NATIONAL P.H.A. DIRECTOR'S MEETING
MONDAY DECEMBER 14TH, 2009

The director’s meeting of the National PHA held at the Fairway’s Restaurant in Greenwich, CT was called to order at 11:10 AM by President Mary Jane Mitchell.  There were 20 directors present representing 6 chapters.  The minutes from the September 14, 2009 meeting were read and accepted.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Fred Schauder read the financial report for the September 15–December 17 period which was accepted as read.  A copy of this report is on file with the recording secretary.

CORRESPONDENCE - Lynn Peters read a note from Ray Francis thanking the PHA for the gift the PHA gave him to recognize his service as President.  Again, thank you, Ray.

AID TO MEMBERS-Kathy Pinera had not heard of any members in need at this time.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS – Allen Magnotta had received a request for help from the Lucky Orphans.

Horse Rescue which is a non-profit organization that takes in abused and unwanted horses and gives them a home for life. The PHA will send a donation of $500.00.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE – There was no report.

VETERINARY COMMITTEE – There was no report.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE – There was no report.

PHA MEDAL CLASS – A long discussion took place on the state of the PHA Medal class and finals. Included in the discussion was location, making the class more attractive to the mainstream competitors, visibility of the PHA in general.  The idea of making a National PHA Finals to include invitees from other zones to compete at the 3’6”, 3’ equitation as well as a Pony Medal and Adult Medal was also discussed ,as  was to test or not to test, where the test should be in the class and the number of entries needed in order to fill the class and possibly getting a blog going with a ‘national spokesperson’.  A committee was appointed by Mary Jane Mitchell to investigate and recommend possibilities in going forward.  Committee members are Karin Immerman, Naomi Gauruder, Kathy Pinera, Walter Distler, Scott Tartar, Lynn Peters and Fred Schauder.

JR PHA – Mary Jane Mitchell appointed Christina Schauder as the head of this committee.  Good luck Christina – we look forward to great things.

FINANCE COMMITTEE – It was decided that all Past Presidents will serve on this committee – this will be added to the By-Laws.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE – Mary Jane Mitchell has appointed a committee consisting of Lynn Peters, Karin Immerman, Judy Richter and Naomi Gauruder.  Judy Richter will be preparing an article for publication in the Chronicle and the committee will develop pieces to be disseminated to horse show managers to increase awareness of the PHA and what it’s all about.

HAWKINS COMMITTEE – Thanks to Walter Distler for his continued work with this award.

AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL –Judy Armstrong will now be the representative.  She will check their website to update us all on exactly what the council is doing as they are primarily a group of equine lobbyists.  It was decided that if their dues are excessive the PHA will not be renewing its membership.

NYS HORSE COUNCIL - Naomi Blumenthal reported that the council has cancelled all programs related to horse shows and that they are basically a trail riding association as of now.

USHJA – Naomi Gauruder is the liason to the USHJA for the PHA.  A committee was appointed by Mary Jane Mitchell to stay informed as to what the USHJA is doing and how it may impact the PHA and our business in general.  Committee members are Karin Immerman, Ray Francis, Naomi Blumenthal and Naomi Gauruder.  A long discussion took place reports from the recent convention were given by Karin Immerman, Kathy Pinera and Naomi Gauruder.  Highlights of those discussions included the counter proposal to the current horse show proposal, holding Medal Finals in Kentucky, not holding regionals, format of the Medal Finals class, rating and requirements of all Hunter/Jumper horse shows with standards and measures for each level with expectations for adherence to those standards with the ability to impose penalties if they are not; 3’adult and children divisions being recognized for national awards.  It was determined that the PHA needs to become more of a presence – this is being diligently worked on.

OLD BUSINESS - Karin Immerman is still looking into the possibility of health insurance availability for PHA members.

NEW BUSINESS – Mary Jane Mitchell reviewed all committees and members.  A listing is included as an attachment to these minutes.  Revisions to the By-Laws began and are included as an attachment to these minutes. If anyone has any other changes that they feel should be discussed please advise either Mary Jane Mitchell or Lynn Peters.   Discussions and further revisions will be concluded at the next meeting.

 A discussion on ways and means to promote and ‘spread the word’ on the PHA brought out some great new ideas including: having telephone conversations with other chapter representatives to the board of directors and ways of getting them to attend meetings; re-instituting rotating meeting locations; at horse shows setting up a tent or booth with PHA representatives and hand out information;  the possibility of sponsoring a jumper class and the possibility of setting up an Intercollegiate Committee to help spread the word.  Peter Cashman will bring PHA handouts with him to the IHSA Winter Meetings in January 2010.

 There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:20.

 Respectfully submitted,
 Lynn Peters
Corresponding Secretary