Fall 2016 Newsletter The Western Dressage Association of Michigan President s Message - By Carol Baldwin Congratulations and thank you to our riders who represented Michigan at the 2016 WDAA World Show held in Guthrie, OK. Sue Morisse and Sabreena earned Reserve Grand Champion, Open, Level 3. Jennifer McClelland- Kiser and Dun Up Pretty earned Grand Champion, Adult Amateur, Basic Level. Julia McDonald riding two horses Tanner and Julz earned 5 th and 5 th placings in Junior Adult Amateur in Intro and Basic Levels. Cherish Dewitt riding Dark Dreams of Gold and Julz in Open Level 2 and 3 had the best experience with both horses. Way to go, Ladies!! The 2017 WDAMI Awards Banquet in being held in Alma, Michigan at the Pine River Country Club on Saturday, February 25, 2017, 1-4 PM. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations and checks made out to WDAMI can be sent to: Jill Robiadek, Treasurer, 1300 Richmond, Cheboygan, Michigan 49721. The deadline for reservations is February 3, 2017. The banquet will include speakers, silent auction items and door prizes. Please plan to come and join in the celebration! The deadline for entries for the 2016 awards is November 15, 2016. Please review the guidelines on our website: www.wdami.org All entries must be complete to be considered for awards. Please email any questions you may have to: infowdami@gmail.com and we will be happy to help. The agenda for the November Board meeting includes: Election of Officers for 2017, WDAMI 2017 Schooling Show plans, Review of WDAMI Award Guidelines to name a few things. Thank you so much for your support of WDAMI. Please remember to renew your dual membership (WDAMI and WDAA). You can do that at our website www.wdami.org. Upcoming Events WDAMI AWARDS Banquet Luncheon Saturday, February 25, 2017 1-4 PM Pine River Country Club 1400 Superior St., Alma, MI Cost is $25 per person. Send check and reservation/s to: Jill Robiadek, Treasurer, 1300 Richmond, Cheboygan, MI 49721 Reservation Deadline is February 3, 2017 NOVI HORSE EXPO December 2-4 Suburban Collection Showplace Novi, Michigan Michigan Horse Expo Michigan State University March 10 th 12 th, 2017. Page 1 of 7
Jennifer McClelland-Kiser and Dun Up Pretty (aka Paris The decision for me to take Dun Up Pretty (Paris) back to the world show this year was a last-minute decision. She was a tough horse for me this year, and we had a very inconsistent season. I just couldn't get her comfortable, and when she isn't comfortable, she is very unpredictable. We did so well last year that I was afraid of being disappointed. When a decision was made to sell Paris back to her original owner, my husband encouraged me to take her to the World Show one more time. On nearly the last day to enter, I went online and finally took the chance. I had been showing Basic all year, as Paris' issues were not allowing us to move up into First Level. That being said, I didn't want to JUST sign up for Basic Level, so I also entered First Level despite never competing in the level before. I hauled Paris to Oklahoma on my own this year, and was lucky enough to get stalled by a few Michigan people, but also some amazing Wisconsin people. As is usual with WDAA events, everyone was incredibly friendly. Paris was a challenge this year, and nearly dumped me on our first ride in Guthrie. We had MANY more rides and eventually she settled down some, in large part due to my Wisconsin neighbor, a skilled massage therapist working on Paris for me, even in the warm up pen, and refusing any compensation!!! Our very first test of the show, Basic 1, was by far our best test. I had my sweet mare back, and she came through for me winning the Basic 1 Amateur with a 77+%. The scores were much lower this year, and I was THRILLED with that one. The rest of my Basic tests were good, pulling a 5th and 3rd in exceptionally large classes. My first level tests went pretty well too, pulling a 9th, 3rd, 6th, and 7th overall...only riding the test 1 in First Level before Oklahoma! The highlight of the show for me was of course taking home the Grand Champion Buckle this year for the Basic Amateur division, as well as High Score Quarter Horse and High Score Amateur for the entire show. I've already started on a new project, and hope to work through the levels with her just like I did with Dun Up Pretty. Page 2 of 7
Sue Morisse and Sabreena Sue at the WDAA World Show is Guthrie, OK The WDAA World Show was an amazing and incredible learning experience, and to think it started two years ago with a tiny thought, Wouldn t it be neat to compete at the WDAA World Show with Sabreena to being the World Champion Third Level test 2, Reserve Champion test 1 and Reserve Champion Third Level overall. What amazed me the most was the amount of people it took to achieve this goal, along with the commitment, dedication and time. I could not have done this without my team. Thank you so much to all of you! Page 3 of 7
