Upper Midwest
Foxtrotter Association

Promoting the breed as a regional effort
By Laws

UPPER MIDWEST FOX TROTTER ASSOCIATION, INC.
BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I:   NAME

The name of the charter organization shall be the Upper Midwest Foxtrotter Association, Inc.  (UMFTA)

ARTICLE II:  OBJECTIVE

The objective of this club is to unite fox trotter owners in the Upper Midwest in order to: promote the fox trotting horse as a
distinct and versatile breed; educate all horse owners about proper gait and showmanship; promote the breeding programs
found in the Upper Midwest; provide opportunities for owners to exhibit and ride their horses; promote youth horsemanship
programs; disseminate knowledge and news about the Missouri Fox Trotter from the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed
Association.

ARTICLE III:   MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1.
Any person of good character and reputation may become a UMFTA member upon payment of dues as provided under these
bylaws and by agreeing to comply with all rules, regulations and mandates of this club. UMFTA members of the organization
must own a Missouri Fox Trotter horse and pay yearly dues. The Term of membership begins from the date of receipt of
application or renewal. Members are also strongly encouraged to be members of MFTHBA.  Each single paid member will be
entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote by the general membership.  Family memberships have two votes. Junior
members under 18 years may participate under the family membership. Membership cards will be issued annually by the
Secretary/Treasurer.

SECTION 2.   DUES
Dues are to be paid directly to the Secretary/Treasurer. Annual dues shall be $20 for single and $35 for family memberships,
150.00 for life time memberships. Members who do not renew their membership within the 30-day grace period following the
expiration date will be dropped from the membership register.


ARTICLE IV:  MEETINGS

SECTION 1.   MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
The annual meeting of the UMFTA shall be held during the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI, in April. A general membership
meeting may be held during any club event with at least a 30-day notification period to all six (6) members of the Executive
Committee called by the President.
SECTION 2.   SPECIAL MEETINGS
The President or a quorum of the Board of Directors may call special meetings of members. The presence of three (3)
officers/directors shall constitute a quorum to conduct business. The President may call a meeting of the Board of Directors at
any time by email, written or telephone correspondence. Results of any mailed balloting shall be kept on record by the
Secretary/Treasurer for a period of one year.

SECTION 3.   QUORUM
A majority vote of the members at a regular or called meeting shall have the authority to transact business..


ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1.   NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Officers of this club shall consist of a President, Secretary/Treasurer, and three (3) directors. The three (3) officers and
three (3) directors shall constitute the Board of Directors (Executive Committee). The Board of Directors shall be appointed for
a 12-month period by the president and approved by membership at the annual meeting.

SECTION 2.   ELIGIBILITY
Directors must be members of the organization and the MFTHBA for a minimum of one year.  Any director who ceases to be a
member of either shall cease being a director of the organization.  Officers shall be nominated by the nominating committee
(current officers).

SECTION 3.   DUTIES OF OFFICERS
President – shall preside at all meetings, act as Chairman of the Executive Committee, and fill all board vacancies by
appointment. If the President  the President will appoint a Board Member to act as Chairman for that meeting only.

Secretary/Treasurer – keeps complete records of general meetings and Board of Director meetings; keeps membership records
and answers all correspondence unless otherwise directed by the Board of Director; maintains accurate financial records,
collects membership dues, and handles all financial affairs unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors – shall have the power to transact all necessary club business between meetings, carry out club instructions,
authorize expenditures, create ways and means of carrying out UMFTA objectives, formulate rules during the year not covered
by UMFTA bylaws and act upon charges brought to their attention.

ARTICLE VI.     PARLIAMENTARY RULES

Roberts Rules of Order will govern all proceedings of the UMFTA. Order of Business shall be: Call to order, Roll call of
officers, Reading of the minutes, Committee Reports, Old business, New business, Adjournment.

ARTICLE VII. DISCIPLINE
SECTION 1.
The Executive Committee may suspend, expel, or dispose of any member or reject a membership for conduct, in its judgement,
warrants such action. Any person expelled or refused membership shall not be reconsidered for membership for a period of
two years following disciplinary action. Failure to exhibit good sportsmanship or other action in direct conflict with the
objectives of this club will be considered grounds for expulsion or rejection.

SECTION 2.
If any Officer or Director becomes delinquent in his/her dues,  he/she shall be notified by the Secretary/Treasurer. If the
membership is not renewed by the 30-day grace period, that office will be declared vacant. Any officer or director failing to
fulfill his/her duties and/or display a lack of interest in club matters, will be asked to resign by the President. A majority vote can
be taken by the Board of Directors to declare the office vacant.

ARTICLE VIII.     AMENDMENTS
These articles may be altered, amended or repealed by a two-thirds majority vote of the charter members and other members
who have been in membership for at least 5 years.  This action can take place at any general meeting provided 15-days written
notice has been given to the members of the intention to make changes in the articles at the designated meeting.

Promoting the
breed as a
regional effort