Wyoming Cutting Horse Association

Vice President Tom Stalcup called the WCHA Board Meeting of August 29, 2011 to order. Members present were: Tom Stalcup, Cathy Stalcup, Traci Hatten, Cindy Carnes, Kristen York, Jerry Rankin, Justin Johnson, Jack Enright and Karen True. Vice President Stalcup ordered the minutes of the last Board Meeting be read. Jerry Rankin moved that the minutes be accepted after a minor amendment, Cindy seconded the motion and the motion passed.

The first order of Business was the matter of the resignation of Carie Whitman as President of the WCHA. According to the WCHA By Laws, the alternate on the Board of Directors will now become a Board Member. The alternate was Tom Stalcup and he will now go onto the Board.

The question was then raised whether to elect a new board member for alternate at this meeting or wait until the annual meeting. Kristen moved that we do not replace the alternate until the annual meeting. Cindy seconded the motion and all were in favor.

The next order of business was the question of the manner in which to distribute the 2011 awards. Kristen remarked that she had received the year end buckles and they all had reining horses on them so the buckle company offered to ship out all the buckles at no charge. Jack Enright suggested that the rest of the awards be given out at the WSCHA Year End Show in Loveland.

The next item of business was when to hold the Annual General Membership Meeting. After some discussion, it was decided to hold AGM in early January of 2012.

Next topic was the organization of the 2012 WCHA Futurity. A futurity committee consisting of Kristen York, Cindy Carnes, Cathy Stalcup and Traci Hatten was appointed. Cathy and Cindy to agreed to co-chair the committee and prepare the futurity approval sheets which have to be in by December 31, 2011. Cathy noted that she will use the same format as last year for the approvals, stating that she would increase the cattle charge and she also noted that we are able to drop our fees after approvals are in if we find a good cattle deal but we are not able to raise them. Cathy also remarked that she had written a letter to the NCHA requesting that they hold our futurity dates for next year and she had not heard back from them. Kristen volunteered to contact the NCHA on this matter. The Board members also explored the idea of moving the futurity to another area where cattle might be more accessible.

In light of the fact the WCHA hosts NCHA Days and the Year End, everyone agreed to try to secure cattle for these events as soon as possible.

The next topic was the lending out of the WCHA Computer. Tom Stalcup moved that we no longer lend the computer to shows. Traci seconded and the motion passed. The data base, however, may be moved around if necessary.

The last order of business was the topic of the website. Cindy has been in contact with a provider that will be more reasonable in price. Cindy motioned that we change internet providers and Kristen seconded the motion. The motion passed. Traci commented that the current internet providers had done an excellent job and this topic should be handled tactfully. Tom agreed to write a letter to the current providers explaining that the decision was based on the budget of the WCHA, not the quality of work.

As all business was discussed, Kristen moved to adjourn the meeting and Jerry seconded. The meeting was adjourned.

WCHA General Membership Meeting Minutes:
May 16, 2011

The Board of Directors meeting on May 16, 2011 was called to order by President Carie Whitman. Members present were: Kristen York, Cindy Carnes, Traci Hatten, Dick Mulligan, Jack Enright, Jerry Rankin, Tom Stalcup and Cathy Stalcup. The meeting was called to discuss the recent outbreak of the EHV-1 virus and the impact it is expected to have on the WCHA.

Dick Mulligan gave a short report regarding an email he had received from Dennie Dunn. According to Mr. Dunn, the NCHA asked if all Associations would cancel their upcoming cuttings in order to inhibit the virus from being spread. The HJK May Cutting, the Seven Bar Memorial Day Cutting and the NCHA Area 4 Cutting have already been cancelled. The HJK July Show in Torrington, July 2, 3 and 4, will be the first WCHA Cutting to take place. That is at least a 45 day incubation period so hopefully the virus would not be present. It is not clear how long the official incubation period for the virus is but could be from 2 to 45 days. In the upcoming week, the number of sick horses is expected to rise, however. Kristen remarked that she and her associates are trying to establish a data base for collecting information about the virus. All the Board members and Officers expressed great concern for those who have lost horses to this disease and to those whose horses are ill.

