The Sunday 31 January 1982, AERC Board of Directors meeting .was called
to order at 8:10 AM by president Hugh Bryson. Twenty~one directors (members)
were present.
The minutes of the last Board meeting, 28 January had been presented.
Past president Bill Bentham moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded that
they be approved as submitted with minor additions if needed. Motion passed.
Past president Bill Bentham asked if he could be the questioner in the
discussion and hearing concerning Linda Creighton-Benson. Both Bill Bentham and
Linda Creighton-Benson swore on The Bible to answer all questions
truthfully~ to the best of their ability. Questions were put to Linda by Dr.
Bentham and members of the AERC Board especially in regard to incidents at the
Turkey Trot Ride in November 1981. A statement was made that the person who had
nominated Linda for an AERC West Regional Directorship would not have done so
if the above incident had happened earlier. Phll Gardner moved and Maggie Price
seconded a motion that Linda Creighton-Benson be removed from the Board of
Directors for cause, the cause being convicted of drug use by the State of
California. A proposed amendment to the motion was made by Joe Long and
seconded by Bill Bentham that a secret ballot be taken. Motion was defeated.
The voting to remove Linda Creighton-Benson was 14 aye, 7 nay and no
abstentions. It was pointed out that this was a 2/3rds majority.
Barbara McCrary moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded a motion to
fill the vacancy (West Regional Director) on the board by taking the candidate
with the next highest total vote from the November ballot. This is Carol Ranta.
Motion passed unanimously. At this time, Carol Ranta and Jim Johnson who was
not present on Friday morning were sworn in and seated as members of the 1982
AERC Board of Directors.
Phil Gardner moved and Joe Long seconded a motion that it be the policy
of AERC board to establish a permanent national office. It was pointed out that
the exact same motion was passed in 1981. The motion was amemded by Phll
Gardener and seconded by Walt Koerner that the national office be located in
the Auburn, California area. Discussion followed. The motion passed with 12
ayes and 6 nayes.
James Barnett moved and Barbara McCrary seconded that we set aside the
previous motion establishing a national office in the Auburn, Calif. area.
Motion passed with 12 ayes and 10 nayes. Some members of the Board wished to
hear Tom van Gelder a candidate for the Executive Director's position speak.
Tom would establish the National office in his home and office in Greybull,
Wyoming. Tom made a short presentation to the AERC Board.
Bill Bentham moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded a motion that
this matter go back to the Office Procedure Committee and that information on
candidates be then sent out to the board for vote in the future. A two week
deadline was proposed. After discussion this motion was withdrawn.
Walt Koerner moved and Joe Long Seconded that we establish the national
office of AERC in the Auburn, California area. Motion passed with 12 ayes, 2
nayes and 10 abstentions. Joe Long moved and Walt Koerner seconded a motion
that the AERC rent the office space that the Office Procedure Committee had
found in Auburn at $109.00 per month. Motion passed 17 ayes, 0 nayes and 6
abstentions. Joe Long moved and Terri Perkins seconded a motion that the Office
Procedure Committee go back and re-interview the candidates and provisional
candidates as soon as possible. The recommended candidate Ann Starrs finds that
she is unable to start work as previously indicated in mid-February. Motion
passed 12 ayes, 0 nayes and 5 abstentions.
Board members pointed out that at this time the procedure would be for
the board to vote on any proposed candidate before hiring could take palace.
The need to have a Executive Director as soon as possible was~ discussed.
Walt Koerner moved and Bill Bentham seconded a motion to give Hugh
Bryson as AERC president and chairman of the Office Procedure committee, and
the committee the authority to make the final decision on a candidate and hire
same for the Executive Director. Motion passed with 15 ayes, 2nayes and no
abstentions. A board member asked if there was a job description of the
Executive Director's position. There was one sent to the AERC Board Members in
February 1981.
Bill Banthem moved and Sherrode Powers seconded a motion that the Board
accept the Veterinarians Handbook draft as presented to the board on Thursday
evening by the committee chairman Matthew Mackay-Smith with those revisions
collected at the convention and that these be reviewed and inserted and the
handbook ready for publication by the end of February 1982. Discussion
followed, some board members had not received a copy or had time to read same,
need for the handbook was pointed out. Motion passed with 17 ayes, 2 nayes and
I abstention.
Jim Johnson moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded a motion to
accept the AERC Drug proposal as stated (written copy of statement given to
each director). Motion passed with 22 ayes, 1 naye. A list of the drugs on the
California prohibited list is to be attached to the statement, and mailed to
the directors.
Executive Director Jim
Remillard asked that John Creighton, Chairman of this years Trade Show be
allowed to give a report to the board. John sent out notices to about 600
possible exhibitors we had 20 accept. Most will come back next year. Mr.
Creighton, who organizes Trade Shows as a profession, stated that contacts need
to be made now for the 1983 convention. Mr. Creighton gets 25% of the money
from the booth rental. Bill Benthan moved and Joanna Hanson seconded that we
retain Mr. Creighton to perform the same services next year. Motion carried.
