Report of meeting of Council of Members May 11, 2023

On May 11 the members' council meeting took place at manege Hippisch Verband in Putten. Member Joop Epema introduced two questions, one concerning finances and the developments concerning the advance of the wolf in the Netherlands. According to agreement, the joint statement of the NWPCS Main Board and members J. Epema and M. Elzinga regarding a resolved dispute between the studbook and these two members, was read at the meeting.

Departments
Brief feedback was given from the three departments at the spring meetings. In the South Department, a very well attended meeting, a vote was taken on the future of the department. The meeting expressed a desire to dissolve the department. The Council of Members asked the Department Board to call an additional membership meeting on the continued existence of the department as soon as possible.

There was also a well-attended meeting in the Central Division, which focused on the departments' sponsorship of the Welsh Event. There is much appreciation for the event, however, the level of sponsorship contrasts with the call to keep the own judging cost-effective. The department board will request a budget from the Welsh Event for possible sponsorship in year 2024 and put this on the agenda at the fall meeting.

In Division North, there was a very good turnout and a fine and good atmosphere at the meeting. Questions were raised about the new requirements around the predicate ‘sport’. The meeting felt that this requirement was too low in relation to the value of the predicate. The Council of Members asked the working group to review this part of the renewed predicate system.

Finance
An explanation of the annual financial report was given by the Main Board. On a number of questions, amount of money in the treasury and the number of debtors, Main Board gave further explanation. The studbook is in a good financial position. The Council of Members granted discharge and thanked the treasurer for the good and careful management.

Annual Report 2022
The Main Board presented its annual report for 2022. This was very well received by the Council of Members. In it it became clear, among other things, that the number of members has grown considerably in recent years. The annual report will be published on the website.

Jury setup
The Council of Members has taken note of the jury line-up for the 2023 judging season. Because of a small jury corps, the availability of jury members and the coincidence of the judging in Tolbert with the building holiday, it has not been easy to complete the set-up. By statute it is agreed that per ring there is one judge, who is assisted by a prospective member. For the judging of Tolbert the reserve judge is not yet known. The main board will, in consultation with the jury corps and the breeding technical committees, work on a policy plan for a future-proof jury corps with attention to the training, recruitment and retention of jury members.

Wolves
Through department North the question has come in to the Welsh studbook to take part in the so-called Wolvencommissie, which has been established by the Province of Drenthe. With the increasing number of wolves the question is urgent how to protect our ponies. There is still little active participation from the horse and pony sector in these committees, which can be set up by any province. Calling our members to come forward to serve on these committees, this offers the opportunity to influence policy.

Appointments
The Council of Members has appointed Ms. Silvia Roggen to the Main Board. And with the appointment of Ms. Henriette (Jet) Fraser - Storm de Grave has a new president.

Appointment of new member Main Board
The Council of Members, on the recommendation of the Confidential Committee, has appointed Ms. Silvia Roggen as a member of the NWPCS Main Board. Ms. Roggen has been a breeder of Welsh B's for a number of years and runs a riding and boarding stable. In consultation with her and the other board members, the content of her portfolio will be further determined. With her background in and knowledge of business, the equestrian sector and breeding Welsh ponies, she will be committed to the studbook. The Council of Members is pleased with her arrival and commitment to the studbook, and wishes her every success.

Appointment of chairperson of Council of Members
The Council of Members also unanimously appointed as its technical chairman, Mrs. Henriette (Jet) Fraser - Storm de Grave. She has been a member of the studbook since 2018 and has a number of Welsh ponies in her stable, in addition to a KWPN horse. These are mainly used in the sport. ‘When Yelin, one of the children, went home with a tray of prizes at Sports Day North, I realized that she could not have done this without a breeder.’ Ms. Fraser has an extensive record as an administrator, with several riding associations and clubs. The Council of Members welcomes her arrival and commitment to the studbook, and wishes her well.

Vacancy of chairman of the main board
With the announced departure by the current chairman, Mr. Piet Peters, from the main board, the Council of Members is looking for candidates for this position.

Main board vacancy
In addition to the vacancy of president, the vacancy for breed breeding affairs is open.