Notice of Special General Meeting (SGM)

All Members of the BC Therapeutic Riding Association (BCTRA)

Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of the members of the BC Therapeutic Riding Association will be held as follows:

Monday June 8th, 2026
7:00-7:30 PM PT

Virtual Meeting via Zoom
~ Register below to receive meeting video link ~

The primary purpose of this meeting is to consider and,
if thought fit, pass two Special Resolutions:

To change the name of the Society to the
BC Association of Equine Assisted Services Professionals (BC-EASP).

To amend the Society’s Bylaws to expand the
Board of Directors from seven (7) to nine (9) seats.

Background

Following a comprehensive strategic review and the development of our 12-month roadmap, the Board of Directors has identified two critical shifts necessary to secure our organization’s future.

First, our current name no longer fully encompasses the breadth of equine-assisted services provided by our members across British Columbia. To better serve as a professional umbrella organization—advocating for all modalities of equine-facilitated work—we propose a transition to a name that reflects our inclusive, professional future.

Second, as we transition toward a governance-based leadership model, we require increased board capacity. Expanding from seven to nine directors will allow the Society to recruit a wider range of specialized expertise and ensure robust representation from across the province. 

Third, as we move into this Governance Board structure, we recognize the need for dedicated leadership within the organization to manage operations and strategic execution. We are happy to announce that we added a part-time Executive Director to our team. This role will be instrumental in driving our provincial advocacy and industry stewardship forward while allowing the Board to focus on high-level oversight and sustainability.

Together, these changes represent a vital step in modernizing our association to better support our members and the industry at large.

The following resolutions will be presented for a vote:

Special Resolution #1: Alteration of Constitution (Name Change)

“BE IT RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT the name of the Society be changed from BC Therapeutic Riding Association to BC Association of Equine Assisted Services Professionals.“

Special Resolution #2: Amendment to the Bylaws (Board Composition)

“BE IT RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT the Bylaws of the Society be amended to increase the maximum number of Directors from seven (7) to nine (9) to support the strategic growth and governance capacity of the Association.”

Agenda

1. Call to Order & Verification of Quorum
2. Welcome: Board Chair
3. Overview:  Executive Director | Governance & Leadership Update
4. Special Resolution #1: Name Change to BC-EASP
5. Special Resolution #2: Increasing Board Seats from 7 to 9
6. Discussion & Member Q&A
7. Formal Voting (digital ballot)
8. Adjournment

See you there!
Your BCTRA Board of Directors