(Ratified 23 January 2010)

13 out of 16 Councillors were present.

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

Society Accommodation The Estates Manager of Perth and Kinross Council would be approached regarding serviced sites available.

Publicity Leaflet A revision to publicity leaflet, which incorporates the breed standard, would be prepared using previously agreed criteria in good time for the Stallion Show in March.

Judges’ Assessment The method of appointing new judges following assessment was discussed. The current Judges’ Scheme would be discussed by the Judges’ Committee.

Accounts The Finance and General Committee would discuss the destination of funds from maturing bonds in good time.

Report from President

The President reminded Councillors that issues relating to individuals and ponies in Council should not be discussed outwith Council and that care should be taken not to misrepresent Council issues.

He thanked all those who helped with the organisation of the Members’ Study Day and the Judges’ Seminar.

Report from Secretary

The Pedeweb system which allowed members to access Highland pony pedigrees through the website was operational and was being welcomed by members. It was agreed that a mapping facility to facilitate searches by the Secretary within certain areas for specific criteria should be purchased.

Two registration applications were approved. Of two colt examinations received, one was approved and the other deferred for further examination within a year. The revised Stallion Licensing Scheme would be introduced on 1 January 2010 at which time the minimum age of two years would be reintroduced. This was agreed and the rules would be changed.

Correspondence

Stallion Parades

The venue and timing of stallion parades in the south were discussed. An analysis of the visiting mares to previously paraded stallions would be undertaken.

The National Pony Society Judges’ Conference and Assessment

The NPS had written thanking the HPS for providing a speaker and guinea pig ponies for their Judges’ Conference and Assessment weekend.

Ponies on Pedeweb The database started in 1991 and, of the ponies born from 1993 onwards, over 95% are on the database. 99% of current foals have full ancestry.

Report on Accounts The accounts were discussed.

Welfare Reports No welfare issues of concern had been reported.

Reports of Committee Meetings

Breed Show 2010

Planning for the Breed Show continued.

Reports of External Meetings

Scottish Equestrian Breeders Association

At the SEBA meeting, discussions had included microchipping, NED, the SEA report and the SEBA event. In February 2010, the SEBA event would join with the Scottish Sports Horse Grading Day at Balcormo and would include a stallion showcase.

Two rural development officers of the Scottish Government had attended the meeting and addressed practicalities of registrations including microchipping. It was thought that NED had been delaying the processing of data submitted regularly by PIOs.

Grassroots

The Secretary had attended a most useful meeting for Grassroots users at Stoneleigh at which breed society secretaries had shared ideas, not only on the database, but procedures relating to many aspects of their work.

Lesser known features of the Grassroots system were illustrated and Pedeweb mapping was introduced.

Royal Highland Show

Responses to recent letters were awaited.

Stallion Show – Saturday 6 March 2010

The new venue for the National Stallion Show and Highland Pony Stallion Parade at Stirling Agricultural Market had been assessed.

Members’ Study Day Report

133 members had attended the Study Day.

Judges’ Seminar Report

40 HPS judges and 8 NPS judges had attended the Judges’ Seminar. The Judges’ Committee would discuss attendance at seminars at their forthcoming meeting.

Dinner Dances

Plans for the forthcoming dance continued.

After the 2010 Dance in Perth, Council would assess whether members wish to keep the dance ‘up market’ as at present or have a cheaper venue and catering to encourage attendance.

Performance Award Presentations

The Performance Award Presentations would be held on Saturday 23 January 2010 at 6.30pm at Strathallan Castle.

Staff Salary Review

This would be discussed after the next Finance and General meeting.

Date of Next Meeting – Saturday 23 January 2010 at 1030hrs