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August marked the Gypsy Horse Association’s six-month anniversary. With 65 members and almost 200 horses registered, the GHA is America’s fastest growing GH association. Since its inception, GHA members have been out actively showing their horses--at local shows, breed shows, and equine expos--as well as just plain having fun with them. August was no exception.

GHA-registered horses numbered among the sixteen GHs participating in this year’s Oregon State Fair Gypsy Horse Show, held August 25 and 26. In its sixth year, this is the oldest GH show in America. Participating was GHA member Helen Halderman of Viewcrest Farm, who states, “The Oregon State Fair was a great show. We are already looking forward to next year!” Helen and other GHA members contributed to the roster of the show’s champions and reserve champions as well as participating in the under saddle and “fun” classes.

Helen herself provided the Champion Gelding of the show—the talented Jazz It Up. Also participating was Orcas Feathered Horses. Its mare Cloud Dancer, who is as lovely as her name, was Reserve Champion Mare of the show. Dancer is co-owned by Maggie and Ron Schuler DVM of Orcas and Bob and Jeanie Weir of Epona Moon Farm.

Helen also showed Jazz It Up under saddle in the Costume and Western Walk Trot classes. In the Costume class, the pair, draped in royal purple, portrayed the Queen and her court. She states, “The audience loved the Costume class and the Liberty class—lots of flying feather. It was very impressive!”

The GHA would like to thank the Oregon State Fair for its continuing support of its Gypsy Horse Show and to congratulate all the winners. We’d like especially to recognize the winners of the Driving and the Jog in the Park classes, which the Gypsy Horse Association sponsored.

Participating in the Buckeye Gold Cup Gypsy Vanner Show & Futurity Event was Power Paint Gypsy Farm, owned by Mary Ann Riess. Power Paint racked up a number of 1sts and 2nds in the Buckeye: EBV Airwalker placed first in the Stallion halter class out of 4 entries and second in the Color class out of 19 entries; Clononeen Cash placed second in the Senior Mare class, while 10 months pregnant no less; and Pretty Penny not only placed second in the North American Bred class out of 17 entries but was Grand Champion Mare. Congratulations to Power Paint Gypsy Farm and to all the other winners of the Buckeye!

And on November 13-16, please join GHA member farms Blarneystone Acres, Chocolate Horse Farm, Hearts n Horses Farm, Iron Bridge Farm, Painted Hills Gypsy Farm, and Snow Eden Gypsies at the 2008 Massachusetts Equine Affaire to be held at W. Springfield. This is GHA’s debut Equine Affaire, and 12-14 GHA-registered horses will be in attendance.

GHA’s stall and breed booth in the Breed Pavilion (the Stroh Building) will be 2502 and 2503. For those who have never attended, member horses are displayed in the organization’s stall adjoining its breed booth on a rotating schedule. GH owners will be available at the GHA’s breed booth to answer inquiries or just to chat. Should you be attending the EA, please stop by and meet some of the lovely horses who will be on display.

Besides showing, members of GHA also simply enjoyed their horses during August. One such member was June Villa of Dandridge, Tennessee, who organized a Saturday drive for friends at the historic Riverplains Farm of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. June’s famed palomino stallion Mull of Kintyre (“Romeo”) is in training to drive there as are her two Dazzle Dance sons Tango and Flash, a perfectly matched team. Riverplains has many scenic driving and riding trails, some along the Holstein River. Guests at the outing were Mary Graybeal and Hillary Combs, and a good time was had by all.

As always, the Gypsy Horse Association wishes to thank its members for their support. GHA’s charter stands on two pillars—supporting its membership in their Gypsy Horse endeavors and promoting and preserving the Gypsy Horse breed by whatever name it is known. Member rights are guarded in perpetuity.