Western Dressage Association of Michigan Board Minutes for July 2016 Opening: The regular meeting of the Western Dressage Association of Michigan (WDAMI) was called to order at 7:02 pm by Carol Baldwin. Present: Board members Carol Baldwin, Sue Hughes, Jill Robiadek, Dorothy Mueller, Diane Kaser, Suzanne Morisse, Jessica Shier, and Rachel Belcher. Approval of Minutes of June 2, 2016 Dorothy made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Diane seconded the motion. There was no discussion. All members voted yes to accept. Motion passes. Ending cash 9/30/16 $7233.58 Treasurer s Report Sue made a motion to accept the treasurer s report as presented. Dorothy seconded the motion. All members vote yes to accept. Motion passes. At the end of June, the CNB account balance was $7,172.55 and the PayPal account balance was $180.32. The net income for the end of June was $2,207.88. Old Business: Membership Update We have 53 current and paid members. 31 memberships have expired. WDAMI schooling show Gail sent an end of show write up to each board member to review. Award Language and Rider Report Form tabled until next meeting. Medal Tests tabled until next meeting. Website/Newsletter/Facebook - the newsletter is in process and will be emailed out shortly. Diane continues to add content to facebook and is getting good feedback. Sales Force Program the licensing is free for the program, but we do need to apply. We need to provide executive approval (Carol), our tax ID number, and a copy of our 501 3c letter in PDF format. Jec Ballou Clinic Our profit from the clinic was $2,006.25. New Business : 2017 Awards Banquet tabled until next meeting. 2017 Schooling Shows tabled until next meeting. Board Elections in Fall tabled until next meeting. WDAMI Summary of September Treasurer Report Submitted by Treasurer Jill Robiadek Beginning cash 7/1/16 $7352.87 (July thru September) Total Income 75.00 Less Expenses 121.03 Net Income -46.03 Legal Questions Conversation Julie Fershtman met with the board to discuss legal matters for associations hosting shows, clinics, and other equine events. She recommended that we carry liability insurance (which we do), have a release waiver for all competitors to sign. She also recommended that we have anyone on the property sign a release waiver. They need to be properly worded. She recommended having an equine law attorney check over any documents to see if they are properly worded and thorough. She did say that Michigan Page 4 of 7
Adjournment: is good about enforcing the release waivers. She said that simply posting the liability signs cannot stop a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for an adult injury in the state of MI is 3 years from the date of the incident. For kids, it is until they turn 18, plus one year. Julie will send an article she wrote to all the board members and we will discuss further at the next meeting. Dorothy made a motion that we adjourn. Diane seconded the motion. All members vote yes to accept. Motion passes. The next meeting will be on July 21st, 2016 at 7:00 pm. The July 21st meeting did not have a quorum, so was rescheduled for August 4, 2016 at 7:00 pm. Submitted by Rachel Belcher Western Dressage Association of Michigan Board Minutes for August 2016 Opening: The regular meeting of the Western Dressage Association of Michigan (WDAMI) was called to order at 7:04 pm by Carol Baldwin. Present: Board members Carol Baldwin, Sue Hughes, Jill Robiadek, Dorothy Mueller, Diane Kaser, Jessica Shier, Rachel Belcher, and guest Gail Anderson. Listen in on a Board Meeting If you would like to sit in on a WDAMI monthly board meeting, please contact us at: infowdami@gmail.com for more information Approval of Minutes of July 7, 2016 Diane made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Dorothy seconded the motion. There was no discussion. All members voted yes to accept. Motion passes. Treasurer s Report Sue made a motion to accept the treasurer s report as presented. Dorothy seconded the motion. All members vote yes to accept. Motion passes. At the end of June, the CNB and PayPal account balance was $7,307.87. The net income for the end of July was -$20.00. Old Business: Julie F. Carol sent Julie a thank you letter and a copy of our current Release of Liability for her review. Carol will let us know when she hears back from her. Membership Update We have 53 current and paid members. 31 memberships have expired. Award Language and Rider Report Form we discussed clarification of tests that are being sent in for year-end awards. There should be 1 set of 5 scores sent in for each level/division. No cross-over for amateur and novice and junior/young rider and novice. If you wish to go for awards for both, separate scores will need to be sent in for each division. For 2017, all members will have to declare their division(s) for year-end awards when they renew their membership for 2017. More discussion at the September meeting. Medal Tests there are 3 medal tests written to date. Year-end awards will be for the highest % at each level for the medal tests. We plan to roll the tests out for 2017. Page 5 of 7
