Horse Program Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes

PA 4-H Horse Program Development Committee
DRAFT Minutes
(Subject to approval at next meeting)

May 10, 2002
Ag Arena Conference Room
State College, PA

Members present: Pat Comerford, Tammy Clark Eichstadt, Brian Egan, Sally Redline, Chuck Gale, Linda Tichnell, Kathy Brown, Carolyn Belczyk, Lori Little, Duane Duncan, and Patty Kelly; Nancy Kadwill, by conference call, temporarily. Dave Gallaher, recently elected volunteer representative to the committee, participated in the meeting although his term doesn't officially begin until July 1. Donna Zang was also present.

The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. by Chair, Tammy Clark Eichstadt.

1. Introductions/Corrections to Committee Member Information: Tammy introduce Dave Gallaher, Clearfield County volunteer, whose term begins July 1. Pat circulated committee membership lists to collect any additions or changes.

2. Review and Approval of Minutes–Minutes of the March 25, 2002, meeting were reviewed. Kathy moved and Brian seconded the motion that minutes be accepted as written and distributed. Motion carried.

3. Election of 2002-2003 Officers/Appointed Member: Pat nominated Kathy Brown to serve as chair. Chuck moved to close the nominations. The motion was seconded and passed. Tammy cast a unanimous ballot for Kathy. Kathy nominated Patty Kelly to serve as vice chair. It was properly moved, seconded, and carried to close the nominations. Tammy cast a unanimous ballot. Carolyn will continue to serve as secretary, and Duane will continue to serve as treasurer.

Appointed Volunteer Member: Pat reported on potential industry representatives to fill the vacancy left by Ben Nolt's resignation. Patty suggested Dennis Bennett of Westmoreland County as a potential nominee. He shows cutting horses and is active with the Quarter Horse Association and is retired from the corporate world. Tammy Eichstadt is also interested in the position.

Pat mentioned the need to develop some sponsorship of the 4-H horse program; developing an endowment, seeking corporate sponsorship, etc. Perhaps we need a committee representative who may be able to help with this.

Kathy moved to appoint Tammy as the interim industry representative until the November meeting, at which time a final appointment will be made. Chuck Gale seconded the motion. Discussion. Pat challenged the committee to think of others who may be willing to serve actively on the committee as an industry representative and be involved in the work of the committee. Kathy led the committee in the vote on the motion, as Tammy recused herself from the discussion. The motion carried.

Other discussion notes: Pat expressed concern that we need to involve youth in our decision making process. A youth advisory committee? As members of this committee? Helping to plan and conduct programs and activities? Implementing some sort of youth involvement is one of her short-term goals. Chuck suggested that we appoint our Outstanding Horse Member to serve as an ex officio member of this committee; perhaps the winner and finalists could be involved in developing a structure for youth involvement. Pat will chair a committee to look into this; Carolyn, Chuck, and Lori volunteered to work on this as well. Patty will send Pat information on the Westmoreland County Horse Council organizational structure. We might be able to meet with the outstanding members as State Days.

Nominating committee guidelines should include geographic considerations when seeking nominees for the Development Committee.

4. Revised Bylaws: The change made was to Article VII, Section I to include that the secretary and treasurer may be either elected or appointed; and they will be voting members. The wording as approved in the minutes is slightly different from what is presented in the revised by-laws, as distributed by Pat. Pat moved to approve the bylaws as re-written and distributed. Kathy seconded the motion, which carried.

5. Treasurer's Report/Financial Concerns: Duane distributed a 2002 financial report. He reviewed receipts and expenses. He also re-distributed the 2001 State Show Income/Expense Statement and the 2001 State 4-H Horse Show (Program Development Committee) Financial Statement. Duane suggested that Roland Freund, regional farm management agent, be asked to serve as auditor. Kathy moved to accept this suggestion and to ask Ben Nolt to also serve on the auditing committee. The motion was seconded, and it carried. Kathy will talk to Ben about this. Kathy moved to file the treasurer's report for audit. The motion was seconded, and it carried.

Eastern/Western National 4-H Horse Roundup Sponsorship–Carolyn moved to sponsor the Eastern/Western National 4-H Horse Roundup at $500 for 2002. The motion was seconded, and it carried. Hopefully other states will match this level of support.

AYHC Symposium Sponsorship–Pat proposed that we sponsor the AYHC Symposium again in 2003. Further discussion was tabled until the November meeting. Pat will bring information regarding sponsorship levels and the amount of our sponsorship for the 2002 symposium.

