GVHS Sponsorship of Shows:

Late last year the GVHS Show Committee, comprised of GVHS members representing a cross section of GVHS Regions, were asked by the Board of Directors to help in developing a set of criteria to utilize in assessing breed shows seeking inclusion in our program as GVHS Points-Qualifying Shows and to receive GVHS sponsorship money.   

First and foremost on the minds of our members and the Committee members who had been appointed to represent them was the importance of Shows being professionally and competently managed and judged.   

Each year, our members spend a great deal of time and money to get their Gypsy Vanner horses prepared for breed shows and to travel to and exhibit at these shows.  In return, our members/owners have indicated that they expect the GVHS to perform the appropriate due diligence to ensure that the shows that are GVHS-supported meet the basic expectations for professionalism and competition (show classes, show rules, breed standard).   Additionally, the GVHS Board of Directors is responsible to ensure that the GVHS Mission & Goals and programs are appropriately recognized in return for the sponsorship dollars that come from our members' dues, fees and fundraising support.    

Based upon Committee discussions, a checklist form was developed for implementation in 2015 to help us gather information on each show requesting Points-Qualifying status and the respective sponsorship. The criteria included review of aspects such as the Show Management, the Show Judge, and their respective qualifications, the Show Rules and Breed Standard being utilized and the exposure/educational opportunity for the GVHS via social media, show display, advertising in the Show Program, etc.  Geographic balance for awarding show points was also considered.   

Where there is any question regarding the Rules, the Breed Standard, the Judge, the Show Management or the prospect of fair and balanced representation of the GVHS organization, some shows may be denied inclusion in our Points-Qualifying program and denied sponsorship.   These criteria were developed with the input of our GVHS members with their expectation that we spend their money wisely. In cases where we have denied Points- Qualifying status and sponsorship to particular shows, it was done because GVHS management, based upon the information presented, felt that the show had not sufficiently met the expectations and criteria expected and expressed by our membership. 

A full list of all GVHS Points-Qualifying Shows that are also eligible for GVHS sponsorship support is available on the GVHS website at www.vanners.org.

The GVHS staff and Board do not engage in monitoring and responding to questions and criticisms of these decisions via social media.  

If any GVHS members or owners have questions about the criteria and the process by which we approve Points-Qualifying shows and Show Sponsorship we invite you to communicate with us by telephone, email or mail.