10 - December - 2024 www . wsca . org WSCA Digital Spotlight
WSCA General Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Bill Freitag ( Fox Hollow Saddle Club ), seconded by Mandy Gustafson ( Wright Saddle Club ), to cast a white ballot for a unanimous vote for Lynn-Ellen St . Martin as President . Motion carried unanimously .
Vice President :
Nominations from the Floor : Julie Gintner ( Minnesota Valley Riders ) nominated James Duenow ( Jus ’ Kiddin ’ Around Saddle Club ) to serve as Vice President . James Duenow accepted the nomination .
James Duenow called for any further nominations 3 times .
Motion made by Emily Berger ( Jus ’ Kiddin ’ Around Saddle Club ), seconded by Sarah Smith ( Double Bit Riders ), to cease nominations and cast a white ballot for a unanimous vote for James Duenow as Vice President . Motion carried unanimously .
Committee Reports : Championship Horse Show : James Duenow
James gave a big thank you to everyone who came to 2024 Champ show , both exhibitors and volunteers . We ran another successful show . James shared stats from the 2024 Champ show . There were 987 horses this year , bringing us closer to the number of horses we had prior to pandemic . There were 4,230 entries this year , which is up about 300 from 2023 and up just under 1,000 entries from 2022 . Pleasure continues to be a place of great increase , which has been a main focus the last couple of years . Walk / trot was well attended in the showcase this year , as well as the Ranch classes back for the second year . Unofficial expenses were shared , highlighting the $ 56,000 given out at Champ Show in awards and payouts . Another expense to note was that of the State Fair bill , which typically shows a steep increase each year , but that seemed to soften for 2024 . The unofficial projected 2024 Champ Show income is $ 74,076 . James would like to thank everyone who helped out this year and has worked hard the last few years trying to make a comeback after a couple of smaller years . Champ Show 2025 will be held at Simons Arena in Cannon Falls , MN . We know that we will not be able to run 2025 exactly like we would if we were at the State Fairgrounds , but after reviewing a lot of other options , we truly believe using Simon ’ s Arena is the best option . With Simon ’ s Arena being very welcoming of us , there are a ton of improvements in the works for their facilities . We will continue to release information to WSCA members , as we continue to move forward with Champ Show 2025 . James asked for any questions from the floor . Cindy Northwick ( Painted Sunrise Saddle Club ) asked what the cost comparison may look like between State Fairgrounds and Simon ’ s Arena . James responded saying at this point in time , we expect there to be some cost savings for 2025 , but at the same time there will be new expenses that we typically wouldn ’ t have if we were State Fairgrounds . Emily Berger ( Jus ’ Kiddin ’ Around Saddle Club ) shared positive feedback on parking during this year ’ s champ show , and how the new route laid out Friday night made change over very easy , and everyone helping with parking and stalling did a great job .
Computer : Jake Flodquist
Absent . James gave a big thank you to Jake for all of his work this year , especially with the new entry system . Steve Bobzin ( Hidden Birch Saddle Club ) asked if there is a plan to display top ten placings on the boards like previous champ shows . James responded , sharing that with this being the first year using Horse Show Tracker , we continue to make improvements as we learn more about the system . Part of the reason for not being able to display placings / times was because State Fair changed the way you output to the Boards . Staci Newstrom ( Elk River Saddle Club ) asked if Champ Show will continue to use the Random back number assignments . James responded , sharing that that is how the Horse Show Tracker system operates , but we hope to find a work around for the future .
Rulebook : Cindy Ladd
Steve Bobzin ( Hidden Birch Saddle Club ) presented his rule petition for further clarification on Walk / Trot classes . New wording would state that Walk / Trot classes be judged as either Western or English Pleasure , or Western or English Horsemanship / Equitation . Petition also states that the horse / rider combination CANNOT cross-enter between Walk / Trot classes or other performance classes including lope / canter . Steve asked for any questions from the floor . Kevin Berger ( Jus ’ Kiddin ’ Around Saddle Club ) asked if this would be a qualifying class . Steve replied by saying yes , the goal is that this would be available to be a qualifying class . There was a question on how saddle club show committees should be listing their walk / trot classes on their show bills . Steve replied by saying it is best to specify what type of walk / trot class is being judged . There was a question on whether someone participating in a