Bylaws of GHOA

As revised 14 December 2003

Article I: Description

The Gilbert Horse Owners Association (the association) shall be a voluntary association of persons (members) who meet and consort for purposes related to equine activities, and vote into office of defined terms and responsibilities certain of its members (the board) to conduct the business of the association. Unless otherwise required, the election of the board members shall take place at the once-yearly Annual Meeting.

Article II: Membership

Section A. Open membership, dues and fees

1.       Members shall be admitted to Gilbert Horse Owners Association upon submission of a membership form and current membership fees. Members agree to be bound by and abide by the bylaws and the rules and regulations of the association.

2.       All members shall have equal rights, interests, and responsibilities with respect to the association and its property.

3.       Membership dues are to be prorated thus: members joining in the first six months of the membership year shall pay the full annual dues; members joining in the last six months of the membership year shall pay one half of annual dues.

4.       Membership categories and fees shall be twenty dollars per adult, fifteen dollars per person 17 years and younger.

Section B. Membership rights and representation

1.       The voting membership at all meetings shall consist of all members in good standing. Members in good standing must have fees paid. Members must be present to vote. Only adult members may vote.

2.       Membership renewal notices and forms shall be published in the official newsletter prior to the Annual Meeting each year. Delinquent membership shall result in automatic suspension from the association and forfeiture of all privileges. There shall be no penalty for reinstatement.

3.       It shall be the responsibility of the member to notify the Membership Chairperson of any changes in physical address, e-mail address or telephone number.

Section C. Membership meetings

1.       General Membership meetings will be held on a regular, monthly basis as is most convenient to the membership, the date, time and location to be approved by the membership. Written notice, including the date, time, place and agenda shall be forwarded to all members at least one week prior to said meeting.

2.       The members attending shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business. A motion will pass if approved by at least one half of the voting members plus one.

3.       For Executive Board meetings, one third of the Board must be present to constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business. Board actions shall be ratified by the membership at the monthly meetings.

4.       Absentee or vote by proxy shall not be permitted at any membership or board meeting.

Section D. Membership termination

1.       Membership shall be terminated whenever membership fees become delinquent.

2.       Membership can be terminated by request of the Executive Board.

a)       Violation of the rules by a member will necessitate a probationary period of one month. Failure to comply with the rules shall result in termination of membership.

b)       Members terminated by request of the Executive Board shall forfeit any paid dues and also shall not hold the association legally responsible and further agrees to indemnify and to exempt from suits or claims the association and individual members.

3.       Persons wishing to terminate their membership shall forfeit any paid dues and also will agree to hold the association and individual members exempt from any and all legal suits.

Article III: Executive Board

Section A. Selection and terms

1.       The Executive Board (the board) shall consist of five members of legal voting age and in good standing to be elected by and from the General Membership. Also, the board may, at its discretion and by majority vote of the board, appoint a maximum of three additional Executive Board members at-large, as the board sees fit to help carry out its duties and to further the aims of the association.

2.       The Executive Board shall consist of the following:

a)       President

b)       Vice President

c)       Treasurer

d)       Secretary

e)       Membership

f)       Three at-large members

3.       All members shall be voting members.

4.       The term of office is to be for a period of one year consistent with the membership year. Each President shall retain their voting privileges for the year following their term of office.

5.       Any member nominated and elected should be reasonable certain of their ability to fulfill their term of office. Should a member be unable to fulfill their term, that position shall be filled by a vote of the General Membership. Should a vacancy occur, the board shall determine if an election for replacement will be held at the next General Membership meeting, or if a special meeting is required.