This past Friday and Saturday, the MFTHBA Board of Directors gathered for their annual planning workshop in Ava, Missouri. This workshop is an essential opportunity for the Board to discuss various topics and set goals and objectives for the upcoming year. It also allows newly elected officers to familiarize themselves with the organization’s strengths, challenges, and ongoing projects.

The planning workshop was an intense and focused event. The Board worked diligently from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, including a working lunch on both days. The Board’s commitment was further demonstrated by the November business meeting held on Saturday at 2 p.m., after which board members began their journeys home.

The meeting began with Board members taking an oath of office, which outlined their dedication to upholding the MFTHBA’s values and mission. This oath emphasized their commitment to serving the organization and its members with accountability and respect.

The workshop covered several topics, including the strengths and challenges over the past year. It reviewed staff roles and responsibilities, discussed an overview of the financial position, and reviewed recent changes to the Horse Protection Act. Additionally, the need for ground improvements was addressed, along with an examination of MFTHBA programs and strategies for enhancing these programs. Finally, ways to improve the structure of business meetings for better engagement from directors participating remotely were explored.

The Board received presentations from several individuals. Lori Reed, a member of the MFTHBA, emphasized the importance of conducting an IT audit. This audit evaluates an organization’s IT systems, infrastructure, policies, and procedures, ensuring they are secure, effective, and compliant with relevant laws and regulations. Dr. Jeff Jenkins, a district veterinarian with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, discussed the state’s equine exhibition laws. Additionally, Tony Lewis provided further details about a collaborative project with other equine breed associations to share development costs to replace the MFTHBA Online Horse Records, a vital benefit for MFTHBA members.

On Saturday, the Board started the strategic planning process. The process involved a thorough examination of goals and objectives for the coming years, as well as identifying committee needs and structure.

A few critical decisions from the business meeting included:

• The MFTHBA Board Business Meetings will now be held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. This change allows for reconciled financial reports to be available beforehand and aims to improve board member attendance. Exceptions are in June and November, featuring in-person planning workshops and business meetings. The June date will align with the Spring Show, and the November meeting will occur on the first Saturday of the month. Additionally, an open forum for members will take place at the World Show and Celebration in September, with details to follow.
• A committee interest survey will be shared soon. Member involvement is vital to our success. Please help us spread the word and encourage anyone interested in serving on a committee to complete the survey. There are opportunities for everyone.
• The Board has approved the Online Horse Records project proposed by Tony Lewis/UltraTier Development LLC, funded by donations to the restricted fund. We thank our members for their support in making this upgrade possible. The new site is expected to launch by the end of Q1 2025 and will include familiar information, access to testing data, show results, and award information.
• The Board approved Lori Reed’s IT audit proposal, with her volunteering expertise to limit the association’s cost to $500.
• For the December meeting, the Board voted to test Zoom due to ongoing connectivity issues for virtual members, which hinder their participation.

The Ava Assembly of God Church hosts an annual Foster Care Party. This year, the church has contacted the MFTHBA to find organizations willing to sponsor a child. The Board members have collectively donated $100 to support this initiative.

The Board is dedicated to serving its members. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact any member of the MFTHBA Board or office staff.