The NEW HAMPSHIRE ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION (NHAHA) was formed to promote the outstanding qualities of the Arabian horse; to aid and encourage breeding, exhibiting and use of the Arabian horse; to promote and coordinate Arabian horse shows and exhibits; to formulate publicity and conduct educational programs; to stimulate interest in the Arabian horse and its proper care and breeding as stipulated by New Hampshire state law (10/89 RSC 575C and RSA 664.8).
Section 1 Membership
The following types of membership shall be open to any individual who owns or is interested in the Arabian horse.
- Adult Affiliate Member - Full voting member to NHAHA and AHA
- Adult Member - Member to NHAHA only with limited voting privileges
- Honorary Life Member - By election of the board of directors for outstanding service to NHAHA with all privileges of an adult affiliate member with no annual dues assessment.
- Youth Affiliate Member - Youth under 18 years of age as of December 31 of membership year includes membership to AHA
- Youth Member - member of NHAHA only
Section 1A Suspension & Termination
- Any member acting in a detrimental manner toward NHAHA may be suspended by a 2/3 vote of the board of directors.
- The member must be given a ten-day notice of the impending suspension to allow him/her to prepare testimony in his/her own defense.
- The board of directors shall determine the length of time of a suspension (including indefinite). Indefinite suspensions shall require a majority vote of the board for reinstatement in NHAHA.
- Any member found guilty of NH state laws regarding mistreatment of an animal will have their membership revoked. Reinstatement after a minimum of three years may occur only if a unanimous vote by the board is rendered.
- Any member who is 90 days delinquent in any payment due NHAHA will be considered not in good standing and will be dropped from the NHAHA membership.
Section 2 - Voting
- Each Adult Affiliate NHAHA/AHA member shall have one vote. Only present year Adult Affiliate NHAHA/AHA members may vote for the election of officers and board of directors of NHAHA.
- Adult membership shall have limited voting privileges in NHAHA only and youth members only on designated youth issues.
- Only live votes shall be counted.
Section 3 Elections
- The following officers of NHAHA shall be elected for a two-year term: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Chairperson. Re-election may be for a one-year term thereafter.
- Directorships are elected positions: there shall be 4 directors, 2 directors to be elected in alternating 2-year terms.
- Candidates receiving a majority of votes for an elected office shall be elected to that position.
- All officers and directors of NHAHA must be Adult affiliate members of NHAHA in good standing to retain their respective positions.
- The board by a 2/3 vote may choose to hold elections at the annual meeting; however the membership must be notified 30 days prior to the annual meeting that election by live vote will be held. Nominations must be accepted from the floor. The nominee must be a present year Adult AHA affiliate member of NHAHA, and present to accept the nomination. The individual making the nomination must be a present year Adult AHA affiliate NHAHA member.
Section 4 Officers
- President: Shall preside at all meetings and have the general active management of the organization in cooperation with the board of directors and be responsible for the day to day operations of NHAHA. He/She shall have general supervision of the officers and committee chairmen of the organization and see that their duties are properly performed.
- Vice President: In the absence of the president, shall have all the powers of the president. In the absence of both the president and vice president, the board of directors shall appoint a temporary president.
- Secretary: Shall manage all correspondence, maintain all documents, record all votes and keep minutes of all meetings. In the absence of the secretary, the president may appoint a temporary acting recording secretary.
- Treasurer: Shall keep complete and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of NHAHA. He/She shall disburse the funds of the organization as directed by the board of directors and president. And shall maintain an account of all financial transactions and make available for review the condition of said accounts as requested by the board and the president. The treasurer shall give a financial report at each meeting. All books and records must be surrendered immediately to the president or the treasurer’s successor upon termination of office.
- Membership Chairperson: Shall be responsible for recruiting new members, maintaining an accurate list of all current members, and shall inform AHA of all affiliate memberships to NHAHA.
Section 5 Board of Directors
The board of directors shall consist of nine elected members of NHAHA to include elected officers, the immediate past president, and two alternate directors appointed by the president
- It shall be the responsibility of the board to manage the property, business and affairs of NHAHA.
Section 5A Vacancies and Special Meetings
- If a vacancy occurs during an officer or a director’s term in office, the remainder of the board shall vote to appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term.
- The president or any two members of the board may call a special meeting of the board.
- Any director who does not attend regularly scheduled meetings may be asked to resign their position on the board.
- A majority of the board of directors (5) must be present to conduct business.
- Resignation of an officer of NHAHA shall be submitted in writing to the president and/or board of directors. At the discretion of the board, verbal resignations may be acknowledged. Acceptance of resignation will be returned via certified mail.
Section 6 Dues
- Dues for any portion of a year are to be paid in full. The amount shall be set from time to time as deemed appropriate by the board of directors. AHA affiliate membership dues are set by AHA and only the board may set the club portion.
- Non-negotiable checks will be assessed an additional $25 fee, all fees must be paid to retain membership in NHAHA and AHA.
- Dues are nonrefundable once submitted to NHAHA.
Section 7 Meetings
- Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the standard for conducting a business meeting of the organization but shall not take precedence over the by laws of NHAHA.
- Meetings of NHAHA shall be called by the board of directors. Thirty days notice of the meeting will be given to membership.
- Membership in attendance at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.
- The annual meeting of NHAHA shall be held between November 1 and December 31, weather permitting. The election of officers and directors shall take place at that time dependent upon the expiration of their term.
Section 8 Committees
- The president of NHAHA may establish committees and appoint committee chairs as needed to perform such tasks as the president or board may determine.
- Chairmen of committees will submit a report of their activities at a meeting of NHAHA and/or annual meeting as requested by the president.
- The president will serve as a member of all committees.
- Committee chair positions will automatically expire upon the election of a new president.
Section 9 Amendments to the Bylaws
30 days notice must be given prior to a membership meeting of NHAHA where a bylaw change may occur. The proposed change must be sent to the membership.
Current and/or amended bylaws must be submitted to AHA for approval and will remain on record at AHA.
June C. Barber, President
Judith Poirier, Secretary
Date: December 21, 2003