The next topic that was discussed was the year end awards. Concern was expressed that since we had to cancel 7 show days, would it be feasible to reduce the year end awards. A suggestion was made to not charge any approval fees for the remainder of the shows and then not have any year end awards due to the shortened show season and hard economic times. A discussion followed where the following points were brought up: the approval fees are a source of some of the Association’s only income and producers already have them budgeted in their office charges. In light of the shortened show season, it was suggested that we adjust the awards but still give them. Another suggestion was to move the saddle classes to next year so that there would be more shows to compete in for these awards. Kristen motioned that the saddle classes, which are the Open, 50,000 Amateur and the Wyoming Owned and Ridden, will be moved to the 2012 show season due to the economic crisis and the EHV-1 outbreak. Cindy seconded and the motion carried. All other classes will receive awards through 4^th place, as usual.

The next issue that was discussed was the Ireland trip raffle. So far, approximately 40-45 books of tickets had been sold. Fifty books of tickets needed to be sold in order to cover the expenses of the trip. Any books sold after fifty would be considered profit for the Association. Jack suggested that we postpone the drawing until the Seven Bar Summer cutting, where the winning ticket will be drawn on Saturday, July 9^th. The winner of the trip could then choose whether to travel at the end of this year or the beginning of 2012. Jerry moved that we continue with the raffle and Traci seconded the motion. The motion carried.

The final topic of discussion was cattle for the year end show and futurity. Carie informed the Board that she had talked with last year’s cattle provider and he wanted $50/head this year which would not fit the budget. The number of cattle needed for the year end show is 250-350 head and the number of cattle for the futurity should be from 1100-1400 and should only be heifers The committees for both of these shows will continue to collect bids for cattle until we have on that fits the budget. Also, the futurity committee will make arrangements for judges. The videographer for both shows has already been hired.

As all topics had been covered, Jerry motioned that we adjourn the meeting. Cindy seconded and the motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Traci Hatten, Association Secretary

WCHA General Membership Meeting Minutes:
January 15, 2011

The General Meeting of the WCHA was called to order by President Cathy Stalcup. Members present were: Justin Johnson, James Johnson, Cathy Stalcup, Kristen York, John and Judy Hayes, Cindy Thompson Carnes, Jack Enright, Muffy Rodgers, Terry and Bonnie McClure, Dick Mulligan, Traci Hatten, Tom Stalcup, Karen True, Kim Asay, Maddie Clark, Michelle Aimes, Mike Asay, Carrie Whitman, Steve James. Others who joined midway through the meeting included Jerry Rankin and Robin Hayes.

OLD BUSINESS

The first order of old business was the reading of the minutes of the January 10, 2010 General Membership Meeting by Association Secretary Traci Hatten. Tom Stalcup motioned to accept the minutes as read, Kristen York seconded and the motion passed.

Next was the Treasurer’s report, given by Cindy Thompson Carnes. The total Current Assets of the Association are in the amount of $71,809.95 and are divided as follows: CD Savings: $36,995.18, Checking Account: $3,647.89, Money Market Account: $27,742.56 and Scholarship Account: $3,424.32. Cindy remarked that approval fees were down in 2010 along with sponsorships. Memberships, however, were increased. Added costs which were increased this year included: cattle and advertising due to producing the NCHA Days show. Both WCHA produced shows profited in 2010 and the Futurity had a small loss. Dick Mulligan moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as read, Tom Stalcup seconded and the motion carried.

The next item on the agenda item was the Show Committee Report. Cindy Thompson Carnes was delighted to report the both the NCHA Days Show and the Wyoming Year End Show had made a profit. NCHA Days made: $1671.00 and the Year End Show made $1118.00. Cathy Stalcup gave the report on the 2010 Wyo Futurity and Aged Event. She remarked that entries were down by approximately 33% causing the income of the Futurity to also be down. The very regrettable incident of the mixing of the fresh cattle with the used cattle was also discussed in great detail. After ordering an extra load of cattle to try to alleviate the situation, the futurity did suffer a loss of $1313.97.

