BOARD MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 1, 2004
Present: Wendy Meyers, Jana Steffen, Carolynn Bunch, Kellie Larsen, Polly Kranick, Laura McGillicutty, Emily Wigley, Carolyn Cole, Cathy Blodgett, Malinda Vanbeek , Cheri Overman

Dressage Report: Jana reported she attended the last Region 6 meeting in Kirkland. There were several items discussed at the meeting including the location of the Championships and a potential new rating system for shows. For the 2005 convention (in Los Angeles) there will be display of historical GMO information. If anyone has some very old ribbons, trophies or programs from the early EI days they should contact Wendy to coordinate. Kellie has had the latest EI Directory printed and it will be ready to be mailed in the next week or so. In addition, Kellie presented a budget for the Janet Brown/Steffen Peters clinic February 2005. The preliminary cost will be $8500, which will break-even with 100-110 auditors. Kellie made a motion that we accept her anticipated/projected budget for the 2005 Symposium. Cathy Blodgett seconded the motion. Accepted on a voice vote.

Eventing Report: Cheri introduced Emily Wigely who has agreed take over her duties and organize the Horse Trials in 2005. In addition, Cheri reported the entry numbers for the 2004 Horse Trials were unfortunately down although comments and enthusiasm for the event was very encouraging. As a result of fewer entries the financial result was $2400 in the negative.

Membership: Polly reported that pre-filled membership renewal forms went out in last week or so.

Promotions: Malinda reported we have sold over $600 in EI merchandise at the last several shows and the Championships and she is completing a current inventory list.

Treasurers Report: Christian reported that she has filed our non-profit status with the State of Washington. The General Account is up 56% from this time last year. The Eventing and Dressage accounts are also both up respectively, so overall the all accounts are in the positive.

Auction: Carolynn reported the Auction software is now up and running (thankfully). Dinner reservations have been coming in pretty steadily and we should make our minimum.

New Business: Wendy started discussion on volunteer recognition for the 2004 Annual Meeting (scheduled for January 23rd). Wendy suggested that we honor one (or more) volunteer(s) of the year from each discipline. The eventing group will be making a picture of their committee members with a ribbon on a framed plaque. For the Dressage group Kellie stated she wished to recognize the core group of schooling show volunteers who assisted her in 2004 as well as several other volunteers from the recognized shows, as well as several ‘at-large’ volunteer.

Horse Park Donation: Wendy made a motion that EI donate a $1,000 to the Washington State Horse Park to assist in this organization’s efforts to create the horse park. Seconded by Jana Steffen. Approved by a voice vote.

Annual Meetings: Wendy made a motion to allocate $500 toward the cost of attending USEA annual meeting. Seconded by Cheri Overman. Approved on a voice vote.

Prepared by Shelly Navarre, Secretary
[back to contents]

BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 3, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Meyers, Kellie Larson, Jana Steffen, Cathy Blodgett, Carolyn Cole, Polly Kranick,

President’s Report: Wendy reported a number of EI members received a bogus e-mail purporting to be an official e-mail from EI. The e-mails were apparently generated by a virus and contained adult solicitations. Our webmaster is looking into the matter.

Dressage: Details for L’Apperitif are firming up. Additional volunteers are still needed for a couple of positions. The last schooling show was a great success, with a complete day of showing (thanks Beth!). Lynda Cushman is preparing some information/proposals regarding possible clinics for the end of 2004 or early 2005. We received 11 applications for dressage grants, with at least one application for each division. The applications are under consideration and the approvals should be given by the end of the month or early June. Work on the annual directory is still underway (delayed due to computer problems). A new computer should be online soon, with the Directory out shortly thereafter.

Membership Report: Polly indicated there appears to be some problem with USDF in reflecting our membership on the USDF database. Polly is researching with USDF and our Region 6 GMO representative to determine where the problem resides. Hopefully the complete list will be reconciled soon. Polly also reported communication with Flying Changes has been excellent. They have kept Polly posted of any address changes they received. The last item is regarding the organizations past history of providing a free membership to Board members for the year after their term of office. The Board agreed it was beneficial to continue to provide this to departing board members to reward them for their service.

