Kevin Yutani, HSC Leader, Horse Specialty Club, c/o CVO Axles, 1706 N. Magnolia #304, Ocala, FL 34475

Phone: (352) 804-5194  -  Fax: (352) 351-9641  -  E-mail: 4H@cvaxles.com

HORSE SPECIALTY CLUB

I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Participation requirements for membership:

As a member of the Horse Specialty Club, if you attend 75% of the meetings, volunteer for three of our fund-raisers and/or shows (total of 12 hours), show in 60% of the horseshows, make a demonstration and complete a record book, you will be given the honor of representing the Horse Specialty Club at the Area and subsequent State and Regional shows (upon qualification).  If the above requirements are not met you may ride at the Area and subsequent shows independently of the Horse Specialty Club (without club funding). You must be a member of another 4-H club.

 

Meetings will be conducted the second Wednesday (unless otherwise specified) of each month September through May by President or Vice-President of the Club. Any changes in the club will be voted on by club members.  Meetings will be conducted according the HSC

parliamentarian procedures. If you do not comply with these rules you will not be heard at the meetings.  Meetings will be attended by the club committee members.

 

The emphasis at the meetings will on learning and youth development.  Parents will be allowed to participate on an invite only basis either by the club leader or the board.  New members may have their parents present for their first meeting.

   

Education

Leadership:  Decision making youth leadership board governed by the by-laws

Public Speaking:  Demonstrations before peers evaluated by peers and adult leadership.

Interpersonal skills:  Meetings, Social Events, Shows

Equine Disciplines:  Guest speakers and seminars aimed at equine disciplines

Sportsmanship:  Responsibility, Fairness, Encouragement, Courteousness

 

Shows

The shows will run according to the list of classes in the show bill.  This list will be posted at the show office. Its purpose is to ensure fairness and to create a smooth running show.

Riders need to check the posted orders of go and be prepared as there will be a 2 minute rule in effect. If a rider is late to the gate, the gate steward will give a 2-minute gate call. If the aforementioned rider does not make it there within those 2-minutes, their position in the class will be forfeit.  If there are conflicts, they need to be brought to the attention of the ring steward and gate steward to resolve BEFORE the class starts.

 

Classes that have an order of go are as follows:

Speed:  Keyhole, Barrels, Pole Bending, and Stake Race

Western:  Jr. & Sr. Western Showmanship, Jr. & Sr. Horsemanship, Western Riding, Reining

English:  Jr. & Sr. Showmanship, Jr. & Sr. Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat, Schooling Cross Rails, Hunter Cross Rails, Cross Rails Equitation, Schooling O/F, Pony Working Hunter O/F, Working Hunter O/F, Jr. & Sr. Hunt Seat Equitation O/F, Handy Hunter, & Hunter Hack.

Miscellaneous:  Bareback Equitation, Novice Rider Walk/Trot over Ground Poles, Jr. & Sr. Trail.

Dressage.classes when held need to remain open to prevent delays in show

 

Show Appearance:  The rider must be clean, well kept, appropriate for the equestrian discipline being ridden, and MUST meet 4-H safety standards (see 4-H rule book).

If the above does not describe a contestant’s appearance, then they will be penalized by the judge and may place lower than their best in a horse show.

If the rider’s equipment and safety gear does not meet the requirements in the 4-H Rule Book, then they will not be allowed to show, or ride on the premises of the show. HSC shows require riders to wear a helmet.

  

Show Volunteers:  An hourly schedule will be composed for volunteers at the show for running the concession, ring steward, gate steward, office assistant, judge’s assistant.  All riders not currently showing are required to help the jump crew. 

 

The Office Manager will be hired from outside of the club to prevent any conflict. They will be paid a set fee of $(#) to run the office, keep track of points, and organize contestant accounts.

 

Judges will be selected from a pool of judges designated by the members as suitable for the discipline.  The cost of hiring a judge will be capped at $500.00 all efforts will be made to negotiate a cost effective agreement for the Horse Specialty Club.  Every effort will be made to hire judges not involved with members of the Horse Specialty Club.  They shall be asked to take notes and list suggestions.  Judge’s notes/cards shall be posted on a public location for review by riders, and posted to the HSC website after the show.  A copy of 4-H rules will be given to the judge before the show.  Judges will be required to judge the courses which will be designed by the youth.

