SUMMARY

The Membership Committee conducted a survey of the Tryon Hounds’ current, past and prospective members in August of last year to gather insights and information on topics the Board identified as strategically important to the organization. The survey initiative was based on the tenet that membership-driven organizations are most successful when their members’ input is valued, and the leadership takes effective action to build on successes and address challenges. The survey established significant data and comment on those subjects and many others.

The Membership Committee prepared its formal report on the survey results to the Board in October. Due to Covid restrictions and scheduling challenges, the Board and the Masters were not able to meet until earlier this spring.  On March 28th, the Board and the Masters met for several hours to review the findings and identify action plans on several key topics including Membership Growth, The Foxhunting Experience, Membership Engagement and Social Events, and Financial Matters.  You may view the full report to the membership here.

The Board thanks the Membership Committee for its hard work to develop and produce the survey. We appreciate the members’ participation to voice their concerns and aspirations about their hunt and we look forward to improving the Tryon Hounds experience for all of our members, staff and volunteers. 

FULL DETAIL

The Membership Committee conducted a survey of the Tryon Hounds’ current, past and prospective members in August of last year to gather insights and information on topics the Board identified as strategically important to the organization. The online survey was sent to 349 individuals from the Tryon Hounds’ mailing lists. 78 people participated for a response rate of 22%. In addition, Board members conducted 53 follow up interviews with respondents who asked to discuss the issues in greater detail. The survey produced valuable data and recommendations to inform the Board’s planning and future decisions.

The Membership Committee prepared its formal report on the survey results to the Board in October. Due to Covid restrictions and scheduling challenges, the Board and the Masters were not able to meet until earlier this spring. On March 28th, the Board and the Masters met for several hours to review the findings and identify action plans on several key topics. The following is a summary of the findings, and the goals and action items adopted by the Board:

  1. Membership Growth and Satisfaction. The survey affirmed that the members of Tryon Hounds are generally satisfied with the organization (4.2/5.0). A large majority were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the hunting and social opportunities. Membership engagement elicited lots of comments. Overall, most participants were satisfied with the amount and quality of the communications from Tryon Hounds, but there are definitely areas where we can improve.
    • Key Goal: Grow the Membership. In response to the survey data, including ideas to improve member networking and integrating new members, especially Social Members, the Board is developing a Mentor Program to connect new members with current members (at social events and in the field). We will also encourage the use of name tags at social functions, support Hunter Trials to bring in younger riding members and review the dues payment schedule. The Board is also developing a promotional video and materials about Tryon Hounds. This exciting project is led by Will McIntyre and is currently in production. The Membership Committee is also following up with survey respondents (friends or lapsed members) who indicated an interest in joining. That effort is producing good results.
    • Key Goal: Improve Membership Engagement. To address requests for increased communication and news about Tryon Hounds and the hunt community, the Board is taking several actions. The first is the creation of an electronic newsletter. This was begun in 2020 under the leadership of Amanda McDonald and it is growing with each edition. The Education and Communications Committee will be developing several events for the members including periodic (and fun!) educational activities on foxhunting, hounds, etiquette, history and traditions, horsemanship and other topics; updating Tryon Hounds Informational Pamphlet; and, creating a Membership Information Packet for new members. Plans are also in the works for an online membership roster.
  2. The Foxhunting Experience. The Riding Members and Social Members who cap provided the data on this subject. Respondent gave this topic the highest rating of the survey (4.3/5.0). While a strong majority the respondents are very pleased with the hunting experience. they also identified ideas that may make it even better. One area that many respondents requested is creating opportunities for the Masters to engage the members to learn more about the activities in the field and the planning for the hunting day. In response, the Masters and Board will be organizing a social “Town Hall” this fall for the members. It should be fun and informative event/
  3. Social Events. The survey found that most respondents were happy with the social events. (4.2/5.0) The hunt breakfasts are very popular and well-liked by a large majority of the members. At the hunt breakfasts, the social members truly look forward to the news of the day’s hunt and the hunt club from the huntsman and the Masters. The social events are also valued for the chance to meet new and interesting people who share a love of horses, hunting and the equestrian lifestyle. Members also enjoy catching up with friends on a regular basis. Some of the concerns included the cost of hosting a hunt breakfast and requests for more “pitch-ins” in the field each season. Based on the success of the Covid-necessitated “pitch-ins” in the field, the Social Committee is exploring an increased use of them in the future.
    • Key Goal: Increase Social Opportunities for Members. The Board is committed to establishing an effective Social Committee and plans to increase summer events, schooling days, trail rides and new ways to involve social members on hunt days as well as planning new social types of activities like ‘Game Nights’.
  4. Financial Matters. The survey showed that the members are very interested in a better understanding of the financial health of Tryon Hounds. Many are keenly aware of the financial challenges of a hunt and would appreciate more information and transparency. In response to these requests the Board published an informative set of graphic data about the income and expenses in a recent newsletter. Additional updates will be forthcoming to keep the members up to date. On the topic of fundraisers, the vast majority of respondents (81%) were satisfied with the number and quality of fundraising events. Regarding the issue of a capital campaign, the survey showed that the membership is generally in favor, if needed.
    • Key Goal: Capitalize on the momentum to strengthen our financial health. The hunt has strong financial management leadership and we are making good strides. In spite of the tremendous impact of the pandemic on our sport, our organization, and our normal lives, 2020 was a good year for the Tryon Hounds. Our membership actually increased and we are fairly well stabilized as we emerge from Covid. One of the areas where we can improve our financial health is by increasing the number of Certificate Holders. The Board will be working on that this year. If you have an interest in learning more about Tryon Hounds Certificates and becoming a Certificate Holder, please look at this page on our website - Basic FAQs about Tryon Hounds Certificates.

The survey initiative was based on the tenet that membership-driven organizations are most successful when their members’ input is valued, and the leadership takes effective action to build on successes and address challenges. The survey established significant data and comment on those subjects and many others.

The Board thanks the Membership Committee for its hard work to develop and produce the survey. We appreciate the members’ participation to voice their concerns and aspirations about their hunt and we look forward to improving the Tryon Hounds experience for all of our members, staff and volunteers.