6. State Show: 2002 Quota–Review and discussion. Pat moved to approve the quota system for 2002 as distributed. The motion was seconded, and it carried.

Committee and officials–Jane Flynn will be the hunt seat judge (North Carolina); Tammy Reynolds (Texas) will be the western judge; Leslie Derrickson (Kentucky) will judge Saddle Seat.

Kathy indicated that invitations have been sent to potential committee members. Only two RSVP's have been received to date.

Concerns were expressed regarding conflict of interest if committee members also serve as stewards. The rulebook separates the two roles. Discussion. We don't want to preclude knowledgeable committee members from serving as stewards. We should ask these people to recuse themselves from the voting if they bring a rules infraction/issue to the attention of the committee.

Show Schedule–A draft schedule was distributed. Brian expressed a volunteer's concerns regarding starting the production classes on Sunday following grooming and showmanship. Kathy indicated that things will change for 2003 as we will have access to the new arena. Much discussion. Estimated starting times were moved up; management issues were discussed that might speed up the show. Brian moved to approve the draft schedule with estimated starting times moved up as discussed. The motion was seconded, and it carried.

County Educational Exhibits–No discussion. Deb Dietrich is chairing this again for 2002.

Model Horse Show–Draft copies of entry information were available at the Advisory Committee meeting. Final copies will be distributed by Pat in the near future, and the information will be placed on the web when possible. Kristen Kauffman is chairing this event this year.

Social Activity/Dance–We have not yet heard confirmation from Jackie Simon that she is willing to accept this responsibility as "volunteered" on her behalf at the Advisory Committee meeting. Lori will seek this confirmation.

Measurer Trainer Clinic–Dick has offered to conduct a training clinic during the State Show. We need to find a time and location. Perhaps on Sunday morning opposite the showmanship classes. Pat will communicate with district agent and volunteer representatives to get names of individuals recommended for this training.

Stall Information–Donna and Kathy confirmed that we will try to permit entry into the building on Thursday by 11:00 a.m., with practice sessions starting at 1:00 p.m. We will need to have manpower on hand Wednesday morning to start numbering stalls.

Informational Clinics Presented by Judges–Patty Kelly mentioned that last year's judges had expressed an interest in conducting educational sessions during their "down time" at the show. A steward or other official would need to be present. Kathy has not asked this year's judges about this possibility. Should a judge be asked to interact with exhibitors prior to the class? Discussion. Kathy moved not to proceed with this in 2002. The motion was seconded, and it carried.

Construction Constraints–Still an unknown.

7. Suggested Reining Rules: Kathy, Brian and Pat have worked on this. Proposed rules and patterns were distributed and discussed. Brian moved that we approve the rules and patterns and distribute them to counties as "suggested" rules for reining. The motion was seconded, and it carried. The rules/patterns will be emailed to agents and posted on the web.

Class Guidelines–These have been revised to match the current rulebook and posted on the web. Revisions will be made next year as needed to match revised rules.

Proposed Changes to County Team Pattern: Kathy distributed several proposed patterns for the County Team class, to eliminate the dismount. This addresses the ADA concerns that exist when dismounts are required. Should we include multiple patterns as is done with reining and western riding? Discussion. Three proposed patterns were considered. Pat moved that in order to be in compliance with ADA regulations, we eliminate the dismount in County Team effective in 2003; and submit the proposed patterns to the Advisory Committee for consideration in the spring of 2003 to be effective in 2004. The motion was seconded, and carried.

8. 2003 Rule Changes: Rules Committee Date–will meet at Penn State on June 28.

(Development Committee discussion/decisions from 5/10/02 are in italics) PLEASE NOTE: Rule changes will take effect in 2003. Wording of rules is NOT final. Proposals may be added or changed after further review by Development Committee or rules subcommittee, and additional clarification or other rules may be added if needed.

General Horse Program Concerns
1. We should proceed with redistricting as soon as possible. (V)
No vote was taken; subcommittee was asked to move forward on this issue; bring back recommendations to next year's advisory committee meeting if possible. This is not the highest priority of the horse program. Discussion. The committee will meet within the next year. Donna Zang to chair.
2. Fresh officials could be used for the state horse judging contest. (VI) Please note as a recommendation. Discussion. Pat will welcome suggestions for additional officials.
3. State Competitive Trail Ride vet check should be conducted earlier and the mileage of the ride seemed to be pushing the long side. (VI) Please note as a recommendation.

