horses, Home School Horse Project, Kactus Creek All Stars, Ribbons-n-Riders, RTC Equestrians, Saddlemates, Well Dunn and a yet unnamed club led by Sandra Gilligan and Cindy Denk.

            Clubs Not Represented:  Critters & Company, Dansville Wranglers, Growing Together and Operation Military Kids.

            The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Torrie Yanz, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Bailey Baughan.

            Secretary’s Report:  accepted without any corrections.

            Treasurer’s Report: given by Mike Yanz.  The beginning balance was $4,023.92.  Expenses for the month were $3,025.49, comprised of payments for the banquet hall, the table rental from Michigan Horse Council (Expo), stall refunds, state show reimbursements, the canopy used at Horse Camp, paint, Fair trophy, the judging team and year end awards.  This resulted in an ending balance of $998.43.  Mike reminded everyone that they can start bringing in sponsorships for the Leaders’ Show; anyone who brings in $100 worth of sponsorships gets a free stall at the Show, and a free stall and classes are given to those bringing in $250 worth of sponsorships.

            4-H Report:  given by Ginger Kenney-Sweet as follows:

§           the 4-H State Calendar of Events was available to be picked up;

§           the DRAFT Ingham County Calendar of Events was available to be picked up.  Please review and notify Ginger of corrections as soon as possible;

§           a Women’s Spartan Basketball Game (vs. Penn State) will celebrate 4-H’s 100^th birthday on January 5, 2008 at the Breslin Center.  Admission is free for all 4-H members and families and 4-H volunteers and families.  Contact Marilyn at 676-7296 to reserve tickets or for more information;

§           the 4-H Communications Day will be February 9, 2008.  Packets are available online;

§           the PEP Instructor Update is February 16-17, 2008;

§           all fundraising reports are due for any 2007 fundraising activity.  No new applications will be accepted if there are outstanding reports due;

§           the Club Enrollment forms are available to be picked up when the Club financials are turned in; and

§           all Club Enrollments are due January 7, 2008.

            Leaders’ Show:  no report.

            Drill Team:  no report.

            Michigan Horse Council:  given by Ida Glassbrook.  The concept of paying to ride at the Expo has been put on hold - the Council is still investigating details concerning liability.  Volunteer times for working at the Expo are available - see Ida to sign up.  The rodeo will again be on Friday night.  Check out the Michigan Horse Council website as there are scholarships available for 4-H members; these scholarships are provided through an endowment fund.

            Judging Team:  no report but a reminder that the first meeting will be in two weeks.

            State Show:  no report.

            Horse Camp:  anyone interested in being on the horse camp committee or with ideas for the horse camp should contact Laurie Miller.

            Home School Horse Project: no report.

            Banquet:  given by Jenny Baker.  The banquet went well with about 130 people attending.  The expenses were only about $16 as almost everything was donated.  For 2008, a club will be needed to host the banquet; please take this back and discuss with your clubs.

            Fair / Achievement Days:  For those not in attendance at the banquet, Craig Galvin gave his resignation as the 4-H horse superintendent.  Ginger is working on a task list so someone would know the responsibilities of this volunteer position.  The new Extension Educator starts in January, but Ginger felt the Horse Committee would want to get this in motion as soon as possible.  The position is appointed by the 4-H Council and Fair Board with recommendations from the Horse Committee.  Therefore, an interview committee is needed.  Contact Ginger if interested in being on the interview committee; those volunteering included Ida Glassbrook, Debbie Bingham, Mike Yanz and Audrey Witgen.

            Old Business:  Following up on the discussion at the November meeting, it was agreed that the costume class will have no theme, but no breed authentic costumes will be allowed.  The story length can only be one paragraph which is enough to identify the character.

            Also following up from prior discussion, the senior story can be no more than 500 words for 2008.

            New Business:  To help with the funding of the Leaders’ Show, it was suggested we look at things other than sponsorships such as a group fundraiser or working one of the concession stands at a MSU basketball game.  This would be in addition to the $10 per family per club.  Please take these ideas back to your club and discuss.  Another suggestion was getting sponsorships by class rather than in general and announcing the sponsors of each class; this could include hi-point and reserve sponsorships (approximately $50-$65).

            Economically, it was mentioned that the Committee may need to review the budget stringently and develop some guidelines for fund requests prior to being asked for money so it does not look personal.

            The fees charged for Achievement Days were discussed.  Camping fees for Achievement Days were also discussed along with the collection of those fees.  Locks for the power boxes were discussed, as was not collecting camping fees for Achievement Days until that day (no prepayment).  The lock decision was put on hold until further review of costs.  Please take back to your club and discuss a possible increase in Achievement Day fees and no prepayment of camping fees for either of the Achievement Day shows.

            It was suggested a cover sheet should be included on the Hi-Point Show packet distributed at the tack sale and Expo informing exhibitors of the new arena footing.

            The rumor that stalls were going to be required for all shows at the Fairgrounds is incorrect.  Only the open class exhibitors will be required to have a stall and will not be allowed to show out of their trailer.

            The electricity upgrade by the Tack Store is not expected.  To access 50 amp breakers at the south end, food booths may need to move to where the house was previously located.

            The International League for the Protection of Horses will be holding one show in May and asked to be included as one of the year-end hi-point shows.  They understand and agree to pay the fees required of all other clubs.  This has been approved by the 4-H Office.  There was no objection to this additional show.

            It was agreed that a check given out as a 2006 State Show reimbursement, but subsequently lost, be reissued.  The original check was returned with the request.

            Adjournment:  Teresa Connor made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.