Bylaws of ND Appaloosa Horse Club
Bylaws adopted January 14, 2012
Revised February 21, 2026
North Dakota Appaloosa Horse Club
Bylaws
ARTICLE I: Purpose
To promote the Appaloosa horse at the regional level, cooperate with and aid in every way the ApHC, and abide by the Rules and Regulations printed in the current Official Handbook of the Appaloosa Horse Club.
ARTICLE II: Membership
Section 1: Membership Classifications
Two classifications of membership are available:
- Individual Membership: $20 annually
- Family Membership: $25 annually (includes youth through age 18)
Membership Details:
- Dues are due January 1 each year
- Points earned prior to payment will not count toward year-end awards
- Adult: 19 years and older
- Youth: 18 years and under as of January 1
- Family: Parents/guardians and children under 19 living in the same household
Section 2: Voting Rights
- Members 18+ in good standing may vote
- Individual membership = 1 vote
- Family membership = 2 votes
Section 3: Non-Transferable Membership
Memberships are non-transferable. Any attempt to transfer will void the membership without refund.
Section 4: Due Process
Membership may be revoked following a Board hearing for:
- Resignation
- Non-payment of dues or fees
- Egregious conduct toward members or leadership
Members will be given notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Section 5: Reinstatement
Reinstatement is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Section 6: Member Participation
Members are expected to serve on committees or assist in club activities.
Section 7: Year-End Awards
- Members must be in good standing to earn awards
- Owners listed on registration papers must be members
- Includes eligibility for World Championship participation
Section 8: NSF Check Policy
- All returned checks will be redeposited
- $30 fee applies
- Members cannot participate until resolved
- Unresolved issues may be reported to ApHC
ARTICLE III: Meetings
Section 1: Annual Meeting
Held annually as determined by the Board for reports and business.
Section 2: Special Meetings
May be called by:
- President
- Board of Directors
- 20% of voting members
Section 3: Notice of Meetings
Notice must be given at least 7 days prior via:
- Phone
- Website
Section 4: Quorum
- Board: Majority of directors
- Membership: Those present
Section 5: Voting
Voting must be done in person only (no proxy voting).
Section 6: Decision Making
Majority vote required unless otherwise specified.
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors & Elections
Section 1: Board Structure
- 5–7 directors
- 3-year terms
Section 2: Elections
- Held at annual meeting
- Members vote for Board and officer preferences
- Only one member per family may serve on the Board
Section 3: Vacancies
Vacancies occur due to:
- Death
- Resignation
- Failure to attend 3 meetings without valid reason
Filled at the next business meeting.
ARTICLE V: Board Powers
Section 1: Authority
The Board defines policies and manages the organization.
Section 2: Tenure
- 5–7 members
- 3-year terms
Section 3: Officers
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
(All serve 1-year terms)
ARTICLE VI: Officers
President
- Presides over meetings
- Manages operations
- Ensures decisions are implemented
Vice-President
- Assumes President duties when needed
Secretary
- Records meeting minutes
- Maintains records
- Sends meeting notices
Treasurer
- Manages funds
- Provides financial reports
- Maintains accurate records
Director
- Represents members
- Assists with projects
ARTICLE VII: Committees
Section 1: Committees
May include:
- Annual Meeting
- Show
- Publicity
- Partnership Program
- Fundraising
Committee chairs are Board members.
Section 2: Terms
Committee terms are one year unless ended earlier.
ARTICLE VIII: Awards
Section 1: Point System
- Points tracked for all categories
- Requires participation in at least 2 approved shows
Section 2: Points Breakdown
- Winner earns points equal to number of entries (max 9)
- Each placing earns one less point
- Grand Champion earns +1 point
- Reserve Champion earns equal to division (minus Grand)
Section 3: Special Award
Friend of NDApHC Award
Recognizes outstanding contributions.
Section 4: Show Approval
- In-state shows automatically approved
- Out-of-state requires membership vote
Section 5: ND Born or Bred Award
- Nomination fee: $20
- Horse must be ND-born or bred
- Must compete in halter & performance
Section 6: Partnership Program
Members log riding hours for awards.
ARTICLE IX: Conduct & Meetings
Section 1: Conduct
All meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 2: Order of Precedence
Meeting leadership order:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Section 3: Order of Business
- Roll Call
- Minutes Approval
- Treasurer Report
- Membership Applications
- Bills & Communications
- Committee Reports
- Old Business
- New Business
- Elections
- Adjournment
ARTICLE X: Indemnification
Club protects directors, officers, and committee members from liability unless due to misconduct or dishonesty.
ARTICLE XI: Communication
Section 1: Communication Policy
- Information shared electronically
- Must not be used to harm or oppose ApHC
- Must align with ApHC rules and values
Appendix A: Duties of Officers
(Condensed for web readability)
President
- Oversees operations
- Represents the club
- Leads meetings
- Communicates with members
Vice-President
- Supports President
- Assists with projects
Secretary
- Maintains records
- Tracks membership
- Manages communications
Treasurer
- Handles finances
- Reports status
- Maintains records
Director
- Represents members
- Chairs committees
- Reports progress
Appendix B: Committees
Annual Meeting Committee
- Plan event
- Coordinate awards
- Organize fundraising
Show Committee
- Plan shows
- Secure staff & approvals
- Promote events
Partnership Program Committee
- Track riding hours
- Manage awards
Fundraising Committee
- Plan and execute fundraising
- Coordinate promotions
Publicity Committee
- Manage social media
- Promote events
- Engage with members