Around thirty riders and riders who are members of the Basque Coast Horse Club filed an appeal a few weeks ago before the Bayonne judicial court, to challenge the legality of the general assembly which was held on September 24, 2022. and saw the arrival of a new office with Isabelle Benech as president.
“The outgoing president had refused the applications that we presented,” said Olivier, one of the plaintiff riders. “Every time we raise a…
Around thirty riders and riders who are members of the Basque Coast Horse Club filed an appeal a few weeks ago before the Bayonne judicial court, to challenge the legality of the general assembly which was held on September 24, 2022. and saw the arrival of a new office with Isabelle Benech as president.
“The outgoing president had refused the applications that we presented,” said Olivier, one of the plaintiff riders. “Every time we raise a problem, in a box or elsewhere, we are told to look elsewhere,” adds Céline, also a complainant.
“In addition to this lack of transparency and democracy, the collective of members is concerned about the persistence of dysfunctions within the association, notably characterized until September 2023, by an understaffing in all categories of staff, grooms, carers, educators, secretary, induced by the placement on sick leave of several employees, a succession of resignations, and the dismissal deemed unfair by the collective of the riding instructor Christelle Sys, employee of the club for 20 years », Wrote the members of the horse racing club who had joined the rebellion.
“I am still surprised that it comes a year after the general meetings”
Justice decision
They are now awaiting the judge’s decision on the grievances raised “for failure to respect the deadline for convening the AGM; the lack of precision in the agenda contained in the convocation and the impossibility of consulting the complete agenda as well as the text of the deliberations prior to the holding of the general meeting; doubt as to compliance with the statutory rules relating to the number of mandates; the absence of any respect for democratic principles during the debates of the General Assembly; and above all, the illegitimate and unjustified refusal of candidatures for the elections of the Management Committee. »
“We have taken note of this approach, undertaken by around thirty riders,” replies Isabelle Benech. Today it is up to the courts to decide. We have sent all the necessary documents to our lawyer. I am still surprised that this comes a year after the extraordinary and ordinary general meetings of September 24, 2022. We have more than 400 club members and many express their satisfaction. »
In his eyes, it was the dismissal of an instructor, who had been at the club for a long time, which ignited the situation. “We did not make this decision lightly, but we had reasons to do so. »
Rising prices
Another subject concerns the president of the Basque Coast Horse Club. “The prices of fodder, pellets and bedding for horses have increased significantly. Electricity too, while it is essential to properly light our careers, for the safety of riders and horses. »
These increases resulted in an increase in the price of the membership fee, but especially in the prices of walks and other activities for non-members. “Which does not cover the increase in costs that we are experiencing,” explains Isabelle Benech.
Training club
The Horse Riding Club has nine employees, including four teachers, four grooms and a secretary. Its activities are broken down into several chapters. As a training center certified as a French riding school, it prepares people for the riding profession. It also has the Qualiopi certification delivered to training organizations and the “Validated disabled” label which concerns the reception of people with disabilities. It also has a sports section in show jumping and eventing and regularly organizes competitions.
Horse welfare
The Basque Coast Horse Club has its own horses, but also welcomes owners’ horses. Animal welfare is one of its priorities. “We are all united by this desire for horses and ponies to be in the best conditions. », assures Fabienne Ribe, horse riding club volunteer.
“We have also been certified for this approach,” adds Isabelle Benech. Our training horses are put out to pasture for two weeks each year. We have greatly developed work on foot and ethology (scientific study of the behavior of animal species). We did a survey of our members and many want us to continue with this approach. Today there is a very strong demand for rope climbing. »
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