Greetings Everyone,

I’d like to begin by congratulating everyone for the wonderful job our committees have been doing and the relationships we are forming. The communication between members is crucial to the continued success of VHC. I’m proud of all our volunteers and our services we provide to horse owners in the state of Vermont and beyond.

On June 25, Lynn Dow and I had the privilege of meeting Gene Glasscock. He is the Long Distance Rider that is traveling to each states capitol. Read more about Gene’s adventures in Lynn’s write-up.

You’ll notice our membership numbers keep going up. This is because we have dedicated members passing out brochures, selling liability signs, and attending great trail rides together. The more we’re out there talking about VHC, the more people are willing to give us a chance.

Recent new member, Cindy Cross-Greenia, has received the large animal rescue tape we have been expecting. All members are encouraged to view the tape and make copies for their local fire/rescue departments. Currently Lynn Dow has the tape. Karen Blow has also viewed the tape. Ask Karen and Lynn for their opinions. There is a sign-out sheet for all interested parties. Currently I’m holding the sign-out sheet.

In September we will be meeting at Melody Squire’s house in Tinmouth, Vermont. That’s in Rutland County. Rutland County is still missing a Director so this may give us the chance to meet someone interested in this position. We will be talking about the success of our annual trail ride, All Breed Fair 2004, Equine Affaire 2003, Procedures Manual, and the Welcome Packet 2004. Thank you, Melody, for offering to host this meeting.

Check Your E-mail!

Sincerely, Terry Rose, President

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2003 Equine Affaire

Lynn Dow and Jane Thompson have agreed to co-chair The VHC Equine Affaire booth. This years the fair will be November 6,7,8,9. Jane and Lynn are looking for volunteers to work the booth for 2 to 4 hour shifts. Any ideas for VHC promotion and fundraising at the fair are welcome as well. Please contact Jane at 802-425-2832 or by email...chestnutmarefarm@aol.com
Lynn at 802-728-9007 or vthorseland@yahoo.com

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Membership Report
Membership Committee Report
July 1, 2003
122 members, this compares to 118 on April 9, 2003

Respectfully Submitted,
Terry Rose
Beverly McMullin
Membership Committee

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GROUP DEVELOPMENT - “JOIN UP” FOR EQUINE WORK,
VOLUNTEER, AND COMPETITIVE TEAMS
By Lisa Derby Oden

“Good Horsemanship is Built on Solid Basics... So is Good Business!”
Did you know that groups go through stages of development, just as horses go through growth and training stages, and riders go through learning curves? Understanding the life cycle of a group can assist you as you attend or run meetings, work with your employees, or teach group lessons. The stages a group goes through are frequently referred to as: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.
FORMING takes place when a group first gets together. At this point excitement is high, and those involved are positively minded about what might be accomplished. Group members go through basic introductions and orientation with each other. Members may feel ambiguity and confusion as they get acquainted. As you interact and listen to what others are saying, you are sorting through who you may get along with the best. During this phase, what it means to be a group member becomes evident, and members work to move to similarities. Communication is superficial and polite. You just don’t feel like you know others well enough to disclose more. You stay away from conflict because you really want to be accepted into the group. The group is dependent on the leader for direction. If you have ever moved to a new barn, joined a new horse organization, or started work in a new place, you have experienced this. As you introduce yourself, you are absorbing the culture of the group. Within a short amount of time you know whom you will fit in the best with, and whether this is situation is a good fit for you. If there is no one calling the shots for barn policy, organization mission, or to provide workplace orientation, you will feel somewhat directionless. A good leader helps this first stage to go smoothly, minimizing the confusion of your new beginning.
The group then moves into the STORMING stage. STORMING is when the honeymoon is over. Think about when you first learned to trot without stirrups - your initial reaction was probably, “This is really hard and I don’t know if I can really do this.” Or think about a time when you volunteered to help run a horse show or other equine event. At first you are really excited to be involved, and then you move to thinking you must have been crazy to get involved because you really didn’t know all that there was to it. You can probably recall thinking “Oh, this is way more than I had intended.” Your leader, or coach, needs to be giving you direction and lots of encouragement at this point for the group to move into the third stage. The STORMING stage is characterized by power and influence issues. The decision-making process is established during this stage because of the uncertainty felt during FORMING, members attempt to create order and establish operating rules. Members may feel that the wrong approach is being taken, the group priorities aren’t the same as they had expected, or that they are better suited to take charge. This can result in attacks on the leadership. Some members may feel that it is harder than they thought to accomplish the group task. The group is counter-dependent on the leader.
Out of the “storm” and into NORMING, the group becomes cohesive. Conflict experienced during STORMING is resolved, and the group’s trust level rises. The competition and testing that took place have now moved to problem solving. Negotiation takes place amongst members so that functional relationships are formed. You have had enough time with the others to determine who is comfortable and/or most skilled at doing the tasks that have been identified. For example, one person takes on the advertising for a horse show because they have the contacts from doing their farm advertising. Another person takes on the ringmaster job because they are good with people. The group is now interdependent with the leader, and leadership is shared. You feel like you are getting somewhere now, and are glad to be a part of this horse farm staff, horse association committee, or riding stable show team.
Finally, the group reaches the PERFORMING stage. This is where the group will achieve its greatest levels of productivity. Group members are collaborative, gain insight from each other, and find growth within the group. Friendships are formed, creativity is expressed in the tasks accomplished, and it’s fun and exciting to be a part of this group. Commitment is high in this stage. The group is interdependent with the leader, who can now delegate. People outside this group can see the vitality and achievement of the group, which makes the group attractive to others to want to be part of. Success breeds success. People seek you out to work at your horse farm, take on a volunteer role in your horse organization, or to ride with to participate in your show team. Groups can move quickly or slowly through these stages. It all depends on how well the members know each other and if they know how to deal with the issues. There may be times when the group doesn’t complete all the stages if people refuse to deal with the issues and push for results while all is in chaos. You can probably think of groups you’ve belonged to that have clearly exhibited these different stages. If not, see if you can tell the next time you’re in a group. It may be tough at first, but with practice you’ll be able to pick the stages out as clearly as you can tell when your horses are healthy or not. Let others know about these group stages too - it may be just
the insight they need so that you all can achieve more together.
Lisa Derby Oden has been providing business development, marketing, and association consulting services to the horse industry since 1995. Oden is author of “Growing Your Horse Business” and “Bang for Your Buck: Making $ense of Marketing for Your Horse Business.” She is the 1999 AHC Van Ness Award recipient for outstanding service to the horse industry. She can be reached at:
Blue Ribbon Consulting, LDO, LLC
273 Poor Farm Road
New Ipswich, NH 03071
(603)878-1694
Lisa@horseconsulting.com
www.horseconsulting.com

