Here is a link to the Other Modalities Policy topic. You may not post to that thread, but please read the policy, and check that thread for updates that are specific to the policy. It's in the News Forum:
speechless to say the least............... does members counted ? are members fully aware of how the PFHA runs their business and treats the rules? wow! what a violation of the constitution! what a violation to everything in my opinion.
i call for an immediate evaluation of all those meetings... ASAP this is a serious matter if what I think was done.............
This is truly a public embarrassment.............. I am very upset..........and shock........real shock.................
Here is everything in a nutshell. What happened, what went wrong, what could fix it, and why.
1. October 2008 Minutes to the Board of Directors Meeting
Dr. Margaret Fahringer moved; Gwyn Wright seconded: To accept the CONFEPASO Committee’s recommendation to accept a task force to study, review and develop an implementation program to issue a “Validation Certificate” to “diagonal” horses registered in any Accepted Registry for competition purposes only to be presented to the Board at the January 2009 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Jose Laracuente, Alex Amador, Mary Emmons and Dr. Margaret Fahringer will be on the Task Force.
2. The unofficial BOD October 2008 minutes to the meeting were incomplete as published at http://www.pfha.org . The following was taken from various delegate reports also available at http://www.pfha.org for members only:
The task force formed in October 2008 was charged with reviewing the options while not going against the PFHA Rule Book.. Yet a motion was made to accept the CONFEPASO Committee's recommendation to accept a task force to study, review and develop an implementation program to issue a "Validation Certificate" to "diagonal" horses registered in any Accepted Registry for competition purposes only to be presented to the Board at the January 2009 meeting. The motion passed.
3. January 2009 Minutes to the Board of Directors Meeting
CONFEPASO – ATTA is the only US registry to accept diagonals. After several motions, a motion was made to approve a policy to allow other Paso modalities with a Show Validation Certificate. Motion passed.
4. The unofficial BOD January 2009 minutes to the meeting were incomplete as published at http://www.pfha.org . The following was taken from various delegate reports also available at http://www.pfha.org for members only:
a. As I stated in my October 2008 report, the Board voted to have a task force look at options for providing a validation certificate to diagonal or “other” Paso modalities as well as options for allowing regions to offer these classes under PFHA rules and regulations. The task force came back with a Board policy that included three significant things: 1) a validation certificate (and process) that states the horse is registered with a recognized registry 2) class rules and procedures when regions choose to offer the classes (9 total) and 3) inclusion of the 9 classes at the PFHA Grand National Show. In the course of Board discussion, the wording regarding inclusion in the Grand National Show was changed to “may be”. This Board policy passed. However, prior to voting on the policy, it was determined by the Parliamentarian that the Board first vote to “suspend the PFHA rules as they pertain to other Paso modalities.” This motion passed as well.
b. CONFEPASO Committee- A motion was passed to suspend PFHA rules as they relate to showing other Paso modalities and authorize the PFHA Board to adopt board policy to permit other Paso modalities to be shown at PFHA shows.A motion was then passed that the Board of Directors approves the Policy on Other Paso Modalities as recommended by the CONFEPASO Committee with immediate implementation.
c. • Motion passed by 87.6% to allow classes for the other Paso modalities (Trocha, Trote y Galope, and Trocha y Galope) to be included in our shows. Regions have the option to include or not to include any or all of the following nine classes.
1. Trocha—Stallions and colts
2. Trocha—Mares and fillies
3. Trocha—Geldings
4. Trote y Galope—Stallions and colts
5. Trote y Galope—Mares and fillies
6. Trote y Galope—Geldings
7. Trocha y Galope—Stallions and colts
8. Trocha y Galope—Mares and fillies
9. Trocha y Galope—Geldings
• The committee recommended that the rules governing the other modalities would not be included in the current PFHA rule book. Rather, the committee submitted the rules in a policy format to the PFHA Board of Directors. Dr. Laracuente explained we needed to explore whether there is an interest in the USA for showing the other modalities. In order for a horse to show, they must be registered in one of the recognized registries and provide a certificate that validates the registration. The horses would not be registered in PFHA. A horse registered in the PFHA registry could compete in one of the other modality classes. At the next judges clinic, there will be a session on how to judge the other modalities. There are currently 54 PFHA judges. Seven (7) are certified in the other modalities.
