About BCHA

The Botetourt County Horseman's Association was created to address and serve the interest demonstrated in Botetourt County toward better horsemanship as well as the educational needs of the youth in the county. BCHA's primary focus is:

· To promote interest in breeding and showing of horses
· To promote better horsemanship
· To offer educational opportunities and social activities
· To stimulate interest in the equine and local equine activities and events

Currently, we are working towards the future goal of a Horse and Agricultural Center in Boteourt County. We have worked with the Botetourt County Recreation Department and opened The Greenfield Trail which was recently dedicated and opened for the use of trail riders. Applications and Waiver Forms are available through the BCHA or through the Botetourt County Department of Recreation in Fincastle, Virginia.

We publish a monthly newsletter for our members which includes a calendar of local events, articles of equine interest, spotlight on members, 4-H news and more.

Currently our membership totals approximately 121 members and we are growing!

BCHA holds monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. We organize, sponsor, and attend seminars and clinics as well as all kinds of horse shows including all-breed and gaming. We also have many social gatherings including picnics, trail rides, and our annual Christmas party in mid December.

You don't have to own a horse or even ride to join BCHA. All you need is a love of horses and the willingness to participate and support the organization. So come join us!

2007 Board of Directors
President: Jen Ward
Vice President: Debbie Thurman
Treasurer: Melissa Fridley-Jasper
Recording Secretary: Laura Owen
Board Members: Bob Woodie, Rebekah Woodie,
Karen Quisenberry, Betty Honse
Newsletter Editor/Webmaster: Jen Ward

2007 Committee Chairs
Greenfield: Under Review
Membership: Jen Ward and Debbie Thurman
Hospitality: Open
Horse Show: Ginny Ricotta
Education & Information: Phyllis Johnson

GREENFIELD COMMITTEE
To create and define goals with respect to the development and usage of Greenfield; to work in conjunction with BCHA President and Board of Directors, appropriate county officials and respective legal advisors to further the development of Greenfield; to report to the membership on findings; to work with Greenhill Park and other local equestrian centers or equine organizations to gather information which will further the development of Greenfield; and to create goodwill for the benefit of Greenfield and BCHA.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Maintain accurate membership roster; ensure that member profiles are updated annually; work in conjunction with BCHA President and Board of Directors to increase membership through membership drives and recruitment by current members; to ensure membership dues are collected annually for the calendar year (January through December).

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
To plan, organize and coordinate entertainment for specific events such as the Annual Christmas Party; to work in conjunction with the Horse Show Committee regarding concessions for BCHA events; coordinate changes in meeting places, i.e. restaurants, meeting rooms, etc.

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
To make recommendations to the Board of Directors on specific events and projects to raise funds for development of the Horse Park at Greenfield; to work in conjunction with other committees to plan and organize such fundraising events; to research, apply for and follow through on available grant funds through various organizations and to monitor the receipt of and usage of such funds as they pertain to Greenfield.

HORSE SHOW COMMITTEE
To plan, organize and coordinate BCHA-sponsored horse shows, trail rides, hunter paces, etc; duties to include confirming event dates and securing event site, acquiring appropriate waivers, insurance, and medical assistance on show site, to create class list, prize list, if appropriate, acquiring ribbons and trophies; to secure judges for the show; to work in conjunction with the Hospitality Committee on concessions; to recruit committee members and volunteers to serve as concession staff, announcers, gate attendants, and grounds workers; to be on site on day of the event to coordinate and oversee the event.

EDUCATION & INFORMATION COMMITTEE
To be responsible for engaging speakers for monthly meetings and to develop programs, clinics and seminars which will be of interest to all members; to see that an appropriate gift is presented or approved fee is paid on behalf of BCHA for those speakers; to coordinate and monitor development of BCHA website; to include newly formed BCHA Video Library; video librarian will purchase videos on behalf of BCHA and maintain video inventory and monitor return of borrowed videos.