ST JOHNS COUNTY HORSE COUNCIL MEMEBERSHIP MEETING JUNE 22, 2019
Board Members in Attendance
Donna Colee President
Ali Smith immediate Past President
Terri Perreault Treasurer
Van Baker Board
Lance Baker Board
Board Members Not in Attendance
Bridget Cerasale Vice President
Tira Clyce Secretary
Judy Simms Board/Trails
Beverly Foster Board
Members in Attendance – 32
CALL TO ORDER 10:15 AM
No Secretary Report
Treasurer Total in General Fund: $14,887.10
Total in Jeanne Romaine Fund $18,000
Donna Colee welcomed all attending members and new members and introduced the Board. She gave a brief history of the Horse Council and explained the role of the HC in representing equestrian interests in our area and in managing the SJC Equestrian Center in partnership with the SJC Board of County Commissioners and SJC Parks and Recreation.
Terri Perreault spoke on the importance of keeping a working balance in the General Fund for projects and improvements to the EC and programs to educate the community to benefit the members and their horses. The purpose of the Jeanne Romaine Fund is to provide scholarships for members to pursue educational opportunities leading to careers in the equine industry, and 4H scholarships for the UF Horsemanship School.
Ali Smith gave an over view of improvements to the EC during her term as president and the ongoing success of Drum Runners and Mounted Shooting events held every month at the SJC Fairgrounds. Improvements include bleachers, outside stalls, second arena, a judges’ stand, and equipment necessary to maintain the arenas. All were done with the hard work, fund raising, and donations of SJCHC members and supporters.
Van Baker reminded everyone of the importance of membership, to support the EC, to provide opportunities for members to participate in HC activities, to train and ride for their pleasure at the EC, and to show the County Commissioners there is an active equestrian community in SJC and the surrounding areas.
Lance Baker talked about the benefits of members who ride or compete in a particular discipline supporting the activities of those who participate in different disciplines. It helps everyone be able to participate in what they enjoy and further promotes equestrian activities. Vance, JD, and Miss Patty Perry are all prime examples of members who assist “as needed” and provide support for us all. You don’t have to be riding or competing to be a SJCHC member and volunteer!
Donna presented information from Dr Alan Weldon DVM regarding Hurricane Preparation, evacuation, and identification of animals through micro-chipping. Donna emphasized the importance of having an evacuation PLAN and implementing it during the early stages of the storm. She also informed the group of the role of the Equestrian Center. The EC is available to stable horses ONLY AFTER the hurricane is passed and SJC EOC says it is safe. Anyone who needs to bring a horse to the EC must first contact a Board member and understand the horse must be attended to a minimum of twice daily, and provided clean shavings, water, feed, and hay.
Next on the agenda was plans for the Natural Obstacle Course. We have $1500 seed money to get it rolling, thanks to the generosity of members who support this project. Volunteers are welcome!
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30.
Lunch was served,
After lunch, Jade O’Neill Environmental Specialist with SJC presented a program on Beach Riding on SJC beaches and issued Beach Riding Permits to those who attended. To obtain a permit online go to www.sjchc.org and double click on the Resources tab. Under the Beach Riding heading click on Special Use Permit. Scroll down to Beach Use Permits – Horseback Riding and follow the directions
PLEASE ABIDE BY ALL BEACH RIDING RULES. OUR FUTURE ON THE BEACHES DEPENDS ON YOUR RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR.
Respectfully submitted,
Terri Perreault