Next, was the National Director’s report given by the Wyoming National Directors Richard Mulligan and Kristen York. Dick Mulligan informed us that this has been a very busy year for the NCHA, with many changes to the Constitutional By-Laws of which Mulligan was responsible for rewriting. Mulligan also remarked that the NCHA is also suffering from the economic condition of the country and had made some financial adjustments to try to alleviate those losses of the previous years. Some of these changes are as follows: The show approval fees have been increased from 6% of the jackpotted monies to 8%. Lomited Aged Event approval fees will be increased by .5% and 1% respectfully. The threshold for receiving an Achievement Buckle has also increased from $1500 to $2000.00. The NCHA will also no longer provide trophies for the affiliates for the 2000 Limited Rider, high point trophies for affiliates and high point trophies for the Open and Non Pro for shows with added money of $3000 or more. NCHA produced shows have also increased their fees, with the one that affects our cutters being the Western Nationals entry fee will now be $600 instead of $500 with no changes in the jackpotted portion. Both Wyo National Directors urged anyone with questions regarding these changes to contact them.

Next was the Spnsorship committee report. Cathy Stalcup reported that a total of $5913 was the total for sponsor contributions of the year with $4650 being from regular sponsors and $1263 from the NCHA Days silent auction. There was much discussion on the fact that the Association’s members needed to pursue new sponsors diligently in the upcoming year.

The Awards committee report was next. Kristen York heads this committee and she was commended for bringing in the year end awards under budget, with quality awards that our members liked. The total awards budget was $20,000, which included three saddle certificates. And, the budget also accounted for $1500 worth of circuit awards for NCHA Days.

The last order of Old Business was the President’s report, given by Cathy Stalcup. Stalcup commented on how excited she was at the attendance of this General Membership meeting….the largest attendance in the past four years. Through out her year as President, she used the motto: Be hard on the issues and soft on people. At the beginning of the year, she set lofty goals for the Association and met some of those goals. Once again, she made a plea to the membership to help with the goings on of the Association, such as producing shows, sponsorship, stalls, shavings, practice pens and fund raisers. She also urged that our members have to start giving back to the Association.

NEW BUSINESS

The first order of New Business was the nomination of Directors. The nominations were: Tom Stalcup, Carrie Whitman, Cindy Carnes and Jack Enright. Tom Stalcup moved that nominations cease, with Karen True seconding. After a vote, the new directors are as follows: Carrie Whitman and Jack Enright for a three year term, Cindy Carnes for a one year term and Tom Stalcup will serve as an Alternate. The Dirctors of the Wyoming Cutting Horse Association are as follows: Karen True, Justin Johnson, Jerry Rankin, Carrie Whitman, Jack Enright, Cindy Carnes and Tom Stalcup. Past President is Cathy Stalcup and National Directors Kristen York and Richard Mulligan.

Next was the nomination for President. Karen True and Tom Stalcup were nominated and declined. Cindy Carnes nominated Carrie Whitman and Mulligan seconded. There was a vote and the motion carried. Jerry Rankin nominated Tom Stalcup for Vice President with Jack Enright seconding. A vote was taken and the motion carried. The new President for 2011 is Carrie Whitman with the Vice President being Tom Stalcup. Kristen moved that the secretary and treasure remain the same. Mulligan seconded the motion and it passed.

Next order of New Business was the approval of the 2011 tentative show schedule. Kristen moved that we approve the scheduled shows and all others that came along. Steve seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Next was discussion about the 2011 Futurity and Limited Aged event. The approval forms had been sent in already. The added money for the upcoming futurity has remained the same, along with the entry fees. It was decided to delete the Amateur classes, cut back the show one day and add NCHA classes on the week end. The classes will be the Open, Non Pro and 50,000 Amateur, with 500 added to each. The show is slated for September 15-18, 2011.

Next, the WCHA class roster was discussed. As the Two Handed Class entries have not been up in the previous years, Steve James motioned that the class would be deleted from the roster. Carrie seconded and the motion carried.

Next, there was discussion about setting the Awards budget for 2011. The awards budget will be as follows: $7500 for Year End awards, $4500 for the Futurity and $6000 for saddles certificates. The saddle classes for 2011 are: The Wyoming Owned and Ridden, the Open and the 50,000 Amateur.