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Vermont Horse Council
June 1, 2003 - Abridged Minutes

President Terry Rose called the meeting to order at 1:05 pm.
Treasurers Report
Secretaries Report

Annual Trail Ride Committee – Sharon McNeil (chair) There was discussion regarding where to hold the annual ride. Motion was made, seconded & passed to have Karen Blow and Tim Davis contact Dana Goodenough. (see trail ride article for current status)

Membership Committee Report: Terry presented an updated list of members (a copy of which is attached). Our membership now stands at 118.

Having a membership booth at upcoming events was discussed. Cher mentioned it might be a good idea to have a booth at 4-H events. The Morgan Horse Show will be at Tunbridge (July 4,5,6). Motion was made & passed to have Cherie contact someone from the Morgan Horse Association about VHC having a booth at the Morgan Heritage Day at Tunbridge

NEKET Committee Report: NEKET was not represented so Terry offered a brief overview of what was discussed. A formal agreement is close between/with the Agency of Natural Resources and VHC to appoint the organization “corridor managers” for the trails on Champion land. The annual club pass fee per year is to be set at $10.00. The Committee is currently working on ways to increase the privileges for larger donors.

NEKET is asking VHC to get an attorney to review the contract. Motion was made, seconded and passed, with a vote of 2 with 7 abstentions, that the contract between VHC and ANR be evaluated by an attorney before signing. (VHC/NEKET is currently waiting for the first draft for evaluation)

Newsletter Committee Report: The spring newsletter was mailed 5/3/03. The deadlines for submission and mailing were discussed. Virginia Lancaster edits the newsletter and Gina Lancaster handles the mailing. It is difficult for Gina to work on the newsletter between the 15th and the 20th of any month. It was decided that submissions would be received between the 1st through the 10th – December, March, June, and September - with the final mailing by the 12th of the month following – January, April, July, and October. This allows us to submit from the 1st through the 10th and Virginia will mail it out on the 12th (the deadline).
The format is good, and the group discussed the possibility of an e-mail newsletter.

Advertisements on the website were also discussed. It appears that there are service providers who are not VHC members gaining free access to the website. The group agreed that all advertisers should be members. A letter will be sent to these businesses asking them to “member-up” or have the ads removed.

Riding and Driving Committee Report: Brenda Lasell (Chair) was not in attendance but Terry reported that membership is up.

Safety Committee Report: Robin Severy (Chair) was not in attendance. No official report. Terry reported that a video, produced by U.S. Rider, had been received and it deals with large animal rescue. This video is now available for borrowing by the general membership. She will have a notice placed in the next Newsletter indicating so.

Scholarship Fund Report: Scholarships will be made available for the clinic at Tunbridge through the 4-H Program. (see scholarship article for current status)

Cliff Murray/Floyd Fuller Scholarship has been added to VSAC’s brochure of scholarships available to Vermont youth. The brochure will contain one application and VHC will be represented on that form. The requests will come to VHC through VSAC. Our Committee will still make the decision and award. The information will be returned to VSAC and then forwarded to the grantee.

