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Sponsorship packages are now posted.... see the Annual Show page.  Info is also being mailed.

I have just discovered that the phone in the office is not working (8/30/10).  If you have left a message, please send an e-mail if possible until the phone is working again.

 

President's Message

November 2009
Dear SWVHJA members, exhibitors, sponsors, family, friends and fans,

On behalf of the SWVHJA Board of Directors and show management, welcome you to the 2009 SWVHJA Annual Horse Show & Medal Finals.  I trust everyone had a productive show season, and regardless of how you choose to quantify your success, be it in lessons learned, ribbons won or the amount of fun you have had, I hope you all have been able to achieve some of your goals in developing your horsemanship and elevating your riding skill throughout this past show year.

We are glad you are here to participate, in whatever capacity, at our final year-end bash.  In addition to early indications of larger numbers of entries than last year, I am most proud to announce that we have achieved our goal of 100% sponsorship for this year’s show.  A heart-felt and rousing thank you to all our generous sponsors, and all of those individuals who made calls and pounded the pavement to make that possibility a reality.  An especial thank you to Patty Lemon who helped to procure so much of the remaining necessary support as we drew nearer our deadline, to bring us to full sponsorship capacity.  We could not offer this exciting event without the support of our sponsors and friends.

Best of luck to all the exhibitors, and whether you are climbing aboard to ride, or sitting back to watch the action from the stands, enjoy the show!

Sincerely,
Gordon P. Reistrup
President

 

January 2009
Much like the rest of the nation this past year, 2008 found the Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association focused on strengthening its financial health and stability. The primary efforts of the board revolved around refining the Annual Show in order to make it more profitable while improving manageability for exhibitors. 

This year’s show, although with fewer entries in many divisions — possibly a reflection of these uncertain economic times — generated the most revenue since the windfall success of the 2005 show. The revised three-ring schedule was well-received, and provided exhibitors with much “kinder” and shorter show days, with a minimum of inter-ring conflicts. Sponsorship continued to be strong, and the board is already looking at several potential title sponsor opportunities which have been presented for upcoming years. 

Membership in the association has its privileges, but is itself a privilege, and with membership comes a responsibility to abide by the association’s rules and uphold its mission, for the benefit of all. We should continue to stress horsemanship and sportsmanship ringside, within the association, and at home. An area in which we all can improve is better attention to deadlines — it is almost a necessary evil of the horse business in that we are so busy taking care of the animals in our charge that we run out of time for those related details to which we need attend. Whether it is sending in our money for the annual banquet, submitting an ad for the yearbook, or being sure all our paperwork is in order before we walk into the show office, I encourage everyone to look to 2009 as the year to have it done on time.

Danny Young produced another fantastic installment of our annual yearbook, providing so many of our members with lasting images of their achievements. The board is working with Mr. Young to change ad deadlines and submission procedures to expedite the production of this valuable asset for the members. We need membership assistance in providing materials early enough that production does not become enmired in tracking down information. 

SWVHJA suffered a great loss this year in the passing of Jon Conyers, long-time member and supporter, whose efforts on behalf of the association and the horse community at large were exceeded only by his spirit and generosity in being a selfless proponent of our industry. His legacy of contributions and students is immense, and he will remain with us in our hearts forever. It has been a privilege to serve you this year. Thank you for your support in 2008, and good luck for the 2009 season.

Sincerely,

Gordon P. Reistrup
President

 

 

November 2008

Dear SWVHJA Members,
Congratulations on reaching the culmination of another show season, the SWVHJA Annual Horse Show & Medal Finals!    Although I am unable to be with you at the Annual Show and Medal Finals due to business conflicts, I am confident that the board and management, along with our invaluable executive secretary Anne Johnston, all of whom have worked together tirelessly fine-tuning the schedule and format for this year's event, will have everything well in-hand; Jenn Fessler will be my appointed stand-in and liaison with show management (I will be in constant contact with her), and with past-President Cricket Stone, Anne Johnston and the remaining board members also on hand, I am confident that this year's show and finals will run smoothly and be a resounding success.

I know that the board, management and our course designers will have the Virginia Horse Center bedecked as befits our exciting year-end finale, the crown jewel of our regional horse show season.  Good luck, have fun, and I look forward to seeing you in January at the Annual Awards Banquet.

With best regards,

Gordon Reistrup

 

 

 

 

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