The Problem:
a. The CONFEPASO Committee actions are null and void until the PFHA Constitution is amended.
i. The PFHA Constitution does not include a “standing committee”, the CONFEPASO Committee.
ii. The CONFEPASO Committee members are not representative of all interested parties within the membership.
iii. The task force members were the same members as the CONFEPASO Committee.
iv. Neither committee served the membership as directed, which was to follow PFHA rules.
v. The goals of the CONFEPASO Committee are no longer in keeping with the PFHA Constitution.
b. The published official BOD minutes are incomplete.
i. No document of the recommendation from the CONFEPASO Committee was attached.
ii. No proceedings were included.
iii. No reports from recognized standing committees were attached.
iv. No roll call motions passing by vote were recorded for the January 2009 BOD meeting. It was not noted if the motion passed unanimously or not.
c. The other paso modalities were not explained, described, or defined for consideration as an amendment to the PFHA Constitution.
d. The motion made by the Parliamentarian that the Board first vote to “suspend the PFHA rules as they pertain to other Paso modalities.” is null and void by violating the PFHA Constitution.
e. The motion passed to approve a policy is out of order is null and void.
i. The policy cannot be received since it originated from a standing committee without authority.
ii. The motion to adopt the policy goes against the BOD directive to “not go against the PFHA Rule Book”. The task force did not follow the BOD directive.
iii. The motion violates the PFHA Constitution by not protecting the rights of absentees or individual members through proper notice.
The Solution:
a. The CONFEPASO Committee actions are null and void until the PFHA Constitution is amended.
i. Amend the PFHA Constitution as described which is:
Step 1. Give at least 30 days notice prior to a General Membership meeting.
Step 2. 2/3 majority of members vote in favor of creating the CONFEPASO Committee.
ii. Appoint members to a committee who represent all the important factions in the organization.
iii. Separate out the duties and roles of standing committees and temporary ad hoc committees.
iv. Redefine the roles of the CONFEPASO Committee to answer to the general membership and provide the mechanism for the committee to have standing authority to act for the general membership.
v. Redefine the goals of the CONFEPASO Committee to center on the mission and charter of the Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc.
b. According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th edition: When minutes are to be published, they should contain a list of the speakers on each side and the proceedings of each speech in addition to what was done in the meetings. Reports of committees should be printed exactly as submitted, the minutes showing what action was taken by the membership in regard to them. The secretary should have an assistant such as a stenographer or recording technician.
c. The PFHA Constitution provides all the terms and descriptions of the gaits recognized by the organization. To add more gaits than defined or recognized requires an amendment to the bylaws.
Step 1. Give at least 30 days notice prior to a General Membership meeting.
Step 2. 2/3 majority of members vote in favor of recognizing other gaits performed.
d. Rise to a Point Of Order stating motion made by the parliamentarian violates the PFHA Constitution. Any secondary motions made are also in violation of the PFHA Constitution. The motion to suspend the PFHA Constitution as they pertain to modalities was not included in the notice of that meeting. PFHA Constitution amendments require previous notice and publication in the call of the meeting at which they are to be considered, therefore the point is the motion to suspend the PFHA rules is null and void.
e. Rise to a Point Of Order stating the policy reported in the minutes as adopted for January 2009 BOD meeting was not included in the notice of that meeting. PFHA Constitution amendments require previous notice and publication in the call of the meeting at which they are to be considered, therefore the point is the action taken to adopt the policy is null and void.
The Reason:
The nature of bylaws is sufficient to establish a contract between members and define their rights, duties, and mutual obligations. Bylaws contain substantive rules relating to the rights of members whether they are present in meetings or not. The bylaws detail the extent to which the management of the organization's business is handled by the membership, a subordinate board, or an executive committee.
The hierarchy of the PFHA organization makes the Executive Director subordinate to the Executive Committee subordinate to the Board of Directors subordinate to the General Membership. The PFHA Constitution comprises the fundamental rules which define the organization whereby the general membership is the supreme deliberative assembly of the organization.
Two-thirds majority vote requirement to amend the constitution is designed to protect the rights of absentees and the minority one-third of the membership (the large minority). The PFHA Constitution implements the protection of the minority and those absent by requiring two-thirds vote to amend its constitution.
