We are a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership. Our role is to guide the development and activities of Dressage BC. We have no paid staff. Our day to day business is carried out by our Board. All Board members are members of Dressage BC. Elections are held annually at the AGM. Terms are year to year. Board members are available to contact for any questions.

2021 Board

President: Christina Boddy christina.boddy@yahoo.ca

Vice President: Alison Martin alisonstephmartin@gmail.com

Secretary: Jillian Thatcher

Treasurer: Judy Turner  judy_turner@telus.net

Director at Large and rep to HCBC: Cat Armitage  foxwillowlb@gmail.com

Director at Large: Carolyn Dobbs

Director at Large: Kim Warwick

Director at Large: Diana Sleigh

Director at Large: Kamla Hoekstra

Director at Large: Shelley Lawder

President

Provides leadership and direction for the organization. chairs board and executive committee meetings, appoints Committee chairs, works with the executive to recruit new board members, acts as the spokesperson for the organization.

Vice President

Attends all board meetings, serves on the board executive committee, carries out special assignments as requested by the board chair, understands the responsibilities of the board chair and is able to perform these duties in the chair's absence, participates as a vital part of the board leadership

Secretary

Attends all board meetings, serves on the executive committee, takes board minutes, is responsible to administer the communication mass email system for the membership list and general email list, assumes responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board chair and vice chair, assumes responsibility for marketing of membership.

Treasurer

Attends all board meetings, maintains knowledge of the organization, its goals and objectives, understands financial accounting for nonprofit organizations, works with the President and Finance Committee to ensure that monthly financial reports are completed on a timely basis, presents the Annual Financial report to the board and at the AGM.

Social Media Coordinator

Maintains social media activity, develops content for posting on social media sites, monitors and shares relevant online news information, maintains a regular posting schedule. Meetings by email and attendance at AGM.

Director at Large

Represents issues outside of the Lower Mainland, chairs Sub-Committees of the board when required. Maintains knowledge of the organization. Attends DBC meetings by email, attends AGM.

Membership List Coordinator

In collaboration with HCBC Membership Manager, maintains an up to date list of the Dressage BC Membership for the President, board and Zone Directors. Maintains the list in conjunction with the email data base and mass email system.

Terms: Dressage BC Board positions will be for one term lasting until the next DBC AGM, appointed annually. Vacancies: Filled by appointment.

Board Communication: By email, phone periodic meeting and AGM. Dressage BC Zone Director positions are appointed annually.

1. What is your contact information?

email: dressagebc@gmail.com

2. What are the benefits of Membership?

• e-Education programs such as Ask the Experts and Ride-a-Test

• Clinics, Seminars and Workshops

• Awards and grants program

• Business discounts

3.  Do I need insurance to belong to Dressage British Columbia?

If you will be riding horses at Dressage BC sanctioned Clinics or Workshops, you must maintain a membership with Horse Council BC and Dressage BC. HCBC provides coverage via the Capri insurance program. Dressage BC carries "Club Insurance" which covers our members in events or clinics.  

4. Do I need a horse to belong to Dressage BC?

No, if you're interested in learning to ride, we can direct you to various riding schools that have school horses.

2022 AGM to be held Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 2 pm at Highpoint Equestrian Center

Members who have not already received copies of the AGM materials please email dressagebc@gmail.com

 Awards and Grants Program

This program recognizes the financial challenges that riders encounter in pursuing their dressage education goals. 

The Awards and Grants Committee takes delegated responsibility on behalf of the Dressage BC Board of Directors for ensuring that Dressage BC delivers an annual Grants and Awards Program that foster membership education to help individuals and their horses progress through the levels.

Definitions:  Grants are money or services given based on performance and/or financial need. Awards are prizes based on performance.

Awards and Grants Committee

• the work of the Committee is confidential.

•  the business of the committee will be confined to the acceptance and disbursal of corporate or private donations;

• the members of the committee will be appointed by the Executive Committee of the Board;

• the committee will be chaired by the President;

• business will be carried out primarily by email and telephone;

• the committee will submit a written report each year to the Board Executive which includes the list of disbursements and recipients;

• the Board Executive will review and approve the recommendations of the committee and ensure that funds are paid out in a timely manner;

• the committee will provide a report at the AGM;

• working with the Grants set by the Committee, the President will work with the committee members to review and rank grant applications and make recommendations to the Executive Board;

• the Chair of the committee will liaise with HCBC to ensure that the AGC program is consistent with their strategic direction for the sport;

• the Chair of the committee will ensure that funding is payable either through Dressage BC or direct to the person, event or clinic.

Policy and procedure

• Funding and or services will be awarded on the basis of the merit of the information supplied by the applicant. All applications will be evaluated on a year by year basis;

• Business will be carried out in person or by email;

• Applications must be submitted using the online form. The form may be emailed to Dressage BC;

• Applications must be submitted by the date stated in the Grant description. Funding may be considered for activities already held when those activities meet the criteria;

• the Committee encourages rider participation at educational events;

• Funding will be awarded to DBC members who are domiciled in the Province of BC;

• the Committee will do business by email and meet by phone or face to face as necessary;

• Individual donations will be deemed donations to general revenue to be paid unless stipulated otherwise by the donor at the time of making the donation;

• the Chair of the committee will ensure prior to pay out, that backup documentation i.e. cancelled cheques, receipts etc. are submitted by the Grant recipient(s).

Annual General Meeting Procedure

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a significant event. Even though it might seem like a burden or just another meeting, the importance of the AGM is evident on several levels.

The business portion of the meeting complies with any legislation and by-laws to show accountability for finances and member services.
The communication of accomplishments, challenges and plans for the next few years demonstrates transparency to all stakeholders.
A discussion of plans and details of member services helps raise awareness of the value of the organization.

AGM Agenda

Registration of members, voting and non-voting.
Adoption of the rules of order.
Distribution of document package (agenda, annual report, minutes of last AGM, etc.).
Welcome and introductions.
Declaration of quorum according to the by-laws.
Business arising from minutes of the last AGM.
Report from President with reference to Annual Report.
Questions/discussion of this information.
Report from Treasurer, presentation of audited financial statement, questions.
Election or confirmation of Board members according to by-laws.
Any other business according to by-laws.
Adjournment of business meeting.
Guest Speaker or Presentation.

The business part of the AGM fulfills our commitment to accountability and transparency. However, an AGM may also include a presentation that will demonstrate the value of our membership programs.

Ideas for a short presentation (15 minutes) that may enhance the quality of the AGM.

Grants and Awards. We have a significant focus on Grants and Awards therefore it makes sense to add a presentation to our AGM and brings that program to life.
Member testimony. Since our organization is intended to support education, a member who benefitted may share his or her story. That demonstrates the successful outcomes of the programs.
Community partners. The President of another organization that partners with ours is able to speak to the importance of this partnership and the role of our organization in the community.

Announcement of AGM

Timing. Announce the AGM far enough in advance for stakeholders to put it in their agenda. Distribute a "save the date" notice several months ahead of time to significant stakeholders.
List of invitees. Invitations are usually e-mailed to individual members (as defined by our by-laws), donors, funders, partners, and any sponsors from the private sector. 

Bylaws of Dressage BC Society