MEETING NOTES

10/13/2009
Board members present for the meeting were: Daniel Lyons, Howard Cormier, Dixie Bunton, Dianne Morrill, Johnny Boudreaux, John Henning, Jay Prather, Aleta Overby, Daryl Schouest, and Advisor Clint Depew.

MINUTES
LOUISIANA EQUINE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
CONFERENCE CALL
OCTOBER 13, 2009 – 12:00 P.M.


Daniel Lyons called the conference call meeting to order at noon.

Board members present for the meeting were: Daniel Lyons, Howard Cormier, Dixie Bunton, Dianne Morrill, Johnny Boudreaux, John Henning, Jay Prather, Aleta Overby, Daryl Schouest, and Advisor Clint Depew.

Board members absent were: Tom Foshee, Ruby Collins, Peggy Bianchi, Ruby Halter, Johnny Spears, Maurice Tynes, Ginger Schouest, Melinda Schexnaider, and Judy Travelby.

Advisor Ron Harrell was not present.

On a motion by Johnny Boudreaux, seconded by Dixie Bunton, the minutes were approved as mailed.

Howard Cormier gave the membership report, stating that LEC had 144 active members, 118 who have not renewed for 2009, and 91 members who are inactive, for a total of 353 members.

Dianne Morrill, in commenting about membership in her area stated that the past chair of the Trail Committee is still upset and speaking negatively about LEC. In trying to select a board member for that area, Gay Jordan was mentioned as a possible board member. Dixie Bunton suggested sending a copy of the minutes with the motion stating how much LEC would pay for the Trail Committee chair to attend the National Trails Conference just to let membership and those concerned in that area know the truth about what happened. Howard agreed to do this.

Daryl Schouest gave the Treasurer’s Report, stating that LEC has $30,279.60 as total revenue for the 2009 year. Additionally, the total expenses so far this year are $33,725.90. The net income is $6,553.68. Money in the general checking account is $25,290.98. The Expo account has $6,244.00 and pledges receivable are $3,200.00. Daryl moved that the Treasurer’s Report be approved. Dianne Morrill seconded, and this passed.

OLD BUSINESS:

Under old business, the discussion began with the promotion of the 2010 Expo. Howard commented that there is a possible conflict with the Southwest Louisiana Horseman’s Expo, but the organizers are trying to get their date changed. Bob Felknor will help Ruby Collins with the 2010 Expo. There has been no mention of a fee. The board never voted on an amount and this is still unfinished business.
Under Louisiana Colt Starting Challenge, two pens have been sponsored so far, by Purina and LaSH, at $500.00 each. Farm Bureau will be asked to sponsor the 3rd pen at their Executive meeting October 16th. LEC will need another $500.00 - $600.00 for a total of $2,000.00 to put this event on. The saddle has been ordered at a cost of $1,100.00 - $1,200.00 for a $2,000.00 retail saddle. Pen sponsorship will cover saddles and other awards. The entry fee per clinician is $100.00. Applications will be sent to a limited number of people. Those mentioned included Mark Wilcher, David Carter and Fran Hancock. Also under 2010 Expo, the deadline for grants was stated as being October 31st. Aleta moved that the secretary and the treasurer sign a letter. Jay Prather seconded this and this will be put on letterhead. Aleta also needs a board resolution authorizing Ruby Collins to sign for grant funds. Howard agreed that a letter is on file and will be used for this purpose.

Aleta commented about the Resource Book, stating that the editorial content is ready. Ruby Collins and Bob Felknor will get business cards. An Opelousas business will do the printing. Aleta stated that she is unable to do so due to other commitments. Daniel will talk to Bob Felknor and Ruby Collins about getting the resource directory done.

In turning to newsletter, John Henning’s associate might be able to help. It was agreed we will allow him to proceed with investigating this if the cost is not too great.

Next was the discussion of the committee to survey the unwanted horse position. Howard had sent a letter out listing the options for the survey of unwanted horses in Louisiana. Aleta stated that we should make clear that there are no large scale rescue facilities in Louisiana. The rankings would be left off so members could make their own decisions. Clint suggested that if there is a vote for rescue facilities, we need to add to the survey that the cost of one horse per year is $2,300.00. There was no amount listed for the cost of education. Jay moved to accept the report, seconded by Aleta, and it passed.

The Black Stallion Literacy Project was considered by participants to be successful, starting in Louisiana. The Arabian Knights Program in Amite was attended by approximately 2,000 people. Five or more parishes were involved. Many librarians were also involved.

Howard reported about the Horse Specialist position with the LSU AgCenter. There are four good candidates and they will be interviewed in early December.

Under any other old business, John Henning stated that he has access to software to do the ad listings. Lousianahorse.com has an existing site for classifieds. It is not very successful. Members can contact them for listing on LEC also. The problem is that someone is needed to run this classified listing, even if they give LEC a percentage. John Henning agreed to pursue it and give us more feedback. Data entry is done by a person setting the ads up. The ad is good for 30 days, and only horse can be listed per ad.

NEW BUSINESS:

Under new business, Howard reminded everyone that committee reports will be due at the Annual meeting. Evangeline Downs has a club house they will rent for $240.00. A noon buffet at the restaurant would be about $13.00 per person. Meals brought to the John Henry room will be approximately $18.00. Daniel Lyons reported that Dr. Cramer will have his horse farm ready by January. The date of the meeting is January 9th, 2010, on a Saturday. It was agreed that the board would go with the noon buffet at Evangeline Downs Restaurant. The board also felt that it would be good if LEC could get the St. Landry Ag Arena for demonstrations and Dr. Cramer’s reproductive facility also. Some of the suggestions included a round pen program, David Carter, basic riding, and discussion of the colt starting challenge.

The LEC Fall Ride was then discussed. October 17th is the date. Leaders are hoping for good weather. Peggy Bianchi had lunch sandwiches available and Howard agreed to help register.

Next was the discussion of district membership meetings. Ruby Halter and Howard Cormier are working to hold a district membership meeting. There is a need to get local people involved. Dixie Bunton stated that she has an arena we could use for this purpose. Ruby Halter also stated that we might be able to sponsor clinics for barrel racers, reiners, ropers, etc. Possibly Fran Hancock with the Dennis Reis program could be asked.

Possibilities for board members were to add Dr. Depew to the At-Large list; Gay Jourdan, with the Quarter Horse Association. Howard agreed to try to contact Bill Lambert and Cleve Weisgerber. Clint Depew will speak to Eddie White. Johnny Boudreaux will talk to Larry Rutledge and Dixie Bunton will talk to Bill Bunton.

The Tractor Supply Equine Day was slated for October 24th, Saturday. They requested LEC’s help by attending and serving to promote horses that day.

Under any other new business, Howard reported that the American Association of Equine Practitioners was holding an auction to benefit unwanted horses and state organizations could send prizes, auction items or cash for this purpose.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for November 10th at noon via a conference call.

Johnny Boudreaux moved to adjourn, seconded by Dixie Bunton, and the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.