General Rules
1. Page 3, rule 12; consider revision of current rule to develop a shared horse program. (DC, Advisory Committee) A subcommittee is working on this concept, chaired by Linda Tichnell. Tabled until later in meeting.
2. Page 4, rule 22; change to read "…. all exhibitors, 18 years of age or younger are required to wear ASTM/SEI approved headgear….." . Page 5, rule 22; change third sentence, second paragraph to read: "Protective headgear must meet or surpass current applicable ASTM standards with SEI certification…."
(Question to DC; more consistent with new USA Equestrian (AHSA) rule.)
The motion passed unanimously.
All we are saying here is that we want to require this headgear rather than simply recommend it. Patty moved to accept the rule change as proposed. The motion was seconded, and it carried.
3. Page 6, rule 30; expand this rule to include no pets allowed at regional production shows. (VI) No action.

Production Rules
1. Page 10, rule 3; consider addition of enrolling animals as two year olds. (question to DC)
Carolyn moved to approve the proposal to enroll animals as two year olds. The motion was seconded, and it carried.

Performance Rules
1. Page 16, rule 8; change rule to allow members to have a driving animal and a performance animal. (I, IV, XI). This would allow members to have one performance horse and only one driving horse. Motion carried, 7:3. Brian moved to not allow this change. The motion was seconded, and it carried.
2. Page 17, rule 14; "In individual performance classes, once contestant has entered the ring and has been recognized by the judge, the horse has one minute to commence its required performance." This is not consistent with rules on pages 34 and 35 for classes 29, 30, 34, and 35. (Question from judges to DC)
Motion to clarify/correct. Motion carried, unanimously.
Referred to rules committee.
3. Clarify the use of "Wonder Bit", gag action bit that was used in English Futurity and Pleasure Classes. Correct/clarify or add to rulebook or English/Western Pleasure and Equitation classes. (IX)
Motion carried, unanimously.
This is part of a larger question regarding bits. Referred to rules committee.

Open Division
1. Page 18-19, Classes 1,2,3,4, Grooming and Showmanship; scoring of classes is difficult to follow while judging. Should the basis for scoring be changed to be consistent with AQHA rules? (Question to DC from judges) Referred to the Development Committee and Rules Committee for further discussion.
Referred to rules committee. Consider breaking down by percentage: 30% grooming and presentation; 70% showmanship.
2. Page 21-22, Class 6, Open Trail Horses; split into Open Trail Horse, Senior Riders (14 and over) and Open Trail Horses, Junior Rider (riders 13 and under). The Development Committee is reviewing data to determine if numbers justify the split.
Data will be collected by rider age in the horse class to determine if there is a justification for this split.
3. Pages 21, Classes 5 and 6, Open Trail; delete from second paragraph: …jumping low obstacles, mounting and dismounting from either side"; delete from third paragraph: "Rail work is optional at the discretion of the judge." (DC) Revise class guidelines accordingly.
Pat moved to approve the rule change as written. The motion was seconded, and it carried.

Western Division
1. Page 26-27, Western Riding; revise scoring to be consistent with AQHA rules. (DC)
Referred to the Development Committee for discussion/resolution. The motion carried, 8:2.
This may be a bigger change than some people may have realized. Flying lead changes are required in AQHA. Brian moved to accept the four lead change rule as is used by AQHA (disqualified for four or more simple lead changes and/or failures to change leads–use wording from AQHA handbook and update class description to match AQHA description. The motion was seconded, and it carried. Further refinement of the rule was referred to the rules committee.

Contest Classes
1. Page 28 — 29, Contest Classes; clarify use of Vetrap on stirrups. Is this considered being fastened or attached to the tack as per General Rule 21? If acceptable, how much is too much? (X)
Is it OK or is it not? How much is too much? Sally moved that we allow no Vetrap on stirrups. Linda seconded the motion. The motion carried. Referred to rules committee for further clarification. Spirit of the rule: no wrapping of boots or stirrups to inhibit release of foot in the event of a fall OR Stirrup or boot may not be wrapped with any substance; i.e. "clean and dry."
2. Page 29, Classes 19 and 20, Barrel Race; require that barrel covers are used in all 4-H shows. (VII)
Motion carried 9:1.
Carolyn moved to require barrel covers for all 4-H shows. The motion was seconded. Discussion of safety, cost, etc. Motion carried.