The lecture in April was not well attended, but there appears to a lot more interest in the last seminar on May 15th at 2:00 p.m. Cathy also reported an EI member is advocating for a clinician named Julio Borba. Cathy will do additional research on this person and advise further.

No new Business. Meeting adjourned.

Minutes prepared by Shelly Navarre, Secretary
[back to contents]

BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 1, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolynn Bunch, Cathy Blodgett, Jana Steffen, Wendy Meyers, Cinda Peters, Debbie Nicely,

President’s Report: A USDF Region 6 meeting is scheduled for the weekend of March 13-14th in Ellensburg. Topics of the meeting/retreat will be the Regional Championships and possible combining GMOs in Washington and Oregon. Peter Larsen is proposing a phone survey for the entire membership. Wendy is arranging for Peter to present his ideas at the April or May board meeting.

Vice President: Jana reported she sent out ‘Thank you’ letters to the door prize donators for the Annual Meeting.

Education: Cathy reported the EI library is now officially ‘open’ for business. Everything is set up on the website for checking out videos. The Spring Lecture series is ready to begin. The first of the 3 lectures will be on March 20th. Flyers are being distributed to local tack shops and feed stores. We are hoping to send an e-mail message to the general membership regarding the series. Cathy is still negotiating on a long-lining clinic, but nothing has been definitively set.

Eventing Report: Cheri reported plans are getting organized for eventing clinics. An ad will be placed in Flying Changes explaining the benefits of joining EI for eventers which include ‘free schooling’ days for EI members at Donida.

Promotions: Monika went over her research of promotional items which can be ordered for the coming show season. After review of the material presented it was elected to go ahead and purchase of 50 embroidered saddle pads for resale at all EI events. Monika is also working on a new brochure for EI.

Washington State Horse Park: Debby reported she attended the last meeting for the Horse Park. Lothar Pinkers was able to attend this meeting also and went over details of prior planning outcomes for the park. The next meeting is March 27th in Cle Ellum.

Auction: Carolynn has reserved a date for the EI auction. It will be November 6, 2004. Price per ticket will be $40 per person.

No new business.

Minutes prepared by Shelly Navarre, Secretary
[back to contents]

BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Decher, Wendy Meyers, Heather Grassman, Jana Steffen, Cinda Peters, Polly Kranick, Kellie Larsen, Debby Nicely, Malinda Vanbeek, Carolynn Bunch

President’s Report: Wendy was in contact with Equi-Friends and advised them we have given them an EI membership for their organization.

Vice Presidents: Jana said ‘thanks’ for all those who gave assistance to the annual meeting!

Dressage: Kellie reported the Omnibus is getting pretty organized. Advertising has been received and more are coming in. The document is tentatively scheduled to go to the printers mid February, with a mailing in March 2004.

Washington State Horse Park: Debbie and Lothar Pinkers are planning to attend the next Horse Park planning session on February 24th. They are going to present an overview of the dressage community’s needs as it relates to horse show facilities.

Website: Heather said many new things have been added to the website including the video library, driving information and information on the Walter Zettl clinic. Heather also explained we now have the capability of accepting online membership payments if we sent up a merchant account for our general account. Cinda also requested details for a ‘volunteer’ jobs listing which will be posted on the website.

Promotions: Malinda has done an inventory of the EI logo’d clothing. She will be in contact with our vendor to price out different options for clothing in 2004.

Auction: Date of auction is tentatively scheduled on November 6th. A motion was made by Cinda to approve deposit to reserve the room. Seconded by Debby. The motion passed.

Driving: Mary reported a great deal of information about the Driving group has been added to the website. The first ‘fun drive’ is scheduled for Valentines weekend at Bridle Trails. Additional events are listed on the website.

Education: Wendy gave a presentation of Cathy’s budget for 2004. A long lining clinic is scheduled for June 5th. A motion was made by Jana to approve $500 toward Cathy’s education/seminar/and long lining clinic. Malinda seconded the motion, approved by all present. We also need volunteers to be present at the Horses of Course weekend at the Pacific Science Center.

