A meeting of the Monadnock Happy Trails Association was held Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Congregational church in Swanzey, NH. President Sharon Thomsen called the meeting to order at 6:25 pm.
Acting treasurer/VP Evie Winter reported our check book balance is $267.60. Beth Phippard made a motion to accept the report. Terri Wisell seconded, the motion passed.
Secretary Laura Susmann reviewed the minutes of the January, 2012 meeting.
Laura reported none of the local fire departments have responded to our request to take advantage of the large animal rescue training offered by Dick Lynch.
Evie reported Cindy Athans is still quite ill and will require extended treatment.
Laura has been in touch with Zola who agreed to demonstrate leg wrapping at our March meeting.
Officers elected are Sharon Thomsen, President; Angie Hauri, Vice President; Beth Phippard, Treasurer; Terri Wisell, Secretary. Board members include Evie Winter, Laura Susmann, Amy Sintros, Mary Page and Marius Hauri. Congratulations to all!
We decided to renew our New Hampshire Horse Council membership; most agreed this is an important affiliation; they keep us informed about many issues facing the horse industry.
Because of financial concerns we tabled the Friends of Pisgah renewal until the March meeting when our monetary picture will be more clear. Our liability insurance and donation to the church for use of the hall will be due soon. Memberships are currently due and we expect an influx of cash as members continue to renew in the next few weeks. Forms may be downloaded from the club website: http://mhta.yolasite.com. (At the bottom of the "about us" page.)
Denise Hood will continue to work on the website and get it updated to include the latest club information.
The idea of changing the meeting to Wednesday was again discussed. Issues include availability of the church hall and whether or not a change would actually get more members to attend. As there are really only two Monday holidays that effect us (some years July 4th and Labor Day) it was decided to leave the meetings on Mondays for the time being.
Angie Hauri has secured permission to hold a tack sale at Putters. Date will be April 21. Contact Angie for details a6t 399-7210 or Angiehauri@yahoo.com.
The business portion of our meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.
Beth Phippard arranged for Dorothy Crosby to speak to us and show a DVD entitled "Every Time, Every Ride" regarding use of helmets when riding and driving. The DVD illustrated the devastating effects of head injury when accidents occur while riding without head gear. As well, riders who had worn head protection were interviewed and came through their accidents pretty much unscathed. The grim truth is that 60% of horse related deaths are due to head injury. Dorothy answered questions; the consensus of opinion was that helmet use saves lives. It is better to be safe than sorry!
The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura J. Susmann
Secretary