AERC made $1000
A discussion followed on getting information from this meeting and other
pertinent topics out to members. At present, AERC publishes 7 issues of the
newsletter and the AERC Yearbook which is in effect the Jan-Feb. newsletter.
Bill Benthan moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded a motion that we use
the same schedule of printing the newsletter in 1982 as we did in 1981 until
such time as AERC has a functioning computer system. At that time, publication
dates could be reviewed. Motion passed unan.
Rick Bingham, was introduced and he gave a short presentation about his
proposed North American International Endurance Ride that will cover 3400 miles
and take four months in the summer of 1986. There will not be a Best Condition
award but Rick would like to see AERC take an interest in long distance rides
particularily /those /with historical significance. Suggests that AERC form a
committee to discuss and report back on this type of Special Event.Walt Koerner
moved and Marge Hentges seconded a motion that we set up a Special Event
Committee to be chaired by Phll Gardener to look into this activity. Motion
carried.
Walt Koerner moved and Joe Long seconded a motion that the National
Office Procedure Committee deal with the selection of a computerized record
keeping system. Motion carried.
Four consecutive 50 mile rides have been sanctioned in the West region.
An AERC member expressed some concern about this Capitol to Capitol Ride. The
Ride Manager Tom Bowling presented a brochure to many directors on Thursday
night and spoke briefly at this time. Walt Koerner moved and Lew Hollander
seconded a motion to give this ride sanctioning as submitted. Discussion
followed including the fact the ride was already sanctioned. Vote taken with 10
ayes, 7 nayes and 5 abstentions ride is sanctioned by AERC Board. Concern was
expressed that at present AERC rules limit rides to 150 total miles and this
ride is a total of 200 miles and might open the way for other consecutive long
distance rides. Joe Long moved and John Barnett seconded a motion that the
sense of this Board and the policy of the AERC not to sanction consecutive
rides of more than
AERC Board
Minutes Page
3
3 days and a total of 150 miles. That the Board can at its discretion
grant waivers to this policy upon request. (What was just done for Capitol to
Capitol Ride which is trying to preserve a Historical Trail) Motion passes
unanimous.
Joe Long than presented the Ride Sanctioning Form for approval as
revised. Walt Koerner moved and Terry Perkins seconded a motion to accept the
Ride Sanctioning Form as presented with the revisions. Discussion followed.
Board members are concerned and wish consideration of the following:
Drug Use Statement added to all
Rider Application Forms
Rides with horse fatilities be
reviwed automatically, ride procedure evaluated
standard Rider Application Form
be required by
AERC 8oard
Rides must be physically measured
Part of the proposal to set up a review of rides applying for sanction
by the Ride Sanctioning Committee was discussed. Felt there was too much time
involved and that is what the Regional Directors are now doing. A Ride Critique
Form has been suggested for use at all rides. A copy of this will be sent along
with Ride Result Forms etc. and with the hope that Ride Management uses same.
The motion on the floor was withdrawn. Walt Koerner moved and Joe Long seconded
a motion that the Ride Sanctioning form complete with revisions and suggestions
now added (copy submitted to show theee changes) be approved. Motion passed
unanimously. James Barnett moved and Teresa Ferguson seconded a motion that all
miles be measured physically on rides sanctioned by AERC. New ride sanctioning
form does ask how mileage is measured. Would be impossible to monitor. Motion
defeated 2 ayes and 18 nayes. Bill Bentham moved that an ideal Rider
Application or Entry form be drawn up. Joe Long chairman of the committee asked
that samples be sent to him and he will work out one to send out to Ride
Managers as a sample. Information to Ride Managers will also include the AERC
Drug Statement to include on entry form. Report on ride is also to include
report on any horse fatalities.
A motion was made by Bill Bentham and seconded by Suzy
Alexander-Remillard that the West Regional Directors contact the Ride Managers
of the Dru Barner ride and offer help in the management of that ride. This ride
has had horse fatalities in the last two years. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion of the Best Condition Form tabled on Thursday evening began.
Bill Bentham moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded a motion to
accept the B.C. Form as it was printed in 1981. Someplace in the submittal of
material it was not stated that the directions for figuring B.C. in 1981 should
have read under Time to subtract 2 points per minute. Those on B.C. committee
in 1980 had only said Vet score 300 points, Time 200 points and weight 100
points. Motion tied 10 ayes and 10 nayes, president Bryson broke the tie and
motion defeated. Joe Long moved and Terry Perkins seconded a motion to change
the weight factor to read subtract ˝ point per pound. 15 ayes 5 nayes, motion
passed.
Committee Assignments for 1982 were than made and discussed. 8ill
Bentham moved and Barbara McCrary seconded a motion to appoint Lynda Walker as
the Convention Chairman for the 1982 convention to be held in Sparks, Nevada at
the Nugget the last weekend of January 1983. Motion passed unanimous. Joe Long
Moved and Joanne Hanson seconded a motion that we set up a special committee to
investigate the practicality of having the convention at alternate locations,
possibly on a rotating basis. Factors to be considered participation, at
present we get use of all the convention space for free only pay for
food-dinners. Motion passed and James Barnett will be chairman.