Website Report: Gina Lancaster was not in attendance but provided a written report. Gina has made some adjustments to the web page’s organization after feedback from a user indicated some confusion in navigating the site. Gina currently charges us $30.00 a month to maintain the organization’s website. The group feels this is very reasonable. Lynn noted that Rama Schneider pays the organization’s URL fee ($65?) as his contribution to the group.

Old Business:

Insurance for NEKET and VHC – the State mandates coverage on the trails (just like for VAST trails) and the ANR wants a separate policy - $1M – to cover the NEKET trails. The current policy (different from the ANR required policy) is due for renewal in September with VHC and NEKET sharing the expense 50/50 ($700 policy). There was a general discussion of the history of insurance coverage, types (event versus general coverage), and need. Lynn will call Stuart Osha to get a price on an event-only policy and ask about the NEKET trail insurance as well.

Old Debt
When inquiring about a VHC booth at the Equine Affaire 2003, it was discovered that the 1998 booth was never paid for. There was some discussion on how to resolve this issue; ideas will be presented to the Equine Affaire account manager consideration.

New Business:
Booth at Equine Affaire: This will cost VHC $375 for the four days. VHC will receive 4 complimentary passes. Lynn asked if a short-term committee should be formed to organize this activity. VHC could sell the liability signs and memberships to offset the expense. Would anyone else agree to go and help? Lynn will investigate this opportunity further. (see article for current status)

Photographer: Terry wants to open a new position of photographer to capture events, etc. Cher suggested the title might be more appropriate as Historian. To be the photographer would mean that person must attend all events. An Historian could simply collect and compile photographs and memorabilia from each event - depending upon the participants to provide the materials – in a VHC scrapbook. Terry will try advertising again for an Historian.

Sharon McNeil announced that she will continue through this year as Treasurer but will step down at the annual meeting in 2004. She is willing to train (now) anyone who is interested in taking over in 2004.

Adjournment: 3:10pm.
(NOTE – these are abridged minutes, full minutes are available at meetings and through the secretary Cher Laston)

Next Meeting
September 30, 2003
7:00pm
Hosted by: Melody Squire
Tinmouth, Vermont
235-2718

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American Horse Council News

I am happy to report that the AHC is busy emailing me and sending me all sorts of interesting information. I hope everyone has had a chance to visit their website www.horsecouncil.org and the state horse council site www.statehorsecouncils.org , it’s interesting to read about other horse councils.

In one of my emails or mailings was an opportunity to buy coloring books (horse of course) as a fundraising tool. I received a copy of the this incredible BIG coloring book. It has pictures of all different breeds, a picture of a horse identifying and labeling parts, saddles and grooming items. There is a brief description of each breed and it’s also in Spanish. I am going to buy some to give to some of my younger friends and some of my older ones too!!! VHC has purchased 30 of these coloring books to sell.... You can see them at the next meeting... ( yet another good reason to attend). These will be available to buy where ever VHC has a booth this summer and hopefully at the Equine Affaire in November please contact one of the officers for more information.

Submitted, respectfully Susan Mitchell

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“2004 Everything Equine”
Expo & Horses

VHC is invited to participate in the first annual “Everything Equine” Expo & Horses, April 24-25, 2004.
Hosts: Champlain Valley Exposition in cooperation with the University of Vermont Extension and Karen Clark of The Horse Works.
Betsy Greene, Extension Equine Specialists of the University of Vermont Extension says, “This event combines the strengths of UVM Extension, Champlain Valley Exposition, Vermont Horse Businesses and equine industry experts to bring a unique, enjoyable and educational event to Vermont and the Champlain Valley”.
This is just some of the information sent to VHC regarding this. We could have a booth there if we wanted,
first come, first serve basis. Non-profit associations 8' table if we sign up on or before October 1 = $100; After October 1 = $100
If you think its something we are interested in, let me know and I will send in the application. If you need more information let me know and I’ll re-read the form to answer your questions.

Terry Rose

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VHC Scholarship Report
by Lynn Dow

This committee recently awarded $50.00 scholarships to two youth/4H recipients. Kelsey Connor and Hannah Gleason, both from Northfield, attended the 4H horse clinic held on the Tunbridge Fair grounds two weeks ago. The girls used their scholarship funds to pay for trucking their borrowed horses to the clinic. The committee was happy to provide VHC scholarship funds to help these dedicated young riders.

The Cliff Murray and Floyd Fuller Memorial Scholarship Fund is now listed with VSAC, The Vermont Student Assistance Corp. This scholarship will be promoted in the VSAC scholarship brochure produced annually. This will increase exposure for this fund which was designated for college students in the animal science field. The selection and award will still be handled by the scholarship committee, and all promotion will go through VSAC.

If anyone would like to make a donation to either of our scholarship funds you can send your tax deductible donation to the VHC treasurer Sharon McNeil.

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Vermont Equine Liability Statute Signs The Vermont Horse Council has a supply of signs available for sale. We will have them at the VT Equine Summit IV and at the UVM horse fair, both in March. If you would like to reserve one for your property please contact Lynn Dow.

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