New Business: Region 6 has asked to utilize our bulk permit to mail out the Region 6 Championship prize list. Wendy will research this further through the Post Office and advise the board of additional information. Also discussed was the giving Lifetime members the benefits of a Business Membership at the current upgrade price ($72). A motion was made by Cinda to institute this policy, seconded and approved by the Board. Finally, a motion was made to donate $100 to the Linda Acheson Memorial Education Fund administered by ODS. This motion was approved.

Prepared by Shelly Navarre, Secretary
[back to contents]

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 25, 2004
REPORTS:

PRESIDENT: Meeting called to order by Wendy Meyers at 2:15 p.m. Wendy gave a short recap of some of the activities EI was involved in during 2003 including the successful Horse Trials, great participation in both the Dressage schooling and recognized shows, and several Driving Events. Wendy introduced Suzanne Kagan from the Bridle Trails Park Foundation. Suzanne briefly discussed the goals of the Foundation in raising sufficient funds to start an endowment which would fund 50% of park operations.

SECRETARY: Minutes from the 2003 Annual Meeting were read. After reading of the minutes Beth Glosten made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Motion was seconded and approved by voice vote of the general membership present.

TREASURER: Christian provided an overview of the account balances for the various disciplines. Christian gave details of her role in making sure the EI Tax return is completed and the insurance coverage is in place and various certificates for the different events are issued.

DRESSAGE: Kellie gave a recap of the goals reached within the dressage discipline including the EI Schooling shows, bringing back the Champagne Classic show, and completing a symposium with Lendon Grey. Kellie introduced some people who are assisting the dressage division, specifically Carolynn Bunch has agreed to handle ribbons/awards for all shows, Lynda Cushman is coordinating clinics, Pam Hendrickson is coordinating volunteers for various shows, and Kathleen Doyle will be organizing the EI sponsored Freestyle Clinics. Kellie also discussed EI support, through show sponsorships, of other dressage events, including the Regional Championships, DevonWood and the Donida Farm shows. Kellie distributed copies of the proposed 2004 budget, which included a recap of the 2003 results.

DRESSAGE GRANTS: Beth Glosten gave brief overview of the dressage grants which were distributed to EI members in 2003. Deadline for the 2004 grants is May 1, 2004. Last years recipients were Mary Houghton and Stephanie Willis.

MEMBERSHIP: Polly provided details of current membership total (224 members so far) which is slightly less than last year at this time. Last year membership by the end of the year 2003 totaled 400+)

EVENTING: Sarah gave details of her efforts to increase EI members from the eventing community. In addition, Sarah organized 3 schooling events at Donida farm for EI members and volunteers who met minimum hour requirements. For 2004 the eventing group will again be conducting the 2004 Horse Trials and additional clinics. EI members will possibly receive a discount for attendance several eventing camps scheduled for 2004. Sarah also went over the details of actual expenses for 2003 and anticipated expenses for 2004.

COMBINED DRIVING: Ann Davis gave some information regarding the driving group’s activities. During 2003 the driving group put on several schooling events and a 3-day clinic followed by a driving trial. In addition this group introduced a ‘beginner driving event’ which was supported with funding from the American Driving Society. For 2004 a number of ‘fun drives’ including events on the John Wayne tail and an ‘ocean beach’drive/ride are anticipated.

EDUCATION: Cathy Blodgett gave a recap of her activities for 2003. For 2004 Cathy is the Flying Changes coordinator for all articles and calendar submissions for EI’s contributions to the magazine. Also, new for this year will be creation of the new video and book library. In addition, Cathy is coordinating a Spring Seminar series starting in March 2004. Details will be sent to the membership by mail in February 2004.