Discussion of the Questionnaire followed, has now gone three years in a
rom. First year good response, 2nd year fair this past year good. Bill Bentham
moved and Joe Long seconded a proposal that the questionaire be every other
year. Motion passed unanimously.
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Minutes page
4
Election Committee will be chaired by Louise Reidel. Suggestion that if
possible to change by-laws both regional directors would not be elected
at same time same year,
Veterinary Committee will be chaired by Sherrode Powers, DVM.
Hall of Fame Committee will be chaired by vice president John Di Pierre.
Suggested that a permanent committee of Low Hollander, Louise Reidel, Jim
Remillard and Julie Suhr set up criteria to make selections instead of coming
thru Regional Directors. Not necessary to have just one horse or one person as
candidate, Committee has already been charged to have information about a
selection process back to the AERC board by 1 May 1982.
National Office Review Committee to be chaired by Phil Gardner who lives
in Auburn. A1 Beaupre will be consultant on the computer selection part
of the
committee's work as he has had extensive experience with same.
A By-Laws Review and revision Committee to be chaired by Law Hollander.
Bill Bentham moved and Arlene Morris seconded a motion that the AERC board
be authorized
to seek legal aid to facilitate changing of the by-laws. Motion passed.
Regional Directors - Administrative These directors are responsible for
receiving request for new rides, ride date changes and to forward those
sanctioning requests to the AERC office with 60 days lead-time. They also
receive a copy of the Ride Results from each ride in their region from the
national office they look them over for accuracy, and type up for permanent
record one copy. Northeast Region - Maggie Price Southeast Region - Theresa
Ferguson Central Region - Joanna Hanson Midwest Region Louise Reidel West
Region - Barbara McCrary Southwest Region - Marge Hentges Mountain Region -
John Di Pierre Northwest Region -Walt Koerner
Walt Koerner moved and Lew Hollander seconded a motion to change the
boundary of the Northwest region to include that area of Montana west of the
continental divide. Riders in that area usually travel west and south and ride
mostly in the northwest. Five members of that area have submitted a petition to
change. Motion passed 16 ayes, 2 nayes.
Walt Koerner moved and Bill Bentham seconded a motion to approve for
sanctioning, the ride schedule as submitted by Walt Koerner of the northwest
region. Sanctioning Forms are included in the list and many rides are already
approved by AERC and on the Ride Schedule. Rides have been checked by the
director of the region - Northwest. Motion passed 18 ayes, 0 nayes and 1
abstention.
Discussion followed on the River Bend Ride which did not get AERC
Sanctioning due to a number of over-sights. Bill Bentham moved and Joe Long
seconded a motion to table this issue until after the 1979 Tevis issue is voted
upon. Motion to table 17 ayes, I naye. Motion Tabled.
Bill Bentham moved and Suzy Alexander-Remillard seconded a motion to
reopen
the awarding of sanctioning, after the ride, to the 1979 Tevis.
Discussion followed majority of board want the issue settled and closed
forever. Motion to reopen failed on a 6 aye, 11 naye vote.
A1 Beaupre then moved and Law Hollanded seconded a motion to give career
mileage to those riders who completed the River Bend ride in Washington in
1981. Provided sanctioning fees are paid by the ride. Motion failed 7 ayes, 11
nayes, I abstention.
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5
Junior riders had requested changing the one minute sponsor time. An
explanation of the one minute rule was given by Jim Remillard. The one minute
rule applies for all Junior's who ride with a sponsor they must finish, as
shown on the Ride Results within one minute of the sponsor's time. Otherwise
they are not given credit as a Junior. At present, time can be one minute
either way so actually have three minutes can be a minute earlier, at same time
or as much as one minute behind sponsor.. Bill Bentham moved and Maggie Price
seconded a motion that the AERC continue to use the one minute rule to
determine Junior eligibility and sponsorship. Motion passed 18 ayes and 1 nay.
Teresa Ferguson moved and James Barnett seconded a motion to let Juniors
who have completed 250 miles of sanctioned rides and who are 14 years of
age and older to ride unsponsored. Discussion brought out the fact that we
would in essence be making another Junior class have two divisions the
sponsored Juniors and the un-sponsored Juniors. Need separate records etc.
Motion defeated with 2 ayes and 16 nayes.
Bill Bentham moved and Joe Lonq seconded a motion to raise the
sanctioning fees from $1.50 per starter to $2.00 per starter. Discussion
followed on when and how this should go into effect. Decision seemed to be that
this should not start until 1 December 1982 the start of the next full ride
season. The motion was amended to include the 1 Dec. 1982 date. Motion passed
unanimously.
Meeting of the 1982 AERC Board of Directors was adjourned by the
president Hugh Bryson at 2:22 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Arlene C. Morris
AERC Secretary
I forgot to include the discussion about this year’s veterinarian
convention that was held after we designated Sherrode Powers as head of the
Veterinary committee. It was pointed out that the veterinarians attending
received college credit for the workshop. AERC members asked to be allowed to
participate in more of the veterinarian discussions next year. Suggestions to
hold night meetings so less conflict of convention activities. Suggested that
there be a vet panel to discuss certain set of issues that is open to all AERC
convention attendendees. Dr. Gillepsie will chair the veterinarian section of
the convention in 1982.