ASHBA Update from Vice President Jennifer Dixon: Bylaws Review and Amendment Process
Monday, November 24, 2025
On behalf of the Governance Council, I am providing this formal communication regarding the bylaws review and amendment process recently completed. Over the past several months, the Governance Committee has undertaken a comprehensive examination of the Association’s governing documents to ensure clarity, alignment with current operations, legal compliance, and alignment with recognized nonprofit governance standards.
I extend sincere appreciation to the Governance Committee members for their diligence and professionalism throughout this process: Gregg Bargo, Conor Cooper, Sophia Fischer, Roger Gray, Diane Hauslein, Emily McGauley, Joe O’Brien, Alan Rich, Scott Robinson, Rachel Seifert, Barbe Smith, Melissa Taylor, Chris Willis.
Additionally, I acknowledge and appreciate the members who provided feedback. Member input was reviewed and thoughtfully considered, resulting in several revisions incorporated into the final version. This collaborative approach reflects our shared commitment to a governance structure that is both functional for administration and reflective of member expectations.
Key Member-Informed Governance Enhancements
- Restoration of Direct Member Voting Rights - Members will vote to elect Directors, reinstating a practice intended to ensure accountability, transparency, and shared governance authority.
- Formalized Voting and Nomination Processes - Clear procedures are now documented for both Director and Nominating Committee elections, including eligibility requirements, communication timelines, and voting methods.
- Modernization for Efficient and Orderly Meetings - Provisions have been updated to support streamlined voting, meeting administration, and, when necessary, proxy-only or virtual participation to ensure timely and efficient completion of business.
- Updated Membership Categories and Associated Rights - Membership classifications and specific privileges have been clarified to reduce ambiguity and ensure accurate application of eligibility, participation, and program involvement.
Additional Governance and Compliance Alignment
• Updated electronic communication and notice provisions
• Clarified board participation and service expectations
• Defined governance amendment submission and review pathway
• Enhanced transparency for public-facing governance documentation
• Confirmed compliance alignment with nonprofit governance practice
The amended and restated bylaws are now published for members to review https://www.saddlebred.com/about-us/governance. Members are encouraged to read the full document to ensure familiarity with the current governance structure and procedures.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and commitment to the community. These revisions reinforce a governance framework that supports operational effectiveness, member participation, and organizational sustainability.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Dixon
Vice President
Chair, Governance Council
American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association
New Governance Form –
The Governance Council has created a new form for the submission of proposals to ensure voting members are able to submit formal proposals for consideration.
Amendments to the Bylaws or Proposals –
Amendment to the Bylaws - A Voting Member seeking to amend the Bylaws of the Association shall first submit the Governance Proposal Form to amend the Bylaws to the President, which shall include the text of any proposed amendment.
Proposals for Consideration – A Voting Member seeking to present a proposal for consideration shall first submit the Governance Proposal Form to the appropriate committee or Council for consideration.
Governance Proposal Form https://www.saddlebred.com/about-us/governance
Mark your Calendar!
The Annual Meeting will be held on February 13th, 2026.
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