GVHS Absence of affiliate news in the Gypsy Horse Journal
 
     Your GVHS Board of Directors would like the members to know why Gypsy Vanner Horse Society Affiliate News is not in the Gypsy Horse Journal and why the Board does not support nor endorse this publication.
      The GVHS participated with advertisements and an affiliate news article in the initial publication.  However, upon review of the first issue the GVHS raised concerns over absence of the history of the introduction of the breed into America.  While we could appreciate the editors wish to go directly to England and gypsy breeders for information, we felt that to completely overlook the introduction of the breed to America left out a critical step in the recognition of the breed for the magazine's readers.  This was not only disturbing to your Board but also to several GVHS members, one of whom wrote a Letter to the Editor.  This member was most concerned when the letter was not printed in the second issue of the magazine.  Your Board then began a dialogue with Gypsy Horse Journal in hopes of rectifying the situation.  An affiliate news article was prepared for inclusion in the summer issue of the GHJ.  It stated among other things the registry's opinion on the lack of inclusion of our history in the magazine and the missing letter to the editor. A copy of the submission is below.  The article was refused unless it could be revised to suit the wishes of the editorial staff of GHJ. 
      The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society is the first registry in the world to recognize the selectively bred horses of the British/Irish Gypsies as a breed.  It was established to recognize, preserve, and promote a true and actual breed of horse - one clearly identified by a breed standard.  While your registry has not been without growth pains, you can rest assured it has always remained true to its foundational mission and goals.  As an organization the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society must defend the horse it was founded to honor and respect.  While for some the generic term, Gypsy Horse, might suffice; it cannot capture or define the horse that can proudly bear the name Gypsy Vanner Horse.
      The GVHS continues its affiliation with Equine Journal and encourages our members to utilize this publication for information and advertising.  We support EJ because it allows for equal representation by all breed organizations.  
 Gypsy Vanner Horse Society
  
Affiliate News Article submitted to
Gypsy Horse Journal - Summer 2010 
 
     The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society while it appreciates the opportunity to provide our membership with a news article in the Gypsy Horse Journal does not endorse the direction of this publication towards our chosen breed - the Gypsy Vanner Horse. 
     The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society is proud to be the first and only registry ever established specifically for the British/Irish Gypsies' selectively bred horse; recognized first as a type and then as a definitive breed in 1996. It is regrettable that this publication in its premier edition made no mention of this fact. It is also very disappointing that Ann Crowley's letter to the editor regarding this slight was omitted from "Letters to the Editor" in the Spring edition.
The GVHS since 2009 has slowly and consistently been building our educational programs.  Our GV Horse Breed Standard Seminars provide participants with the history and development of the Gypsy Vanner Horse from its roots in UK selective herds to its American beginnings.  Our Breed Standard which honors the expected quality in the gypsies' selectively bred herds of the 1990's is taught step by step.  Questions are taken and discussion is encouraged throughout the class time.  The seminar moves along with a hands-on portion with live Vanners for students to clearly experience each element in the standard.  During this part of the seminar participants quickly see not only the beauty produced through the required standard of excellence, but they recognize clearly how form gives way to function.  Once the standard is taught and understood then the evaluation process is seen as an important next step in not only recognizing and maintaining that standard but in making sound breeding choices for building the breed as well.  We have held seminars and breed evaluations in Ohio, Florida and Texas.  We encourage our members to visit our website for possible seminars and evaluations scheduled near you or to request a program for your area.
      As part of this educational process we urge you to perform your due diligence when purchasing a horse that is purported to be a Gypsy Vanner. Just because a seller tells you a horse is a registered Gypsy Vanner Horse does not make it so.  Only the GVHS can verify that for you.  If you find a horse you like and it is important to you that the horse is a Vanner prior to purchase we ask that you call our 1-888-520-9777 number and speak with either the Executive Director or our Registrar.  They can easily help you with this information.  To call after the fact has left some disappointed and feeling they have been had.  On the other hand we know that many of our member farms dual and triple register their stock.  We only ask that those members clearly distinguish the horses that are Vanners for interested buyers.  This eliminates confusion and possible disappointment for everyone.
We are pleased to accept the awesome responsibility for educating about, preserving, protecting, and promoting what we believe is the most enchanting and versatile equine partner you could ever experience.  We therefore invite any and all who are interested to, "Come and share the dream with us!"
 
Joyce M. Christian
Executive Director, GVHS