4-H Horse & Pony Constitution

Name & Purpose:

The name of the club shall be “Bronc Busters 4-H Horse and Pony Club.” The purpose of the club shall be in keeping with the educational mission of 4-H.

The primary purpose of the 4-H Horse & Pony Club is the training and development of the boy and girl:

· To develop sportsmanlike behavior

· To cooperate with other 4-H youngsters to achieve individual or club goals

· To accept reality and assume responsibility for their project and their individual performance

· To become self-reliant and develop initiative

· To develop leadership

The secondary purpose is the training and development of good horses and ponies:

· To train and handle horses safely.

· To keep records of their performance and how to use these records for their project animal and equipment.

· To abide by the rules of etiquette when exhibiting their project.

· To speak before groups and express their ideas through demonstration and judging contests.

Membership:

Section 1. Eligibility

All participants in the Howard County 4-H Fair must be enrolled as a 4-H Member by the date set by the Extension Office. Youth may become 4- H members when they enter the 3^rd grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12.

Section 2. Divisions

There shall be three (3) divisions:

Juniors 3^rd – 5^th grade

Intermediate (when necessary) 6^th – 8^th grade

Senior 9^th – 12^th grade

Section 3. Mini 4-H’ers

Mini 4-H’ers are in grades K – 2. Mini 4-Her’s may share a horse with another member of 4-H.

Officers, Duties, Elections:

Section 1.

The officers of the Bronc Busters 4-H Horse & Pony Club shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Reporter and a Sentinel.

Section 2.

The duties are as follows:

President: Preside over the meetings, appoint committees and oversee them, represent our club, coordinate all the activities and keep in touch with the progress of the committees, help plan programs and keep order at the meetings.

Vice President: Assume the duties of the President if necessary, supervise committees, work closely with the President in coordinating club activities.

Secretary: Prepare and present the minutes of each meeting, do the club correspondence, keep attendance and activity reports.

Treasurer: Receive and deposit club funds, maintain a neat and accurate Treasurer’s book, present financial report at each meeting.

Reporter: Prepare newsletter and scrapbook, release news and information to local news media, help plan public information programs.

Sentinel: Prepare the meeting room, care for equipment and supplies, welcome visitors, assist with special features and refreshments.

Section 3.

The officers shall be elected annually at the October meeting and the term of office shall be one (1) year. There shall not be a limit to the number of reelections to the same office.

Section 4.

Mini 4-Her’s may vote and hold the offices of reporter and sentinel.

Meetings:

Section 1.

Meetings shall be held every second Thursday of the month year-round at the designated site. From the May meeting to fair time, riding days at the Howard County Fairground Horse & Pony Arena will be set up, as the leaders are able. For example, Tuesday and Thursday of each week. The leader and President may call additional meetings to plan for an upcoming show or activity.

Section 2.

Meetings shall be conducted using Parliamentary Procedure.

Section 3.

Order of business shall be:

1. Call to order by President

2. Roll call, Officers and Members

3. Reading minutes of previous meeting and Treasurer’s Report

4. Old business

5. New business

6. Lesson/Project/Speaker

7. Adjournment

Amendment:

The Constitution and Bylaws may be changed by a 2/3-majority vote of club members present and will become effective thirty (30) days after submission.

Bylaws:

Article 1. Disbursement of funds.

The Treasurer may only release funds for large expenditures after a majority vote by the club. The monies will then be released in the form of the Club’s bank check. For reimbursement of small expenditures approved by the club, a store receipt is required.

Article 2. Emergency Decisions.

Items that can’t wait until the next regular meeting may be discussed and voted on by a majority of officers and Adult Leaders.

Article 3. Impeachment.

An officer not performing his/her duties will be given written notice and may be impeached.

Article 4. Completion.

Enrolled members must:

a. Select a Horse or Pony and care for it.

b. Complete project record sheet and book and turn it in before the start of the county show.

c. Exhibit your animal at the county show if possible.

Article 5. Incentive Points.

a. Details of the Incentive Point system will be set up by committee and approved by a majority of the members.

b. The purpose of Incentives will be to encourage members to greater achievement.

c. Changes in the Incentive Point system will require a majority vote of the members.

d. Several more moderate awards would benefit the club other than one or two elaborate awards.

Article 6. Rules.

The Bronc Busters 4-H Horse & Pony Club will adhere to the rules as set forth in the annual Howard County 4-H Project Summary Book and the Indiana State 4-H Horse & Pony Handbook. You will find information in the book regarding purpose of the official rules, policies, exhibit eligibility, ownership, state show requirements plus the purpose, objectives and procedures for the classes offered at many horse shows. We believe a knowledgeable horse showman is a better showman.

Article 7. Criticism.

The club welcomes any constructive criticism if it is brought up in a positive manner with an offer to help. Parents should remember that the meeting time is for the members, and they are welcome to contact the Leaders at the conclusion of the meeting to discuss questions or concerns.