by Linda Scrivner

            Christy Lantis conducted the Marketing Committee meeting due to Vice President of Marketing Marty Irby, not being available. Lantis said that Celebration 2006 had hurt us with sponsors and that we have a limited amount of funding available this year. She said that 60% of the pie is recreational riding and that today Chuck Cadle signed an agreement with the National Park Service that will promote our Tennessee Walking Horses and get them more into the eyes of the public.            

            Nicole Carswell said that we will be using riding instructors and they will be teaching Rangers to ride the walking horses. They also talked about corporate sponsors for shows throughout the country and for trail rides. Carswell said that a video would be shown tomorrow at the meeting.

            Someone asked about where the horses would come from and it is hoped that horses will be donated or loaned for these programs. To have trail rides, the trails must be taken care of, bikers are taking over and using many of them because they have concerted efforts to keep these trails up. We would get promotion from the Parks themselves. There are over 300 parks.

            Jack Haefling said that there were three important objectives of this program. The general agreement contains three objectives of mutual interest to all parties: 1. To explore opportunities to link the National Park Service’s existing youth programs, such as the Junior Ranger program, with youth programs within TWHBEA, such as the Youth Academy program which certifies riding instructors and teaches leadership qualities through the use of equine-assisted education. 2. To identify ways in which the Partners can enhance the training and development of NPS staff in the practical use of horses for resource management and protection activities and in the maintenance of park facilities, where horse use coincides with specific park conditions and is consistent with general management plans. 3. Provide up to 15 targeted educational and interpretive events in park units and on trails in the national Trails System that increase awareness of sustainable horse use, best practices and environmental ethics by trail users, NPS personnel and a wide range of interested parties and potential additional partners.

            The next discussion pertained to the changes to the Voice that were discussed in the Admin/Fiscal committee meeting. Someone mentioned that they didn’t need two Voices because there were two members in the same family. Others suggested that they have the other Voice sent to a library or youth group. Ways to promote using the magazines was discussed.

            Lantis also discussed a possibility that insurance might be available for TWHBEA members.