While the PFHA constitution does not provide guidance to recording meetings or the distribution of meeting minutes, the organization has a long-standing history of publishing the PFHA BOD minutes in a medium that is made public to a general audience not just to members only. As long as this procedure is desired and used by the general membership, the organization should take advantage of every available means to guarantee the minutes are published in full. To further clarify, it may be in the members’ best interest to consider adopting language that states the minutes are to be published for general readership, in what media format, and when.
At first appearances the BOD made two motions contradictory in nature; however, it is not against the bylaws to charge a committee to follow the organization’s rules while it investigates a proposal that seemingly goes against those bylaws. It is not against the bylaws to consider recommendations, debate, or make any motions against the bylaws as long as the BOD follows the bylaws of its organizaton. In other words if the BOD is following the PFHA Constitution, any committee report received that is against bylaws would be amended to follow those bylaws before put to vote or would be noticed to the general membership and voted as an amendment by two-thirds majority as stated in the bylaws. The BOD cannot suspend the bylaws without notice to the members and without a two-thirds majority vote by the membership. Any motion made that is against the bylaws should be corrected, amended or rescinded. Any motion passed that violates the bylaws is null and void.
The Point Of Order is made for the purpose of enforcing rules when an infraction has occurred. It must be made immediately when an error has been made before the next item of business is introduced EXCEPT when there is a continuing breach of the rules. When a violation occurs that involves an adoption that violates the bylaws, a Point of Order can be raised at any time.
The motion made by the parliamentarian is explicitly against the PFHA Constitution, which allows only for Robert’s Rules of Order to be suspended without notice at a BOD meeting and passed by two-thirds majority. The motion by the parliamentarian opened the floor to receive and adopt a policy that also violates the PFHA Constitution. Since the policy as adopted continues a breach of the PFHA Constitution by giving no notice in a publication to members to be voted on, a Point Of Order can be made at any time.
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Caliber, something can be done. As members of PFHA you and I are required to follow the rules, so why isn't the BOD?
The questions I pose to PFHA members are: Are you willing to once again allow your delegates, your elected officials to make a mockery out of the PFHA Constitution? Are you willing to sit around and complain or do you want to correct the problem?
As one member, I intend to do something. I can make a difference and I intend to.
_________________ Be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi
b. CONFEPASO Committee- A motion was passed to suspend PFHA rules as they relate to showing other Paso modalities and authorize the PFHA Board to adopt board policy to permit other Paso modalities to be shown at PFHA shows.A motion was then passed that the Board of Directors approves the Policy on Other Paso Modalities as recommended by the CONFEPASO Committee with immediate implementation.
wow! another words, PLAY WITH THE RULES? with no knowledge of its members? WhAT A MISTAKE!
For me, this isn't even about the other modalities...it's about the circumstances surrounding the policy itself. This was no emergency, and what will it be next time (and there WILL be a next time)? Suspension of the rules should never happen. What do we have, as an association? We have a constitution and rules. Without those, we have no credibility. We're not some fledgling group seeking recognition as a legitimate entity, but you'd never know it by looking at our behavior, and this particular behavior would not encourage anyone to look at PFHA as a "legitimate" organization. Something of this magnitude, should be decided by the membership as a whole. Instead, it was decided during a meeting where input from the general membership is forbidden.
If, as I read over and over and over again, this had nothing to do with the CONFEPASO seat, why was it the CONFEPASO Committee (who also served as the "task force"), the one charged with creating this policy? Why not just be honest about it? I can think of no other reason to adopt this policy, that would force us to rush it through in this manner. There is not enough money in the Validation Certificates, and required memberships to violate the constitution of this organization, and alienate a good portion of current members over this. Most of those with diagonals are already PFHA members. So who did the math (for the association) on this thing and decided it was "worth it", assuming that seat doesn't factor into the equation, as we are expected to believe?
As far as ATTA goes...I don't see why they'd support this policy at all. They will be turning over their identity to PFHA. Forced into alliance and membership with an association that has always been hostile toward them. There had to be a better way to do this. A way that everyone can keep their dignity, and respect for the breed as a whole. I don't feel like that has been the priority here, and I'm greatly disappointed over the whole ordeal. I honestly see no reason to be part of an organization that has no respect for it's members, its rules, its constitution or the very breed it is supposed to represent. They wonder why we are apathetic. They wonder why we don't renew. I don't know of many people who wish to pay for the privelege of being disrespected. Have we become so obsessed with validation by other countries/associations, that we have lost the validation of our own membership? Can no one see that without that, we are suffering, and will continue to suffer? If those other associations respect us for conducting business in this manner, are they worthy of our respect?
