NMDA Board of Director (BoD) Meeting Minutes           January 9, 2019


Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse  115 Elm St NE, ABQ         1 pm - 3:05 pm                   All members and interested public welcome.

President Barbara Burkhardt welcomed all members present: Teresa Heine, John Collins, Kathleen Martin, Winnie Fitch, Diana Corbin, Susan Reed and  Nance McManus.  Absent:  Valerie Simpson.

President Burkhardt announced new appointed positions:  Membership chair Diana Corbin, Youth chair Susan Reed, Schooling Show manager Teresa Heine, and Western Dressage advisor Nance McManus.  There were no objections.

All members of the BoD present signed the official Conflict of Interest form required of a 501(c)3 organization.

Members were asked their feelings about the meeting running until 3 pm, a half-hour over the usual time for meetings.  All agreed except one member who had to leave early and another member who stated she would but for that day only.

President Burkhardt announced her rules for meetings: no time limitations; speak one at a time; when someone starts repeating themselves, it’s time to move on.  She appointed VP John Collins to serve as Sergeant at Arms to see that these rules are followed.

Officer reports

Secretary’s report:  John Collins moved that the secretary’s report be accepted after corrections.  Susan Reed seconded.  All approved.

A clarification from December meeting’s  Show manager’s report (in italics):  Teresa Heine asked Barbara Burkhardt to report on the July 7, 2019 show.  Barbara reported that the judge’s contract has been signed(add) by the president and treasurer and has been sent to the judge.

Treasurer’s report:  Checking account stands at $21,109.60 as of January 2, 2019.  Treasurer Fitch has had an accountant look over the books.  All stands correct.  The accountant, Raymond G. Valenzuela of tnt-financial (auditsheild@hotmail.com; office 505 889-4561, is available to answer questions as needed and will review the books yearly for a fee of $250.

Treasurer Fitch has had all new tests printed.  John Collins moved the BoD reimburse the treasurer for personal outlay.  Diana Corbin seconded.  All approved.  The reimbursement check was signed today by immediate past president Teresa Heine.

John Collins moved that the treasurer’s report be accepted as written.  Diana Corbin seconded.  All approved.

President Burkhardt moved that the article in the Standing Rules which states “every member will get one test book” be amended to include “if requested.”  Susan Reed seconded.  All approved.

Vice-president’s report:  None

Committee/Liaison reports

Membership chair’s report:  Diana Corbin reported 2 new members in January for a total of 70 members.  She has confirmation from USDF that it has received all  of NMDA’s membership information.

Show manager’s report:  Teresa Heine reported that the First Impressions arena personnel in the South Valley have given verbal confirmation to use the arena for the June 9, 2019 schooling show.  Teresa is pursuing confirmation with Bernalillo County.

Teresa moved that NMDA host a partnered show with the Las Alamos Pony Club, Laura Kober liaison, for August 17 or 18 (date to be determined by the Pony Club).  Winnie Fitch seconded.  All approved.

Barbara Burkhardt will be the clinician for the March 23-24 Ride-Re-ride event at Cherry Tree Farm and will judge the March 14 schooling show at Cherry Tree Farm.  Both contracts have been signed.

Youth chair’s report:  Susan Reedafter a discussion of various ways to get young people involved in dressage, a vote was taken to award NMDA mini-grants to interested people 18 and under.  The vote was six in favor with one abstention.Barbara asked each Director what they thought about the proposed Youth Mini Grant.  Most were in favor of continuing this discussion .  It was agreed to use the Grant for clinics, seminars, etc., as the existing  grant provides.  A vote was taken on using Grant money for NMDA schooling shows, passed 4-2.—John moved to accept corrections, Maribeth seconded, approved.

A vote was taken on whether to use monies from the education fund to subsidize, through a written application, youth riding lessons.  The vote was three in favor, three opposed with one voting member standing down for conflict of interest.

Some discussion ensued on the amount of such grants.  Youth chair Susan Reed asked for the issue to be tabled until she has more information.  Winnie Fitch moved same.  Diana Corbin seconded.  All approved.

Western Dressage:  Liaison Nance McManus reported that there will be three back-to-back recognized shows in New Mexico this summer at which Western Dressage riders will be able to gain points. 

Member-at-large report:  no report.

Old Business

Banquet coordinator Barbara Burkhardt reported that all Year-end Awards and General Membership brunch plans have been finalized for January 12, 2019.  Susan Reed noted that Paul’s Veterinary Supply store is providing a basket of items. Barbara Burkhardt reported that there will be enough raffle prizes for all present to receive at least one. 

NMDA half-day educational dressage seminar:  Organizer Kathleen Martin noted that this event, scheduled for 2/2/19 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center in Albuquerque is set to go. Some Board volunteers will arrive at 8:30 am to help with table and refreshment set-ups.  Kathleen was reimbursed by the treasurer for her $50 expenditure to hold the meeting one hour past noon.

Kathleen noted that the goals of TD Rusty Cook’s presentation are to have interested people apprentice themselves with Rusty at a couple of NMDA schooling shows during 2019 to learn how to do the equipment checks at recognized shows and to educate schooling show participants who may wish to show at recognized shows as they progress what an equipment check involves.

USDF/USEF New Tests Symposium/Clinic promotion:  Kathleen Martin reported that the ad-hoc committee of herself, Teresa Heine, and Valerie Simpson will meet on January 16 to discuss ways that the NMDA can encourage its members to attend this event at Hipico Santa Fe on April 20-21, 2019.  Ideas in pipe-line at present include transportation hubs, shared lodging, apportioning the $200 originally set aside by NMDA to support the event among NMDA members attending, and publicity, publicity, publicity.

New Business:

New business tabled for February meeting because of elapsed time.

Meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Martin, secretary