 

Rules governing the Leadership  - Officer Descriptions

President – Responsible and in charge of all functions related to Horse specialty.  In charge of all functions. the Horse Specialty Club. May delegate responsibilities as needed to subordinate board members and general members.

Vice President – To assume the role of President in the absence of the President.  Coordinate with other board and general members on matters of club functions.

English Show coordinator – Facilitate the function of the English portion of the shows. shows (i.e. Judges, Rings, Jumps, etc.) Files a report on how the show went in the English divisions (i.e. how many rider’s were there compared to last show, how many of them were members, what they saw that needed Jumps etc. improvement, what they think could be done to improve aforementioned problem, etc.). Works closely with the VP Vice President.

Western Show coordinator – Facilitate the function of the EnglishWestern portion of the shows. shows (i.e. Judges, Rings, Speed, Trail, etc.).  Files a report on how the show went in the western divisions (i.e. how many rider’s were there compared to last show, how many of them were members, what they saw that Trail etc. needed improvement, what they think that could be done to improve aforementioned problem, etc.). Works closely with the Vice President.

Secretary- Records minutes, works with President and Vice President on the minutes of each meeting. Works with President and Vice President to ensure all matters are shared with the club in a timely manner.  Third in charge in the event the Presient or Vice President being absent.   

Treasurer – Keeps club finances.  Budgets track of clubs finances. Keeps tally of the money earned and spent at club events.

Reporter/Historian –  Communicates with the 4-H office on matters related to Horse Specialty Club.  Communicates with all 4-H offices within 150 miles our show dates.  – (May be more than one) Documents clubs events with pictures, scrapbooks, written documentation, or other creative documentation

Spiritual officer – creates and leads 4-H members in a devotional at every meeting.

Parliamentarian – Keeps parliamentarian procedure at the meetings. The only 4-H member allowed to use the gavel.

WebMaster – In charge of keeping the website neat and up-to-date.

 

Officer Rules:  If an officer resigns their duty, there will be a nomination and vote for a new member at the earliest meeting.  If club is not happy with the way an officer is behaving or believes that they are not fulfilling their duty as an officer a member can bring it up to the President or Vice-president and there will be a vote to keep or resign that officer.   It is an Officer’s responsibility to be at almost every club function.

 

Conduct:  Each member is expected to conduct themselves in a manner which represents the Horse Specialty Club and 4-H.  At all times during events run by Horse Specialty Club members and parents will remember their conduct is a reflection of the Horse Specialty Club.

Probation if a member is placed on probation by the youth board they will specify a time (not to exceed (?) months) and if necessary extra volunteer hours (not to exceed (?) hours) a member may need to complete before membership is reinstated.

 

Expulsion in the unfortunate event a member is deemed not compatible with the Horse Specialty Club and is unanimously voted by the youth board with club leader approval the member will no longer be permitted to participate as a member in the Horse Specialty Club.  They may join other 4-H clubs and participate in Horse Specialty Events without club funding. If a member or member’s associates cannot comply with our Clubs Code of Conduct, they then will be open for penalties (6.e.).  Members will be responsible for their actions. Members will be polite and courteous, no matter race, creed, age, or otherwise. Any members making rude comments, jokes, behavior, etc. will face the youth board for penalties.

 

Enforcement:  Members are expected to comply with the rules.  Attempts will be made to inform members of rule violations.  It is the member’s responsibility to know the rules.

The youth leadership will enforce the rules spelled out within the by-laws.

In the event youth leadership has difficulty enforcing the rules or there are issues the president cannot handle the club leader will enforce the rules.

   

Penalties:  If a member or member’s parent or associate, displays unacceptable behavior for 4-H then they will first receive a warning that their behavior is unacceptable. If the behavior continues, the MEMBER will either receive probation or expulsion from the club, depending on the severity of the act and the decision of the youth board.  Members may be excused of a penalty if they present an apology of some sort to the youth board, which will then vote on whether or not to continue with the penalty for that member.

 

Probation - if a member is placed on probation by the youth board they will specify a time (not to exceed (#) months) and if necessary extra volunteer hours (not to exceed (#) hours) a member may need to complete before membership is reinstated.

 

Theft:  Any club member stealing property while involved in a Horse Specialty Club event will IMMEDIATELY be expelled from the club.