Hunter Seat Division
1. Pages 35-37, Classes 34, 35, Working Hunters; scoring system for faults needs to be updated. (Suggestion to DC from judges) Referred to Development Committee.
Patty moved that this be referred to rules committee; seeking recommendations from others as needed. The motion was seconded, and it carried.
2. Pages 37-38, Classes 36, 37, Hunter Hack; specify percentages to be placed on over fences and on the flat work. Also, be more specific with specifications about the jumps, types of jumps, distance between jumps, etc. (Question to DC from judges) Referred to Development Committee.
Some of this has been accomplished with the addition of hunter hack to the class guidelines. Does need to be further addressed by rules committee.

Driving Division
1. There needs to be some clarification of the proper clothing attire in the driving classes especially the draft classes. (V) Referred to Development Committee. Tom Murphy will get specific concerns to the committee.
Tom is getting some specific concerns together. We do not have these yet.
2. Page 43, Class 41, Miniature Horse Driving; follow American Miniature Horse Registry rules to measure animals 38 inches at the last mane hair. (VII, IX) Motion carried, 9:0, with one abstention.
Discussion. Patty moved that we check into the requirements for registry in the AMHR and AMHA and bring this issue for further discussion by rules committee. Rule could be written to also allow horses registered with AMHR or AMHA, and there would be no need to change measuring procedures. Pat seconded the motion, which carried.

Therapeutic Riding Division
1. Divide Classes 42 and 43 into minimally or maximally assisted. (suggestion to DC)
Written proposal has been submitted to Development Committee for consideration. Motion carried, 8:2.
Patty moved that we proceed with splitting the classes into minimally and maximally assisted, with a committee appointed to refine the rules and report back to the November meeting for approval by the Development Committee. The motion was seconded, and it carried. Patty volunteered to chair the effort to get this committee together. Several names were suggested, including Deb Jeffries, Nina Hill, Ben Nolt, Linda Golden, etc.

Pat has had the question asked: If someone shows in the Therapeutic Riding Division (performance), then may he/she also participate in production? Address on a case by case basis; dangers inherent in showing babies at halter; inconsistency in showing therapeutic division and futurity production classes.

Further discussion was tabled; discussion moved to "Horsemanship Skills" topic.

General State Show Concerns
District IV moved to refer all items to the Development Committee for review and consideration.
Motion carried.

Please note separate motion under item 15.

1. The 4-H pledge should be printed in the program. (V)
2. Raffle tickets were being sold by 4-H members at the state show. This needs to be addressed at the state level. (IX)
3. Draft Driving needs a Draft judge. Supposedly, the draft association would supply a qualified judge at no cost for the state show.(V, VII)
4. Who decides who judges trail, county team, pleasure pairs, and driving at the state show. It seemed as if the western judge judged most and seemed to have rushed the classes on Sunday. (VIII)
5. Get a separate judge for Reining and Western Riding if budget permits. (VIII)
6. A qualified Therapeutic judge needs to be hired to judge the Therapeutic classes. (IX)
7. Therapeutic riders should all be held in the ring while the Obstacle Trail class is being judged, rather than worked individually. (X)
8. Showmanship patterns were not appropriate for the state show. (IX)
9. Barrels and/or other equipment should not be moved when dragging the ring between contestants in the contest classes. (X)
10. Every contestant needs to show their animal going both ways of the ring in pleasure and equitation classes. At states last year, the Hunter Under Saddle class only went one way. (V)
11. Hunter Under Saddle Horses, when the rider was down, first aid was given promptly, however, horses left on the rail should have been moved immediately to the other end of the arena for safety. (III)
12. Hunter Hack Senior class was a REAL MESS at the state show. Jumps were set up AFTER all horses had entered the ring; horses were only judged while moving in one direction; jumps were being set up BEHIND the horses in the ring; safety concerns! (XI)
13. Many concerns about the late night showing. (VI)
14. Due to the length of the show, start the jumping classes earlier or split over the two days. (IV)
15. Extend the state show to include all day Thursday. (IX)
Motion to this effect, District IX. Motion failed.

