MEETING NOTES

02/08/2010
Board members present for the meeting were: Daniel Lyons, Johnny Boudreaux, Richard Hebert, Ruby Collins, Ruby Halter, Heather Dionne, Bill Bunton, Dixie Bunton, Tom Foshee, Maurice Tynes, Cleve Weisgerber, Clint Depew, and Trail Committee Chair Peggy Bianchi.

LOUISIANA EQUINE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2010
CAJUN LANDING RESTAURANT - ALEXANDRIA


Daniel Lyons called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Board members present for the meeting were: Daniel Lyons, Johnny Boudreaux, Richard Hebert, Ruby Collins, Ruby Halter, Heather Dionne, Bill Bunton, Dixie Bunton, Tom Foshee, Maurice Tynes, Cleve Weisgerber, Clint Depew, and Trail Committee Chair Peggy Bianchi.

Board members absent were: Jay Prather, Dianne Morrill, John Henning, Bill Lambert, and Shane Goff.

Advisors present included Howard Cormier and Ron Harrell.

Advisors absent included Dr. David Morrison.

Guests included Dr. Gary Hay of the LSU Animal Science Dept., and Mr. Bob Felknor.

The minutes of the previous meeting were not available and they were dispensed with.

Richard Hebert gave the membership report stating that in 2010 we have 171 on the books as active or not yet renewed, 91 have current memberships, 12 of which are new. 80 have not renewed.

Under equine promotion, Daniel stated that he will provide 32 horses to the Regional Correction Facility in Branch, LA.

Heather talked about micro chipping tack for every new LEC member. The Louisiana Department of Ag & Forestry can do this. Daniel will find out how.


Maurice Tynes discussed the fact that our own members need to promote the equine industry. Cleve Weisgerber stated that we need to have a concerted effort to join up with other organizations to serve as a voice for the horse industry in Louisiana. Bob Felknor stated that breed associations need a seat on the board. LEC has already asked several other large breed associations, who declined.

Howard reviewed what activities LEC has going on, and what members are currently receiving for their dues:
- one statewide educational Horse Expo, which is in its fourth year.
- a trail ride in a national forest, which will be in its third year.
- joined with the Southwest Expo to promote that horse activity.
- started the Colt Starting Challenge, an exciting and popular competition.
- hold an annual meeting to inform members about committee work.
- Trails Committee is working with State Parks in Kisatchie National Forest.
- started the Chuck Wagon Cook-Off last year.
- assisted with the Horse Specialist selection process.
- working on developing an equine curriculum at LSU.
- working with LASH to support their efforts.
- have had a legislative effort and horse promotion activities.
- have done an unwanted horse survey and continue to deal with that issue.
- have sent out hurricane and cold weather information.
- have maintained a highly functional website.
- Members currently get more than the cost of their dues back in admission to activities:
• Free meal at the annual meeting in the amount of $16.50.
• The Expo admission for three days is a $15.00 value.
• The Fun Ride admission is a $15.00 value.
• Total return on individual $25.00 dues is $46.50.

Other suggestions from board members:
• Richard stated that we need to send out what we do to breed associations.
• Heather stated that we should draw up a list of talking points to spread the word.
• Clint stated that we need a committee to develop talking points and to clarify goals and what we are already doing so LEC can be a voice for a positive horse industry.

There was then discussion of the Unwanted Horse issue. Dr. Gary Hay stated that the bill will stop horse transport and there is concern that this will lead to shutting down shipment of beef cattle to slaughter facilities. Bob Felknor stated that it is an emotional issue that Mary Landrieu will not change her views on. Gary Hay stated that we need to show the cruelty and suffering resulting from the closing of processing plants and the effect on the overall welfare of horses. Peggy Bianchi stated that LEC needs a representative from each organization to address the unwanted horse issue. Clint Depew moved to form a committee to develop the agenda of talking points and clarify goals with other horse associations. Richard seconded the motion and it passed. Committee members will include: Clint Depew, Ruby Halter, Heather Dionne, Howard Cormier, Ron Harrel and Cleve Weisgerber. Clint was appointed chair. Ron suggested having a report in time of the Expo.