 

Dispute resolution:  In the event a dispute arises it is expected that members or parents conduct themselves in a manner exemplary to the Horse Specialty Club. The youth president and the club leader will resolve most disputes. When the dispute is resolved but one party is not happy with the decision. They may fill out a comment card with their complaint and an appropriate way to solve it. The comment card will then need to be place in the comment box, which will be present at every meeting and club event. At each meeting the officer’s will review each card and present it to the youth board.  In the event of an irresolvable dispute a dispute resolution panel will be formed of three uninvolved parties (one to include the 4-H agent) to review the dispute.  The decision will be final.  This must be presented in writing within 5 days to the club leader and the panel will be formed to resolve the dispute.

 

Exceptions to Rules:  If a member cannot meet the requirements of the rules due to personal health or that of their project horse, the club board must be notified with documentation.  If on the decision of the board the member is in good standing otherwise a ruling will be made to allow the member to continue. All decisions will apply equally and fairly to all members.

Members who fail to meet the requirements of the club may participate at the shows as specified above. 

 

These by-laws are the initial framework for the rules to govern the Horse Specialty Club.  They were formed in conjunction with the club leader and the elected youth board.  These rules will be adhered to at all times when Horse Specialty events (meetings, shows, seminars etc take place). etc) take place. 

 

Rule changes may be initiated with a motion by a ‘youth’ member and a ‘youth’ member may initiate a rule change or addition and then a majority vote by the youth to bring it before the board. board. The board will consider the proposal to insure fairness and that a change is in the best interest of Horse Specialty Club.  Opinion will be offered by the club leader and co-leaders will be able to offer opinions though decisions by the board will be final as long as they don’t jeopardize safety, and 4-H values.  The club leader can veto or revise changes if necessary to insure fairness and make sure 4-H interests are best served.  This is to be reserved for circumstances possibly beyond the vision of the youth board.  If the youth board disagrees with the decision the youth may inform the leader and a panel will be selected to decide the change in rules.  This panel will consist of a member from the 4-H office and two other uninvolved parties.  A presentation will be made by both sides.  The decision of the panel is final.    

 

Other Awards to be awarded at the year end:

Most Improved Rider & Horse –  An award that goes to the 4-H member or horse that have progressed the most. To earn this award a 4-H member needs to write a short essay or create a presentation to show how they or their horse improved with 4-H. The essay cannot be shorter than 125 words and no longer than 375 words.  These projects will be read or presented in front of the club. The club members will then vote on which one they liked the best.

Best Turned Out Horse – Separated into Junior and Senior this award will be handed out at the end of each show. It is for the member who turned out their horses by themselves (i.e. braided, banded, washed, tacked, etc. without outside help). Jr. members are allowed to have some parental help but have to do most of the work themselves.

Best Volunteer – This is given to the volunteer who volunteered the most combined hours from club functions. This is a year-end award.

Scholarship Award – Marion County Horse Specialty Club provides $1000.00 each year for scholarships to graduating seniors.  This money is to be divided among the recipients with a maximum of $500.00 per graduating senior, and is used for any advanced training at a college, university or approved trade or vocational school.  The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize and promote the involvement of the Horse Specialty Club member in the whole 4-H program.  Other scholarships, including the Florida Horseman of the Year, are available through the 4-H office.   

        Criteria:

        The Horse Specialty Club member should have been a member of 4-H for 5 years and an active member of our club for at least 3 years with completed record books.

 

        Application Process:

Each applicant must provide the following:

A scholarship application form.

An outline summary of participation and leadership in the Horse Specialty Club

A two page narrative on “What Participating in the 4-H Horse Specialty Program Has Meant to Me”.

 

        This information should be submitted to the Horse Specialty Club leader by March 1^st of the graduation year of the 4-H member.

 

Sportsmanship Award – To be awarded to the 4-H member, who demonstrates leadership, exemplifies the spirit of competition, sets an example for those who follow, participates in events and club functions, works to improve the Horse Specialty Club.

        This award will be determined by members, the board and the club leaders. 

        Each member will each nominate 5 members who they view as good candidates for the award.  The leader and co-leaders will determine the 5 members with the most nominations  The Club Board will review the 5 nominees.  If a nominee is a board member they must abstain from selection of themselves.  (cannot effect their position)  The Club Board will rank each nominee in the order (HIGHEST TO LOWEST).  The club leader and co-leaders will use the findings of the board in determining winner.

By-laws