Membership Committe: Where's the mystery? New memberships are free, and renewals are not a top priority.
Communications Committee: Not necessary. Communication with members is problematic all the way around.
Computer Operations: They work hand in hand with the Communications Committee, and they'll look a little silly holding their own hand, so: see Communications Committee
Rules Committee: Were they even at the BOD meeting, or were they on potty break when the motion was made to suspend the rules? Besides...we don't need to worry with that Rules Change Proposal mess, we can just do policies from now on!!
CONFEPASO Committee: We don't really care what CONFEPASO thinks (right????), and the goal to educate the membership? See Communications/Computer Operation Committees
Way I see it, if we shave off a few of these committees, we can save a few bucks and cut the time of the meetings significantly, which will make for a more pleasant experience for all.
_________________ They are not here for us...we are here for them.
Hello everyone. I would like to ask the following: Is is the way it was handled that is so upseting and shocking or the fact that they are now acknowledging all the modalities? (Kerry I agree with many of the items you talk about in your post).
Yes, Lori...the way it was handled. That is the issue here. The only reason that the issue of the other modalities IS an issue, is because this is a major step for PFHA to take...it wasn't a tack change, or an inclusion of a new trail program...and this major step was taken with no general membership input.
I personally have no problem with sharing the shows with the other modalities. I'd rather see ATTA keep their own points, give their own awards, based on THEIR knowledge of the other modalities. So it isn't about the other modalities for me personally, and I'd rather it didn't dissolve into that. We're past that point in history...I hope!
_________________ They are not here for us...we are here for them.
Lori! I agree 100% with what Kerry said............ is not the modality, is the way that it was handle that in my opinion violated each and every member of this association rights.
This association can no longer perform business as usual...... THEY must respect RULES/BYLAWS and CONSTITUTION, but most importantly the integrity of all members and our breed. The BOD must and I say must correct their wrongs...........I will say it again! THIS is a humiliation to all members, Pfha and the breed in this country.... SHAME ON THEM!
Good question Lori because PFHA tries to moderate members' understandings of issues by lack of information.
On the surface it would appear the "issue" is about modality. However, let me ask you this: If you were the owner of Trochadors and Trotons and found out that the task force committee that did the investigation only owned Paso Fino horses, just how much trust would you place in their recommendations? Why didn't the task force, charged with: 1. following PFHA rules and 2. investigation recommendations for diagonal modalities didn't 1. follow PFHA rules and 2. encompass PFHA owners that were knowledgeable breeders and owners of diagonal horses? It is not necessary for a task force to be composed of only members of an organization. Why not have ATTA represented to ensure good relations and recommendations? Why not have some of the world class Troton breeders and trainers in the USA participate?
As a breeder of paso fino horses it would be an affront to my senses to have diagonal breeders recommend how paso fino horses were to be incorporated into a diagonal registry. It would be obvious to me that paso fino breeders have a better understanding of what paso fino is, what the gait is, what the horse is.
The issue has always been about procedure, about membership inclusion, about transparency, about representation. Do you honestly feel that the members of the task force committee did their best to include the perspectives of breeders of diagonal modalities in the best interest of the breed? The mission of the Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc. is to promote Paso Fino. That mission has not changed so how would diagonal breeders and their horses fit in? As equals? Again, if I were a diagonal breeder I would most definitely ask these questions. The benefit of exposure at ONE national show is not worth the risk of taking a back seat to paso finos.
I also question why is it that the diagonal modalities were singled out for this? PFHA has a long history of having paso fino classes at shows that included many other breeds. Granted other breeds are not present for our National Show, but to what advantage does having diagonal classes at a PFHA national show afford to diagonal breeders?
Frankly, it is a shame that once again, members chose to focus on the wrong issue, which is about the paso breed instead of the real issue which is about how the PFHA Executive Committee, our elected officials, and the PFHA BOD, our delegates, are representing the members and following the bylaws. And I do mean ALL members and ALL of their horses.
If the members chose to include Quarter Horses as part of the registry then that is their prerogative as long as the procedure to change the bylaws to include Quarter Horses is followed. In that way it can be assured that the members know what Quarter Horses are, they respect them, they want them, and they will protect the Quarter Horse's interest. I would not want my Quarter Horses incorporated into an organization that gave them lip-service just to get into my pocket book. The horses deserve better respect than that.
