So before I could get over the excitement of seeing more ground than snow, I’ve realized we are now into shedding season – at least for those of us who are riding yaks. I was looking for a graphic I saw at one point which was a closeup of a woman’s lips and instead of lipstick had horsehair but I could not find it so you’ll just have to use your imagination! I have a feeling the clippers will need to get pressed into action so turn Lefty back into a show horse!
Hard to believe we are a little more than 30 days and counting until our banquet, and 45 days out from our first sanctioned show of the season. I hope to see everyone at the banquet!
VQHA Grant Submissions
The Virginia Horse Industry Board has solicited requests for proposals to grow the horse industry in Virginia. VQHA submitted five ideas into the pre-proposal stage; three of them were accepted.
● Continued expansion of the Virginia Bred program
● Year end awards for our all breed classes
● Year end awards/clinics for Western Dressage
Our final proposals are now being considered along with 60ish other submissions. We’ll hear midMarch – fingers crossed!
Western Dressage Interest Meeting
We had an interest meeting on February 4th for our Western Dressage year end awards program, with a great combination of VQHA members and nonVQHA members attending. Lots of great questions and enthusiasm!
If you weren’t able to attend and/or have questions, please reach out to me (ewsmith84@gmail.com, 434-390-8433) or KC Meadows (kcmeadows15@gmail.com, 434-315-1577). We have a deck that outlines what we’re planning for the program that we’re happy to share. While we’ll be doing the year end awards component regardless, we are waiting to hear whether we have been awarded a VHIB grant or not for our formal kickoff. So when that happens we’ll be ready to roll!
Horse Protection Act – UPDATE
Last month I reported that implementation of the Horse Protection Act was imminent (effective February 1st). We have learned that implementation of this act has been delayed; we’ll continue to keep an eye on it.
!! In Search Of !!
Yes, we are always looking for volunteers! As I announced last month we have welcomed some enthusiastic new members to the Board but don’t think that we’re all full!
I’d like to focus this month on Vice President – this role works very closely with the President, and in addition to backing up the President if he/she isn’t available (for example, to run a meeting), can take on other responsibilities based on discussions with the President.
As always, if you’re interested but hesitant because you’re not quite sure what all is involved or not sure you’re ready to take on a major role, our directors all need committees and volunteering on a committee is a great way to get your feet wet as well as get an up close view of what the director does so you’ll be in a better position to decide if that’s something you would like to do.
Our elected positions of president and vice president won’t be filled until the banquet; our treasurer can be appointed as its election cycle is on the opposite year of the president/vice president. We have some interest in the president and treasurer roles don’t have those locked down, and we are still looking for interest in the vice president role. Please contact me for more information!