Ruby Halter agreed to be treasurer for LEC. On a motion by Johnny Boudreaux, seconded by Cleve Weisgerber, this passed.

Howard agreed to talk to Daryl and help with the transition so that Ruby Halter can be the financial officer in charge of LEC.

Ruby Collins then discussed the Expo. The deputies would charge $25.00 per hour per person to watch the gates. Volunteers of America will be contacted to help. Other organizations to be contacted include the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Master Horseman, Kiwanis and the Optimist Club. Gary Kennedy is the head of the Equine Club at Louisiana Tech and could also be contacted. Howard will send a letter to Master Horsemen asking for their assistance.

Lavergne Perry with the Quarter Horse Breeders Association requested a halter breaking clinic at the Expo, but after some discussion, it was agreed that there was not enough time, and it would be a duplication of efforts during colt starting.
Howard was asked to send radio spot and news articles about the Expo to the board. Heather will look into possibilities of a social with Loretta Seymour, who will host it. There was question about what it will cost and where it will fit into the schedule.

The Farm Bureau Advisory members were not invited to this meeting due to a lack of time and space at this venue. Ron Harrell will call a meeting of the Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Friday at the Expo to get them there. Dr. Gary Hay requested the Expo article so that he could send it out. Howard will check with Bruce Schultz to see what has been done on this.

Dr. Hay stated that there are 50-100 students at LSU in Equine Science, but a major problem is resources. He requested ideas on what the needs are for curriculum development. Possible ideas were race training, managing breeding facilities, rehab facility support, research, business approach to horses, a hands-on education, an exercise physiology course on racing, a reproduce physiology course, and internships. It is felt that there was currently no money available from the state. Dr. Hay thanked the LEC board for their input and support, and suggested contacting Dr. David Boethel or Dr. Ken Koonce for more input into this area.

Maurice Tynes discussed several talking points on problems and needs, what LEC has done so far, with emphasis on the economic value of horses to the state. Dr. Hay suggested that LSU would need $600,000 for an endowed chair, and the state will match that with $400,000. There is also a possibility of an endowed professorship, which is $60,000, and $40,000 from the state, which generates much less income. LEC needs to have a plan to show supporters how an equine science curriculum can benefit them, LSU, and all universities. Auburn, Texas A&M, and Stephen F. Austin are taking many of our college kids now that are interested in equine science. Maurice Tynes moved to have LEC support and help develop resources to have an equine science curriculum at LSU. Johnny Boudreaux seconded the motion and it passed.

Howard will e-mail the Southwest Expo schedule to the LEC membership and will talk to Heather to schedule a phone conference for talking points.

The lunch was furnished by Farm Bureau, and was enjoyed by the group.

Peggy Bianchi stated that the LEC Fun Ride will be March 27th at Cane Camp in Kisatchie National Forest. She also discussed a meeting February 18th at Hodges Gardens and asked for support for her efforts to open that state park to more equestrian activities. She also requested a sign to recognize sponsors at the trail ride. Dixie Bunton moved to provide $300.00 for the trail committee budget, seconded by Ruby Halter, the motion passed.

Peggy also asked for volunteers to help with the ride and to cook. She also discussed the tack sale. Howard agreed to send an e-mail to the membership.

September 25th is the date scheduled for the Hodges Garden ride for St. Jude, and there will also be a ride in November, possibly at Athus Melder in Kisatchie.

In any other business, Daniel mentioned a Labor Seminar March 2nd in Lafayette from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Registration is $60.00 a person.

Ruby Halter mentioned that she will order new LEC shirts for incoming board members.

Howard showed the poster of Louisiana ag products and gave each board member a poster, asking them to display it where it can be visible. Horses are in all 64 parishes as an economic commodity and ranked 3rd in the state behind forestry and poultry.

The date of the next LEC meeting was scheduled for March 3rd via conference call at noon.

On a motion by Richard Hebert, seconded by Ruby Collins, the meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.