When a 2/3 majority vote passes to incorporate Quarter Horses then as a Quarter Horse breeder, I know the breed will be protected. 2/3 majority vote includes the voice of the minority and protects those absent. 2/3 majority means: 2/3 of those PRESENT and it normally refers to a general assembly not to 12-15 people representing 4000.
As long as PFHA members choose not to demand their organization to follow their own bylaws, the hard, complex issues will never be resolved to the satisfaction of anyone.
I've given the reasons why the policy is a problem and what can be done to resolve it. If PFHA does not believe in its members by keeping them ignorant of issues and members cannot trust PFHA to follow the bylaws, does it really matter if is about modality or not? Frankly would anyone with a diagonal horse really want to be a part of an organization like that?
Well, if I had a choice about joining an organization like PFHA or one like ATTA that has always promoted, embraced, encouraged, educated its members about diagonals; no contest. But hey, maybe exposure at Perry, GA or traveling all the way up to Kentucky for a couple of classes is worth the risk.
_________________ Be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi
I've tried to stay silent lately and just focus on enjoying my wonderful Trote y Galope, Trocha Pura and Paso Fino horses. I feel like I have already said, on other Threads (here) and on other Forums, all that I have to say on the Topic.
I feel somewhat validated, however, when I read BigJ, Caliber, Kerry W and Moniece's posts because I have felt, said, and written practically all of those things myself at one time or another! And, I have said them to Leaders in PFHA and to Leaders in ATTA.
My personal solution was to not renew my Membership to PFHA. I have also decided not to purchase any Show Validation Certificates for my diagonal horses, either. I just can not support with my dollars an organization that violates its own By-Laws, whose Leadership does not communicate openly with its membership and whose Leadership publicly states one thing but privately states something else. (I am referring to the Confepaso Seat).
What I do not understand is why the current Members of PFHA think this is acceptable? But, what re-course do the Members have? I have no idea....
Diagonals Advertising in PFHA Horse World Magazine
Here is a related subject to the whole Validation Certificate issue. The Owners of Diagonal horses who want to show and purchase a Validation Certificate are REQUIRED to join PFHA.
I asked this Question of my (former) PFHA Delegate (I am no longer a Member of PFHA): Will the Diagonal Owners be able to purchase Advertising Space in the PFHA Horse World Magazine???? And, will there be Articles in the PFHA Horse World Magazine about the Show Results for the Diagonals as well as other Articles of interest to Diagonal horses?
The answer I got was: No. Current Policy does not allow Diagonals to be advertised in the Magazine and the BOD has not discussed changing that position.
So....if Diagonal Paso horse owners are REQUIRED to be Members of PFHA, where is their Representation in the Organization of which they are now Full Fledged Members???
Becky...sorry so slow with my response to both of your posts. To be honest, I've just about given up with any and all associations involved with this breed. Every one I look at...same shit. It's all about making money today, and not worrying about the future of the horses.
I don't blame you for not buying into the Certificate crap...and that's how I look at it. As crap. If they can whip up this policy today, they can do away with it tomorrow. It was a way for them to come up with some quick cash, and keep that seat, because at some point in the future, La Mundial will be in the US, and they don't want to share the cash cow with ATTA...that's the "BIG PICTURE" here...it's that seat. Someone stands to make a ton of money from it...and not PFHA. It was never about helping the diagonals, or ATTA...never will be.
I've just had it. When do the horses become a priority? Only in our own back yards. Oh sure, there are some really great people neck deep in PFHA...but they're swimming upstream. They can't put up too much fuss, because they eat from the breed...and I understand that...but keeping your head down, and quietly campaigning, doesn't really get much accomplished when a few are so brazen in their manipulation of this organization. It's ugly, it's not fun anymore.
I think over the past 2 years, I've seen more people leave PFHA, than ever before. They just keep doing what they're doing, with the same result. Drive people away. I don't know what happened to our new President. He sounded good on the videos...but so far, I'm unimpressed. Where is he? Who IS leading PFHA?
_________________ They are not here for us...we are here for them.
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speechless to say the least............... does members counted ? are members fully aware of how the PFHA runs their business and treats the rules? wow! what a violation of the constitution! what a violation to everything in my opinion.
