HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPRING 2009 EDHA MEETING

President Gary Gilmond at the Brattleboro Ramada Inn, April 5, 2009, called the meeting to order at 11am 

The secretary’s report was read and passed.

The treasurer’s report was read and passed. 

Under old business Bob Allen gave a report of the MA Pulling Commission meeting last December. He stated the SPCA was not in attendance and that much of their funding had been cut. Their attendance is expected to be low at the pulls this year, but we need to be extra diligent in policing our behaviors.  

Gary Gilmond reported on the VT/NH meeting, and the round table conference regarding pulling. Discussed there were premiums, economy. There were no changes made.  

A member stated they perceived bad judging at the round up in a certain class. It was explained that whoever had volunteered to run that class had dropped the ball, and we were left to scramble to set up the class. Many people were asked to judge and declined. It was announced that for 2009 there would be one judge for the entire round up. It will be Doug Smith from NY. His fee has been donated by a few concerned members, and as such will not be paid for by the assn.

Under new business, President Gilmond explained the elements that are needed to make the round up successful regarding the location, including price, size, stalls, availability, restrooms facilities, grounds support, etc. For 2009 many facilities had been explored, including Keene, Hopkinton, Northampton, Big E, Rutland, Topsfield, Essex JCT. The directors have decided to go to Essex Jct, VT for 2009. Essex Jct has matched the price that we were getting at Keene.  This is a state of the art facility, there are 96 box stalls available, with additional stalls in cattle barns if necessary, also there are 125 camper sites, with water and 30 amp electrical service at each site. The facility is clean with heated, flushing restrooms and showers. The arena will be heated if necessary. There will be 4 maintenance people on the grounds. There are 20 hotels, and 50 restaurants in the immediate area. All prices for camping and admission will stay the same as usual. All of our sponsors have recommitted for 2009. We will be losing the profit we made on the kitchen at Keene, which we will have to work hard to get new sponsors to make that up. We have met with Keene and have not burned any bridges there, as we may like to return there at some point.  

At this point in the meeting there were many questions addressed about the move, which seemed to be answered to most people’s satisfaction. The pros and cons of the move were discussed. The directors have voted unanimously for the move for 2009, and believe they have put forth what is best for the assn for this year.  

It was also discussed that infighting is not in the best interest of horse pulling. Bashing one style of pulling over another style is not going to help pulling as a whole. We need to stick together for the common cause.  

There was a motion made and accepted that the agenda of the board of directors meeting be posted on the website at least 2 weeks prior to their meeting in order for the membership to contact directors with their views on the subject matter.  

The members then voted on different slates of proposed classes for the round up. The final slate that passed is: 

Friday …10am 3200 12’…followed by 3000 12’

Saturday…10am open distance…. followed by 3400 15’

Sunday…10am FFA 15’…followed by…3100 12’

The floor was then handed over to Pete Rollins, rules chairman. He had two changes to submit that were properly presented to him prior to the start of the meeting in writing.  

Change to rule #2 … add to, horses to stay on fairgrounds after weighing in to a class. There was then discussion regarding this change pro and con. Members voted to pass this unanimously. 

Change to rule #39 … request to omit said rule, which is the rule regarding top 4 teams must pull until a winner is determined. After much discussion a vote was taken, with 11 votes to rescind said rule, many more to keep said rule. Rule 39 continues to stand unamended.  

There was then discussion on twirling of the reins, and an explanation of why it is not allowed.  

The 2009 nominating committee is Kris Perkins, Dan St Laurent, and Sue Smith 

Motion to adjourn passed at 1:25 PM.