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It is that time of year when everyone is wrapping up their events for this season. Many of you are heading out to your last shows and events. The GVHS has a record number of new members, so it is a great time to review the changes and updates that have been implemented this year. The Board of Directors and Committee members have been listening to member comments, ideas and issues. The Directors, Officers and staff have been busy all year.
For those interested in showing at Gypsy Vanner points approved shows, the Directors added some Youth awards for 2022. These will be awarded, along with the many others, at the annual awards banquet in February. The GVHS also had a fun Youth art contest and photo contest with prizes awarded. Based on tremendous feedback and suggestions from membership an Owner Amateur Exhibitor division has been added, starting with the 2023 show season. The show managers are now planning their shows to include Owner Amateur classes. The more support they see for these classes the more they will add to their lineup of classes.
The Directors also decided to add more classes to the show points program to benefit the members. The Ranch Rail class is now a points class. The Show Committee presented several new rules and rule updates which the Directors adopted based on their recommendations. The show rules for the 2023 show season are in the process of being updated and will be posted soon. Changes will be highlighted for easy reference of the changes and additions. To encourage use of these rules the Directors have provided double the monetary sponsorship to shows when the GVHS show rules are used.
Based on request of many members, the GVHS now posts all the show results in detail on the GVHS website. This way exhibitors are able to review the results the show managers have provided to the GVHS for accuracy of the results and the points. In addition, the GVHS has developed a Show Manager page on the website with a manual and information to help the manager. This is especially helpful to those wanting to start up a pointed show in their area.
In addition to new members, the GVHS has seen tremendous growth year after year in Gypsy Vanner horse registrations. This year has been no exception. Mid-summer, the GVHS achieved the goal of reaching 10,000 registered Gypsy Vanners. The registration number GV10000 was auctioned and won by Windkiss Ranch LLC who used the number to register their horse WIN Chief Justice.
In addition to the current programs, Show Points; USDF All Breeds; Vanner Advantage; Equine Trail Sports; and the most important Evaluation Program; the GVHS Directors received member requests to add the Working Equitation program this year. In 2022 the GVHS completed evaluations in six locations while also training additional evaluators so more locations can be added. There have also been more local/regional organizations for Gypsy Vanner owners being established. The GVHS is supporting those with a regional organization/club page on the website, along with providing a year end award within the local region. For questions on getting an evaluation in your area or on any of these programs contact gvhs@vanners.org.
With a goal to help members as much as possible, the GVHS has added an education page to the website. Here you can find educational articles and videos. Included are some videos on presenting your horse at an evaluation. All of these are especially helpful for new members / owners. A “Stay Informed” page is also now on the website. This is an always changing list of issues, programs, proposals etc., that are under consideration or development. This page helps keep the members informed on how the Directors, Officers, Committees and Staff are hard at work. Comments and suggestions from members on any of the items listed are encouraged.
As the organization grows, additional committees have been added. This year the Marketing Committee, Publications Committee and the Judges’ Committee have been added. The Judges’ Committee is currently updating and developing the educational seminar. This seminar is geared towards members, owners and judges but it is also educational for anyone considering the breed or just interested. After a successful annual meeting event in February 2022, now is the time to sign up for the annual event for 2023 which will be in Texas on February 24-26, 2023. See detailed information, and a link to room reservations and to the sign up form on the website.
At the 2022 annual meeting it was requested that the GVHS compile a Trainers List in addition to the already established Breeders List. This will provide a resource for owners looking for trainers. We do encourage the owner to research the trainer to find the best fit for them and their horse.
Members can access the GVHS online registry, free of charge. This system contains a huge amount of information on thousands of registered and non-registered horses. The GVHS has been involved in an ongoing software development project to further improve this system, with more improvements yet to come.
Wow! What a great year! Thank you to all who have worked so hard, attended events and generally supported the GVHS. Let’s all give thanks and support to the hardworking VOLUNTEER Directors, Officers and Committee Members.
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