Fundraising ideas were then discussed. Robin Hayes offered his services to have a clinic before a WCHA cutting with the Wyoming trainers, with all proceeds going to the Association. Kristen York offered to have the clinic on the Friday before one of her cuttings. The idea will be explored by York, James and Hayes. Also, Hayes commented that the WSCHA was willing to help the Wyoming Association and suggested that the WCHA and WSCHA combine their Year End Shows as to produce a bigger and better week end for both Associations. Steve James and Kristen York volunteered to explore this idea with the WSCHA.

The last topic that was discussed was the possibility of having another Ireland trip raffle. Jack Enright offered to explore this idea and will get back to the Board on his findings.

Next, sponsoring a lunch at Western Nationals was discussed and it was determined that Kristen York would ask WSCHA if they would like to co-sponsor a lunch with the WCHA. She will contact the NCHA person and explore this matter.

The last order of New Business was the filling of the 2011 committees:

Sponsorship and Membership Committee: Jack Enright, Michelle Haimes and Jerry Rankin

Awards Committee: Kristen York and Karen True

Show Committee: Traci Hatten, Cindy Carnes, Steve James and Kristen York(work with WSCHA) Justin Johnson, Jerry Rankin

Futurity Committee: Cindy Carnes, Traci Hatten, Carrie Whitman, Karen True and Justin Johnson (with Cathy Stalcup and Steve James as consultants)

Scholarship and Youth Committee: Michelle Haimes, Traci Hatten, Carrie Whitman

Committee members were urged to select a Chairperson and make quarterly reports to the Board to keep track of progress.

Tom Stalcup moved that we adjourn the meeting with Mulligan seconding. The motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Traci Hatten, Association Secretary

WCHA BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 27, 2010

The WCHA Board of Directors meeting was called to order by Vice President Cathy Stalcup. Members present were: Karen True, Lori Stilwell, Traci Hatten, Cathy Stalcup, Dick Mulligan, Jerry Rankin and Kristen York.
The first order of business was discussion on the resignation of Jack Enright. In accordance with Article V, section 5.5, “in the absence or disability of the President, the Vice President assumes all powers to perform the duties of President and such duties designated by the Board” Cathy Stalcup assumed the position of President of the WCHA. The floor was then opened up to discussion regarding the appointment of a new Vice President. Dick Mulligan volunteered to fill the vacancy. The Board unanimously agreed to appoint Dick Mulligan to the position.

At this time, President Cathy Stalcup began a discussion on what she expected from the Officers and Board Members while she held the office of President. Firstly, President Stalcup credited Past President Enright for heading the Association in the right direction and commented that we need to maintain that positive direction in the future. Below is a list of President Stalcup’s expectations:
a) More participation from the Board and soliciting help from the membership
b) Full intention of enforcing the ‘no participation rule’ for Board Members
c) Solicitation of potential Board members to be elected in the fall during the year
d) Quarterly Board meetings with reports from the committees
e) Create official job requirements for each officer
f) Produce profitable shows
g) Increase memberships, member participation, contributions and fund raisers

There was then a discussion about how to increase more interest in the membership and the Board of Directors. One suggestion was to advertise the Rookie of the Year and the WCHA saddle classes more. The saddle classes for 2010 are the 15,000 Novice Non Pro and the 2000 Limit Rider. Another idea was to work on sponsorships and to put on ‘class act’ shows. It was mentioned that Montana wanted to approve another NCHA Days show in Idaho to accommodate the members in the western part of their state. The Board asked that Traci email the Montana secretary to request to them that they not do that. There also was discussion about how to make our NCHA Days show in Douglas worth coming to; such as hosting a free BBQ and have circuit awards, etc. Kristen volunteered to look into circuit awards.

Dick Mulligan then discussed how Steve and Shelly Williams were looking for ideas on how to improve Western Nationals.

Lastly, the Board of Directors agreed to work together to help better the Association. Cathy moved that we adjourn the meeting. Dick seconded and the motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,
Traci Hatten, WCHA Secretary

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