Website/Newsletter/Facebook - the newsletter for July is out. Sales Force Program board members get in touch with Jessica to go over the program, either before Aug 24 th or after Sept 7 th. New Business : Adjournment: 2017 Awards Banquet Diane will get info for different venue options. The banquet will be held on February 25 th with a buffet luncheon. 2017 Schooling Shows We plan to have a circuit for 2017, with shows at different venues across the state. Board members will check on different venue options in their area and report back at the September meeting. Board Elections in Fall will take place in October. WDAA Affiliate Committee Carol was on the phone meeting on July 20 th. Each affiliate discussed the different benefits that they offer their members. The disconnect between the national and state dues was also discussed. More judges need to be available in order to have recognized shows. All affiliates were asked to donate a basket for the silent auction at the convention, which will be September 287 th and 29 th. Diane made a motion that we adjourn. Dorothy seconded the motion. All members vote yes to accept. Motion passes. The next meeting will be on September 8th, 2016 at 7:00 pm. Submitted by Rachel Belcher Western Dressage Association of Michigan Board Minutes for September 2016 Opening: The regular meeting of the Western Dressage Association of Michigan (WDAMI) was called to order at 7:29 pm by Carol Baldwin. Present: Board members Carol Baldwin, Sue Hughes, Jill Robiadek, Dorothy Mueller, Diane Kaser, Jessica Shier, Rachel Belcher, and guest Gail Anderson. Approval of Minutes of August 4th, 2016 Dorothy made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Sue seconded the motion. There was no discussion. All members voted yes to accept. Motion passes. Treasurer s Report Diane made a motion to accept the treasurer s report as presented. Jessica seconded the motion. All members vote yes to accept. Motion passes. At the end of July, the CNB and PayPal account balance was $7,183.58. The net income for the end of July was -$76.03. Old Business: Membership Update We have 53 current and paid members. 32 memberships have expired. Awards Banquet the banquet will be held at the Pine River Country Club in Alma on February 25 th, 2017. The room is reserved and the $100 deposit sent in. he room fee includes extra tables and a microphone. Petticoat Page 6 of 7
Junction will be catering the luncheon. Rachel will do the programs. All board members will collect the silent auction items and door prizes. Gail will help Carol calculate the scores. Medal Tests there are 3 medal tests written to date. Year-end awards will be for the highest % at each level for the medal tests and will require a minimum of 3 shows under 3 different judges. Declaring Divisions we will add language to the award program guidelines and the membership form for all members to declare their division at membership renewal for 2017. 2017 Schooling Shows still checking on venues. Have more definite info for the October meeting. MHC meeting next meeting is scheduled for September 13 th. WDAA Affiliate Committee Meeting topics discussed were multi-state memberships, the impact of WDAA programs on the affiliates, and what do the affiliates want from the WDAA. Board Elections will be held in October. New Business: Adjournment: 2017 Clinics Sue with check with Frances Carbonnel about doing a clinic in 2017. Jill will check with Lisa Hyslop. Sue recommended doing new test clinics around the state. Will discuss further at the next meeting. Gail mentioned a freestyle clinic being held at Pepper Ridge Farm in Holly on October 22-24. Cost to audit is $20 per day. Sue made a motion that we adjourn. Dorothy seconded the motion. All members vote yes to accept. Motion passes. The next meeting will be on October 6th, 2016 at 7:00 pm. Submitted by Rachel Belcher Western Dressage Association of Michigan Board of Directors Carol Baldwin, President (231) 290-0061 carolannbaldwin@gmail.com Sue Hughes, Vice President (734) 604-2439 prideandjoyfarm@yahoo.com Rachel Belcher, Secretary (231) 303-0551 horsemanship@yahoo.com Jill Robiadek, Treasurer (231) 420-2654 jrrob1@gmail.com Diane Kaser, Newsletter (231) 882-9571 dhorse46@gmail.com Jessica Shier, Webmistress (248) 534-8724 jlshier23@gmail.com Violet O Dell, Trustee (586) 935-7955 violetrdh@gmail.com Dorothy Mueller, Trustee (313) 215-1944 ironwoodfarmdressage@yahoo.com Suzanne Morisse, Trustee (906) 632-6070 eaglehorse1@hotmail.com Page 7 of 7