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The name of this organization is Sam Houston Forest Equestrian Association (SHFEA).

The specific and primary purpose of the organization is to promote equestrian activities in the Sam Houston National Forest. (SHFEA)

                            The general purposes and powers of the organization are:

This organization is a not for profit organization 501(3-C). It is a club for people who are interested in promoting equestrian activities in SHNF. Any person who states that he/she wants to become a member, pay his/hers dues, and agrees to abide by the rules of the organization will be accepted and put on the membership roll as a member of SHFEA.

Any member who does not abide by the Bylaws or acts in any way to the point that he/she is a discredit to the organization may be removed as a member of this organization by a majority vote at a regular meeting after such member has been advisee in writing and given an opportunity to provide written response or address the Board of Directors in person.

Prospective members and guest are welcome to visit a meeting and/or program of the organization. After visiting twice, however, he/she will no longer be considered a visitor or guest and will be expected to pay dues.

Meeting frequency and dates will be determined by the BOD.

Dues will run from January 1^st of each year to December 31^st of that year. Dues will become due on January 1^st of each year regardless of the month in which a member joined. However, a new member who wishes to join for the first time after July 1^st will only pay 1/2 of the dues.

All members are to pay dues by January 1^st of each year. Any member who has not paid his/hers annual dues by March 1^st of that year will be removed from the rolls as a member and dropped from the membership/mailing list. He/she will be put on the membership roll again as an active member only upon receipt of such annual dues.

In October of each year, the Board of Directors will meet and review activities for the past year and taking into consideration the funds expended on various organization activities and funds still available in the treasury at the end of that year, decide on an appropriate amount of dues to be paid January 1^st of the coming year. The President will present their findings, with a suggested amount for dues, at the regular meeting in November of each year. Following the BOD’s recommendations and any discussion by the membership, the dues will be voted on and set for the year with a majority vote of members present to rule, all to be accomplished by the end of such November meeting.

Monies will be used for mailing newsletter, notices of meetings, programs, special events and trail rides to members and prospective members. Monies may be used to pay expenses incurred by the organization in publishing newsletters and meeting notices, sponsoring meetings, programs, special events and trail rides. The BOD may use monies for other purposes if agreed to by a majority of the members attending a meeting of the organization or.

The Board of Directors (BOD) consisting of seven (7) members shall manage the business of this organization. The Board of Directors shall include 4 persons elected from the general membership, in addition to the three (3) elected officers of the organization – President, Vice-president, and Secretary/Treasurer. The President will act as Chairman of the Board.

The directors for the ensuing year shall be chosen at the annual meeting of this organization in the same manor and style as the officers of this organization.

The Board of Directors shall have control and management of the affairs and business of this organization. Such Board of Directors shall only act in the name of the organization when it shall be convened by its chairman after due notice to all directors of such meeting.

All Officers and Board of Directors of SHFEA must be in good standing (dues paid on time). All Officers and Board Members must be active and are required to attend at least two meetings and functions a year or they will be asked to step aside as a non-active member. Anyone wishing to become an Officer or Board Member must have been a member of SHFEA for at least 6 months.

A quorum shall consist of 33% of the members of the Board of Directors. The Board at any meeting at which the required quorum is not present and the only motion, which the Chair shall entertain at such meetings, is a motion to adjourn, shall consider no business.

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held on dates and times specified by the directors.

Each director shall have one vote and proxy may not do such voting.

Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of the majority of the members present at a regular meeting.

In October each year, the President will appoint a Nominating Committee of two (2) active members who will present a slate of new officers to the organization at the November meeting, to be voted on at the December meeting each year, or, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, may be accomplished by a mail in vote.

The Officers of SHFEA will be President, Vice-President and (3) Secretary/Treasurer. These officers will be elected at the December meeting each year.

New Officers and Board Members will begin their term of office at the First meeting held of the new year and will hold office for twelve (12) months.

The President will preside over business meetings, and appoint any and all committees necessary to implement well rounded, efficiently run, horse-oriented programs, clinics, trail rides and other organization activities.

The Vice-President will preside at meetings and programs when the President is absent. He/she will assist the President and committee chairmen and be directly involved in all planning and implementation of organization activities, serving as chairman of various committees, as necessary.

The Secretary/Treasurer will take minutes at each meeting. He/she will keep a complete and accurate record of all business meeting, and make notes on programs, as necessary. He/she will make arrangements for "Acting Secretary" when he/she must be absent from a meeting, providing he/she with the minutes to be read, and tape recorder, if necessary. He/she will keep a record of all persons present at each organization meeting and/or function. On behalf of SHFEA, he/she will be prompt in writing letters of appreciation to individuals providing or participating in the presentation of programs, trail rides, parties, etc. for the organization. He/she will maintain all organization files in a neat and orderly manner, including copies of correspondence received or sent by the organization, minutes of business meetings and information pertaining to programs, trail rides, committee assignments, etc. He/she will circulate the attendance sheet at each meeting, ensuring that all members and guests sign. The Secretary/Treasurer will be responsible of efficient transfer of all organization records to the incoming Secretary/Treasurer.

The Secretary/Treasurer will present a current Treasurer’s Report at each meeting, giving an accurate account of organization income and expenditures to date. He/she will keep complete and accurate records of all organization expenditures, including reimbursements to organization members, and all receipts, including member dues. All deposits of personal checks and cash receipts will be made within two weeks of receipt. He/she will maintain the organization’s bank account, reconciling bank statements each month He/she will make sure that all members are reminded in the November and December newsletters and meetings to renew their membership for the current year by paying their dues by January 1. He/she will collect dues from the renewing members and from new members throughout the year, recording their addresses and phone numbers and ensuring that this information is accurately reflected in the current membership list and mailing labels.

The directors and officers of SHFEA shall be indemnified by the organization to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of the State Of Texas.

The directors and officers of SHFEA shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the organization.

These bylaws may be altered, amended, repealed, or added to by a majority vote of members present at a regular meeting after formal notice has been given to the membership 10 days in advance of the meeting.

October 1995 Amended: 1999 / 2000 / 2003/ 2004