PROMOTIONS: Renee gave a report of her activities in 2003. This included creation of several EI logo’d items which have been sold at numerous events. For 2004 several exciting changes are being undertaken (by the yet to be named replacement Director) including an upgrade to the website.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Volunteer hours: Wendy Meyers brought up an area which has been discussed by the Board. Specifically the board recognizes the great contribution needed by volunteers in order to complete the activities of the organization. It has been discussed whether or not it would be beneficial for the entire EI group if a certain minimum number of volunteer hours should be required in order for a member to be eligible for year-end awards. Because of time constraints this proposal was tabled for further evaluation and polling of the general membership. An ‘informal ‘straw poll’ of members present (by show of hands) were in favor of a volunteer hour requirement.


ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

PRESIDENT: Wendy Meyers re-elected.
VICE PRESIDENT: Jana Steffens was elected.
TREASURER: Christian Wiener re-elected.
SECRETARY: Shelly Navarre re-elected.
DRESSAGE DIRECTORY: Kellie Larson was re-elected.
EVENTING: Sarah Lorenz was re-elected.
PROMOTIONS: Melinda Van Beek
COMBINED DRIVING: Cathy Blodgett was re-elected.

No nominations were made from the floor after three calls. A motion was made by Gene Deuber to elect all board members present. Seconded from the floor and approved on a voice vote.

The business meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.

Prepared by Shelly Navarre, Secretary
[back to contents]

BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2004
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Meyers, Cinda Peters, Polly Kranick, Debby Nicely, Carolyn Bunch, Christian Weiner, Renee Parrish, Jana Steffen, Mary Decher, Cathy Blodgett, Carolyn Cole

Directors Reports:

President’s Report: Wendy has been contacted by the Pacific Science Center. The Science Center has an annual ‘horsey’ event and they are seeking representatives from our organization to have a booth and present information regarding our horse activities to the public. Wendy would really like to have EI participate in this event which is scheduled for mid-March.

Vice Presidents Report: Jana reported activities for the annual Awards meeting are going forward. The meeting is scheduled to start at 2:00.

Treasurer’s Report: As of the end of the year all accounts (general, dressage, eventing, and savings) were in the positive.

Dressage Report: Carolyn reported for Kellie. A motion was made by Cinda to approve purchase up to $500 of a new fax/copier for the Dressage Division. Motion approved. There will be a Freestyle Clinic in February.

Promotions: Renee reported the packets have been mailed out to potential advertisers/vendors for 2004.

Education: Cathy reported she has re-inventoried the videos. There are just under 50 tapes in our current library. In 2004 Cathy will have all the videos and checkout procedures listed on the website. Cathy is in the process of arranging a long-lining clinic with Anders Ericsson for June 2004. Also in 2004 a new seminar series will be started on general topics related to horses.

Washington State Horse Park: Debby was unable to attend the Horse Park meeting due to a horse emergency. Debby did receive an update on the Horse Park fundraising efforts. In the next month the Horse Park there will be a new website for the organization.

Driving Report: Mary reported the driving division has their annual Regional Driving meeting next week in Tacoma. Monthly drives will be starting soon.

Membership: Polly reported membership renewals are a little lower than this time last year but she expects more renewals in January and at the annual meeting.

Website Report: Cinda reported the new website is up and functioning. Many of the pages are still ‘Under Construction’ and Cinda is in need of additional information from each Director for their respective sections. There will be a new Volunteer Section listing the volunteer needs. Cinda needs information from each discipline on what type of volunteer opportunities are available during the course of the year.

Old Business: Mary brought up prior issue which has been presented at another meeting of having EI join the King County Executive Horse Council. This membership was approved by the Board.

New Business: Cathy made a motion to donate $500 to the Bridle Trails Foundation. Approved by the Board. The donation will be made at the annual Awards meeting. Wendy has been contacted by EquiFriends Therapeutic Riding Program who are interested in becoming members. Cathy made a motion to donate a membership to this non-profit organization. Cinda brought up fact we have two board positions currently unfilled (Adult Pony Club and Newsletter). Wendy is going to research whether we need to amend the By-Laws of the organization to reflect fact Adult Pony Club position was dropped more than several years ago. We also need a Promotions Director for 2004.

Next meeting is February 2nd 2004.

Prepared by Shelly Navarre, Secretary
[back to contents]