BOD Nominees

My name is Samantha Crook, I live in southern Oklahoma with my husband David, together we have four grown children and five grandchildren.  I have been showing Gypsy Vanner horses for eight years. We own 11  Vanners.

For over twenty years I have owned my own businesses and served on numerous boards. I am a member of the:

1. NATIONAL Council of Non-profit Organizations
2. OKLAHOMA Center for Non-profit Members
3. Board of Directors for the Ardmore Tourism Authority
4. President/Founder-Courage Initiative Gypsy Vanner Outreach Inc., Non-profit 501c (3) 2017
5. GVHS Rules, By-Laws and Grievance Committee Member

In order for the GVHS to preserve the breed, the business organization must maintain its goals, values and ethics in good standing.  We must move forward together with the public having a better understanding of the breed, the society, and its members. I believe the GVHS Board needs to be transparent to its members. Education and communication are key factors in reaching a happy, productive, successful organization. The largest challenge faced by non-profit organizations is resources, and a productive membership. I would like to see standards for excellence with a diversified board educated in marketing, finance, leadership, networking, development and schematics.  Approaching improvement with intention through training, consulting, advocacy, membership, networking and awards.

I have been very involved with this breed over the past eight years.  I attend multiple non-profit education events throughout the year, as well as GVHS sanctioned events.  I have a great understanding of the GVHS as a non-profit organization, the articles of incorporation, by-laws, rules, policy & procedures and how they should be geared towards a successful registry for all members and horses.  I believe I possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to represent you the members of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches but reveal to him his own. “ – Benjamin Disraeli

I believe we are at a very exciting point in the growth and development of the GVHS.  We have a significant number of members who bring a wide and diverse experience and skill set to the table.  As a member of the GVHS Board of Directors I would seek to get to know and encourage the active participation of the membership in a variety of opportunities across the disciplines of equine education, breed development & maintenance, exhibition & show opportunities, regional program development and opportunities for members to connect and share with each other.  Growing, educating and developing our membership is as important as growing our horse population.

I hope you will consider my vote for the Board of Directors for the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.

Sincerely,

Samantha Crook

Gale Rempel:  For eleven years, I have been honored to be a Member of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, and an owner of wonderful Gypsy Vanners.  For eight of these years, I have been on the Board of Directors, working towards and promoting the preservation of the Breed.  The Members and Vanner owners in this organization have been on the forefront of my mind, while helping the organization develop its programs and initiatives to sustain growth of the Breed.  For the last six years, I have held the position of GVHS President.  I have taken this position very seriously and have been instrumental in the progress of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society and the Gypsy Vanner Breed over this time.

In addition to my duties as President, I have been involved in the organization of the GVHS Annual Meetings and Awards Banquet.  I have organized and been instrumental in the development of the Educational/Judges Seminar, and I have assisted in Evaluations, and volunteered many hours directly with managing and assisting with the many programs that benefit the Gypsy Vanner Horse and the Members of the GVHS.

My Board term expires at the end of 2022 and ask that you consider me for another three-year term on the Board of Directors starting in January 2023.

Along with my family, my passion throughout my life has been my horses and dogs.  For the past 48 years, I have been a horse owner.  For the last 30 years, I have been involved with breeding and showing Australian Shepherd Dogs and I have held the positions of Director and President within Affiliate Clubs to the Australian Shepherd Club of America.  I have been involved in the startup of pony clubs and dog breed organizations.  I have held a Secretary/Director position for over 4 years in our local Ohio horse club, and am also a member of the American Driving Society, the American Quarter Horse Association, and the Paint Horse Association.

I hold a Degree in Equine Management and Business, with my studies focused on equine nutrition, and form to function conformation, and soundness.  I also have extensive practical knowledge and experience with horses.  I currently own five Gypsy Vanners, a Quarter Horse and a Paint Horse.  I have been riding for as long as I can remember.  I have enjoyed competing in English, Western, Dressage, Driving, Trail Obstacle and Cow Sorting just to name a few.  My focus with my horses lately has been Breed Shows, Combined Driving events, and Trail Obstacle Challenges. I am also involved in a 4H/Open show program, and some of my Vanners are used for 4H children without their own horse, so that they can take riding lessons and experience the magic of a Gypsy Vanner!  Three of my mares have been instrumental over the last 8 years helping children learn to ride, giving them the chance to learn about horses, and compete with a Vanner during the 4H/Open Show season, and at the local 4H Fair.

My solid business background comes from having worked in sales and marketing in the equine industry for 5 years, and the last 18 years as an Executive Secretary of a successful manufacturing company in Ohio, owned by my husband, Mike, and me.

A lifetime of equine experience, combined with a strong business background, effective people and communication skills, and experience running and being involved in all capacities of dog breed, horse breed, and open show associations make me a great candidate for another term on the Board of Directors of the GVHS.

Please consider me for another 3-year term as a Director for the GVHS, representing the Gypsy Vanner Horse breed and our GVHS Membership.

Thank you.