Minutes of the Highland Pony Society Council Meeting

(Ratified on 11 August 2009)

Tuesday 16 June 2009 

14 out of 16 Councillors were present. 

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

HPS DVD The retail cost was agreed. 

RBST Statistical Survey Councillors were supportive of a proposed survey of bloodlines which the RBST may undertake at no cost to the Society or breeders.  

Probationary Judging Councillors were reminded that it was necessary for all probationary judges to undertake six probationary shows over two years.  

M&A The final draft of the M&A would be presented at the AGM for approval.  

Pedeweb The Secretary would informally present this system to members before the AGM. 

Report from President The President expressed sincere thanks to all Councillors. Those reaching the end of their term of office would be missed and she hoped they would stand again in future. She wished everyone a happy and successful Highland Show and asked for support at the AGM.  As a currently serving Councillor was to be appointed as Vice President before the completion of her term of office, one additional nominee could be elected to serve for the one year unexpired term. Under the new M&A, the member so elected, will be able to offer themselves for reelection immediately.  

Report from Secretary The late registrations of a colt born in 2007 and a mare born in 1997 whose complete history was known, were agreed. 

Duplicate Papers Four duplicate registration requests were considered, two of which were approved. The other two required further supporting information and evidence of ownership trails.  Investigation was instigated with the executors into the ownership and registration of the ponies of a couple who were now deceased.  The Secretary expressed sincere thanks to all retiring Councillors. 

Accounts The 2009 figures to date had been circulated to all. Show affiliations were markedly lower than the previous year and it was agreed that affiliation forms should be sent by post for the 2010 affiliation year rather than by email. The 2008 Accounts would be presented to the membership at the AGM.  

Welfare Reports There were no welfare concerns affecting the Highland Pony Society. 

Reports of External Meetings There had been no external meetings. 

Report of Breeding Sub-Committee Meeting

Current Stallion Licensing Applications Two stallions, both of which had abnormalities noted by the examining vet, had been visited by Council examiners who had independently completed report forms. These were opened and read out. It was unanimously agreed that the colts should not be licensed.

Stallion Licensing Rules Council agreed a minor alteration to the existing veterinary examination form. An increase in the application fee from £300 to £400 with a refund making the licence fee the same if the colt passed inspection would be presented for approval to the membership at the AGM and would be introduced in January 2010.

Premium Scheme Members would be informed at the AGM of Council discussions regarding a Premium Scheme for stallions. 

Mare Travel Grant Applications 19 applications had been received from 15 breeders, 14 of which were approved.

Gift Aid Gift Aid is not allowable where a service is provided to members. Reduced registration fees for members and other services such as the proposal to use Pedeweb preclude those members’ subscriptions from being eligible. It was therefore agreed that it would be impractical to introduce Gift Aid to the Society. 

Appeals Procedure A draft of an appeals procedure would be circulated before the next meeting. 

Royal Highland Show and Annual General Meeting Helpers for the Publicity Stand and co-ordination of the parades including stewards were discussed. 

Stock Judging Competition The organisation of the Stock Judging Competition was agreed. 

Society Accommodation/Grosvenor House Lease A new central heating boiler and attic insulation had been installed and it was agreed that the revised terms which included a break option/rent review at 3 years should be accepted. 

Members’ Study Day Plans for the Members’ Study Day which would be publicised on notice boards at the HPS Stand at the Highland Show continued. Short talks on breed type from experienced Highland pony breeders would augment the other speakers with a question and answer session to follow.  

Judges’ Seminar Acceptances for the Judges’ Seminar to be held at Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Carlisle on Saturday 31 October 2009 were being received. 

2010 Dinner DanceThe 2010 Dinner Dance would be held on Saturday 20 November 2010 at the Salutation Hotel, Perth. 

Correspondence Genetic Disorders The Society was not qualified to make judgments on ponies when renowned veterinary experts did not agree but would continue to observe the situation.  

Farm Visit A member from abroad was looking for a farm which might be suitable for a short visit in 2010 in order to find out more about Highland ponies and contribute to the work of the farm. The agreed recommendation would be made to her. 

Sue Giles Alan Giles, widower of the late Sue Giles wished to present a perpetual memorial trophy to be competed for by younger members of the Society and it was agreed that the Secretaries of both the Scottish and English Performance Awards Schemes would decide the winner of this welcome award following the completion of their year. The inaugural presentation would take place in January 2010.  

Letter from Rosebank Primary School One of two local members would be invited to go to Rosebank Primary School to talk about ponies and also to read an appropriate picture book to Primary 1 – 3 pupils.  

DEFRA’s Plans for a new independent body for Animal Health Defra had proposed the introduction of an independent body for Animal Health to be introduced in 2012 at which time a levy would be collected annually. An officer of the Rural Directorate of the Scottish Government conceded that any system introduced in Scotland would be different from England and Council wondered if Defra legislation could affect Highland ponies in England. SEBA will be responding. Compulsory insurance for equines could be considered by the Scottish Government. 

Any Other Business

Daughter Stud Book Daughter Stud Book status for Australia was not felt to be justified.  

Vice President Hugh Duncan was officially nominated as the President and would be appointed at the AGM. 

Date of First Meeting of New Session Tuesday 11 August 2009