16. We suggest that the contest classes be run Thursday night so that jumpers do not have to ride after midnight. (III)
17. Schedule all Production classes for Thursday or Sunday of the state show. (XI)
18. Hold Production classes in the small arena at the state show. (XI)
19. Rotate class schedule at the state show so Western riders are not always on Sunday. (XI)
20. Many concerns about monitoring of the practice rings. (VI)
21. Need more lunge line space at the state show or someone to enforce the time limit for this area. (XI)
22. There were some concerns on the number of individuals in the practice rings for the driving practice. Could practices be limited to insure the safety of the drivers and their horses? We had a report of an incident of a large group crowded into one of the practice sessions where a horse went out of control and ran into several of the other drivers. With the crowded ring the drivers had nowhere to go to get out of the way. (IV)
23. There needs to be a reinforcement of the rules. Several incidents of riders wearing sneakers, etc. When told, several ignored the leaders and continued to ride.
24. Inform volunteers who are running exercise period of proper helmets (bike helmets, sneakers were being used) footwear. Also allow game horse ponies in exercise periods to perform maneuvers for game horses, such as practicing pole maneuvers, rollbacks and small circles - riders who tried to do this were no allowed to do so, hollered at by announcer. (IX)
25. Why were participants who only qualified in grooming and showmanship or halter classed permitted to ride in exercise periods - crowded enough without extra riders! (IX)
26. Parking at the complex, could the first six rows be reserved for cars only and have the trailers be parked in the back? (VIII)
27. No scooters in the building, please. (IX)
28. Educational exhibitors were not given ample tables to set up displays even though they had multiple entries in advance. (III)
29. Break the driving classes into miniatures, pony, horse and draft. The classes were being combined to speed up the show but left people concerned about the safety of placing all these classes into one. (IV)
30. Place a combined weight limit on the buggy and riders for the miniature classes. Concerned about the strain placed on the miniatures with the size of the driver and rider along with the buggy especially in a ring with a deep base. (IV)
31. Unruly horses were not dismissed from the ring soon enough, creating a safety issue for other riders. The show committee needs to act sooner to avoid these situations in the future. (X)
32. Ringmaster at the state show should not have a catalog in the ring, only a list of numbers. (VIII)
33. Announcer should be more diligent to keep those in the barns aware of how the show is progressing, thereby allowing them to prepare for their classes more efficiently. (IX)
34. State show office should try to be more sensitive to children’s emotions at the state horse show. A Monroe county participant was upset and left the ring before she could get her participants ribbon. The state horse show office was approached and offered no help for this child to obtain her ribbon the next day. (III)
35. Hats off to the show committee for the state show, we can all find fault at some point, but overall a job well done. (VIII)

9. Horsemanship Skills: Patty distributed a statistical summary of leaders from each county
district who have received certification. Donna reported on her recent Butler County horse camp which addressed the skills.

Westmoreland County has volunteered to print the Level 1 and 2 test sheets on 2-part NCR paper and make them available for purchase by other counties. Get numbers to Patty ASAP. Carolyn may look into printing 3-part forms, with the third copy going to leaders.

Level 3 & 4 training will be held at Penn State on June 27. Recommendations need to come to Pat for final review and approval by the committee. All committee members need to review the judges' list and get names of potential candidates to Pat. Pat developed a list of volunteers and agents from each district to help with the identification of prospective candidates. Pat needs names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for each candidate within the next two weeks or so.

Recordkeeping–Sally is still willing to maintain a database, if needed. When Level 3 & 4 examiners certify Level 1 & 2 examiners, they must have agent support and involvement. A summary sheet by county will be used at each clinic; this will come to a central location (probably Penn State) and will be filed by county; a copy of the summary sheet will be returned to the county. A procedure/check list will be developed for the agent coordinator of each clinic.

Committee–Patty will "grow" the committee that is working on Horsemanship Skills by referring to list of volunteers who signed up at the Advisory Committee meeting.

Budget–Will need to be approved by email vote; quorum no longer present. Patty is requesting $3500 to get the program through the end of this year; this includes reimbursement for her expenses, 2-part NCR form printing, packets for Level 3 & 4 trainees, masters of skill sheets for each county, etc. Brian moved to approve the requested budget. Linda seconded the motion; vote to be by email ASAP.

10. Shared Horse Program: Linda has 18 volunteers to call; hopefully will have an update by the November meeting.

11. AYHC National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium: Person to attend in 2003–Brian may be interested in attending; should we support his expenses? Consensus to be obtained by email.

12. Recreational, pleasure activities: No discussion

13. Other Items:

Judges' List–tabled until November.

14. Next meeting date–November 22, 10:00 a.m.

15. Adjourn: 3:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:
Carolyn L. Belczyk, Extension Agent, Erie County
Secretary



McClelland Saddle: not traditional; use of nontraditional equipment may be penalized by the judge.