GVHS Annual Meeting February 25, 2012
Meeting Location:
Royal Affairs Ballroom
140 E. Main St.
Lewisville, Texas 75057
Host Hotel:
Hilton Garden Inn
785 State Hwy 121 Bypass
Lewisville, TX 75067
make reservations online OR call 1-800-445-8667 and ask for the group rate code GVHS which will include breakfast for two each day. OR you can go online to the hotel site and get a lower rate if you prepay for your rooms, (will not include breakfast).
Save 20% by registering for the event by February 10th. The cost is $80 per person and that also includes your Saturday lunch and dinner. A Texas Barbeque is provided by the local farms on Sunday. After February 10th the cost is $100 per person. Register now by using this REGISTRATION FORM.
There is a shuttle from the airport to and from the hotel at a cost of $14 per trip per person. For information on how to set up that transportation CLICK HERE FOR SHUTTLE INFO.
Schedule of Events
Friday, February 24th
1pm – 5pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. Board of Directors Meeting -Open to all members.
6:30pm Welcome
7:30 pm No Host Bar
Saturday, February 25th
8:30am at the Royal Affairs Ballroom – General Introduction
8:45 – 9:45 Session #1 – Protecting You and Your Lifestyle – Legal Responsibilities of Horse Owners
A powerpoint presentation by an equine attorney on the specific responsibilities an owner should consider to protect themselves from some of the risks associated with horse activities and ownership. These would include
discussions on the following topics:
a. State ELA
b. Signage
c. Waivers
d. Attractive Nuisances
e. Legal Rights
f. Sales and Purchase Agreements
g. Breeding Contracts
9:45 – 10:45 Session #2- Keeping You and Your Horse Safe – Horse Trailer Safety Operations
discussions on the following topics:
Discover a check list you should perform each time you hitch-up and use your horse trailer. From safety checks for hitches to legal lighting, from wheel bearings to flooring, from divider partitions to mats, from tail bars/chains to door latches, from ventilation to safety equipment to carry. Learn through a powerpoint program tips to keep your horse and you safe while
traveling.
traveling.
10:45 – 11:45 Session #3 Reducing Costs Through Forage Selection and Pasture Management
Forages, whether they are provided in the form of hay or pasture, are a very important part of the horse owner’s management program in reducing the costs to maintain horses. Learn about the proper procedures for soil testing and methods to applications of plant nutrients. Weed control can be managed through chemical or mechanical means, learn the best process for your farm. Manure management is essential for small farms to learn. Grass and legume varieties best suited for adaptation for your soil types and conditions. In essence, learn how “grass” can save you money.
Noon – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Session #4 - Horse Farm Emergency Preparedness – Who Me? Why?
Yes YOU. Emergency preparedness is the key to saving the lives of animals and persons associated with emergencies such as brush and forest fires, tornados and hurricanes, ice and snow storms, and isolated incidences on your farm. And do
not overlook the unexpected incident caused by a riding, driving, or horse handling. Put into place procedures to follow for emergencies. Don’t just have a fire extinguisher, know how to properly use it. Through this presentation, increase your awareness on how to make your horse farm a safer place to enjoy.
not overlook the unexpected incident caused by a riding, driving, or horse handling. Put into place procedures to follow for emergencies. Don’t just have a fire extinguisher, know how to properly use it. Through this presentation, increase your awareness on how to make your horse farm a safer place to enjoy.
2:00 – 3:00 Session #5 - Horse Fencing 101 – What Makes a Safe Horse Fence?
The factors to consider in designing and installing a safe horse fence for you farm as determined by location and climate. Learn why you should install specific types of fences to keep horses confined in paddocks and pastures. Height and strength of the fencing material is determined by the breed and type as well as the number of horses. Determine if the least expensive fence today has the long term value and low maintenance you are seeking while providing a safe barrier to confine horses.
3:00 – 4:00 Session #6 – Foaling and Neo-Natal Care
From a veterinarian’s point of view, the procedures for managing the foaling mare and the post-foaling care of the
mare and foal. Learn the steps and procedures a veterinarian would recommend to maintain a healthy broodmare and foal. Things like, knowing when to call the vet for assistance, treatment of the new born navel, importance of the mare allowing
the foal to nurse – colostrum’s role in the foals life, fecal consistency and bowel movements, down on pasterns, maiden mare and her foal…….are some of the topics to be discussed.
mare and foal. Learn the steps and procedures a veterinarian would recommend to maintain a healthy broodmare and foal. Things like, knowing when to call the vet for assistance, treatment of the new born navel, importance of the mare allowing
the foal to nurse – colostrum’s role in the foals life, fecal consistency and bowel movements, down on pasterns, maiden mare and her foal…….are some of the topics to be discussed.
6:30 Annual Membership meeting, followed by the awards presentations, Dinner, and the annual fund raising auction. If you can donate something for the auction contact Pam.
Sunday, February 26th
Gypsy Vanner Farm Tour and Demonstrations
The GVHS members will be hosted by their fellow members and owners of Gypsy Vanner horses in the greater Dallas area. A real benefit of visiting the farms is getting a first hand look at the results of selective breeding programs. To top off the farm tour, educational demonstrations on training and presenting the Gypsy Vanner horses will be the highlight of the day. And, no visit to Texas would be complete without a real Texas barbeque lunch. All of this is included in the meeting registration fee.
The GVHS members will be hosted by their fellow members and owners of Gypsy Vanner horses in the greater Dallas area. A real benefit of visiting the farms is getting a first hand look at the results of selective breeding programs. To top off the farm tour, educational demonstrations on training and presenting the Gypsy Vanner horses will be the highlight of the day. And, no visit to Texas would be complete without a real Texas barbeque lunch. All of this is included in the meeting registration fee.
For those who do not have their own transportation, the GVHS will have a van available for members to travel from farm to farm. Maps and directions will be provided for those wishing to travel on their own.
Be sure to plan your travel home based upon the tentative schedule below.
8:15am Depart the Hotel
9:00am Joe and Chris Strange’s Gypsy Vanner Horse Ranch
Enjoy the morning seeing the horses, and learning more about the quality of horses in Texas.
10:45am Jim Brown & Gene Brown at Jim-a-Dee Ranch
Beside viewing horses, training demonstrations on:
1. An overview of showing in hand
2. Riding demonstration either in Western or English
3. Driving demonstration
4. Q&A Period
Lunch – Texas Ranch Barbeque provided by the host farms
1:00pm Bob Smith’s Cavalino Ranch, Gainesville, Texas
View the stallions and mares Cavalino has selected for his breeding program.
2:30pm Return to the Hotel