This message is from: Arthur and Carol Rivoire <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>From Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia -
Hi Everybody,
Several weeks ago I started off a good discussion on ideas by which the #1
American registry, the NFHR, might - Increase Interest in the Fjordhorse
through promotion - Have a meaningful Evaluation System - Promote and
Encourage Education.
I mentioned my trip to the Libby Show in MT, and my talks with
Judge/Evaluator Wayne Hipsley. I told you about Wayne's unique
qualifications as a judge of Fjordhorses (the fact that he is not only a
carded, super experienced judge of many breeds in the U.S.(both
conformation & performance), but that he has gone way out of his way -- at
his own expense, -- to travel to Norway and educate himself about the
Fjord breed. I said that other than fellow judge and evaluator, Jim
Havelhurst, I don't believe any of the judges on the NFHR's approved list,
are as quallified.
I told you that during my talks with Wayne, he told me about many of the
programs that other breed associations have implemented to increase
membership and sales. Also, programs that educate owners, and offer them
something, make them feel good about their organization. These are
things Wayne knows about on a working basis because he's worked for
many breed organizations. He has thirty or more years in the "business" of
horses and breed organizations. He has solid experience in what WORKS &
WHAT DOESN'T WORK! --- He indicated to me at that time that he would be
willing to work with the NFHR as a CONSULTANT. --- I understand through
further conversations that Wayne is still willing.
I feel that the NFHR is floundering. Sure, I recognize that progress has
been made . . . but at what cost in time? Fourteen years to come up with a
BREED STANDARD? Come on! I was present in 1984 at Woodstock, VT. during
the annual meeting when Jennifer Bryan, then chair of the STANDARDS
COMMITTEE was asked to give a report. She stood and said, "We're working
on it." Bob van Bon, Chief Inspector of Fjords for Holland, stood
and said, "Why are you working on it? It's in my book." And so it was.
All it needed was translating. So, you tell me, why have we waited
fourteen years for a Breed Standard? Why was it necessary to reinvent a
Standard? I know, I know, the old thing about making everybody happy . . .
but, what is the NFHR about? Making everybody happy, or protecting and
preserving the breed?
I know, as a breeder, it's been very embarrasing to have to tell customers
year after year - "We don't have a breed standard."
So, the discussion generated by my original comments has been good. A lot
of good ideas have come forth. Now we need a strong hand to implement some
of the programs suggested. And again, I propose that the BOD seriously
consider hiring Wayne Hipsley as a Consultant. I firmly believe he could
do great things for the breed. The man is an educator. He works extremely
well with people. He's very tactful He has a good sense of business
--- He likes the Fjords, and he likes Fjord people.
WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE A WAYNE HIPSLEY, AND BELIEVE ME, THERE IS A GOOD
CHANCE THAT WE WILL. --- I propose that Judge/Evaluator Wayne Hipsley be
hired by the NFHR to lead the breed and the organization out of the
doldrums into the future. I would like to hear a consensus from the board
on this proposal.
AGAIN!!! I WANT TO REMIND ALL NFHR MEMBERS THAT THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY IN
THE TREASURY I believe it's close to $50,000 U.S. And as far back as
I can remember, there has always been $35,000 plus in the NFHR's accounts.
WHY IS IT SITTING THERE? WHAT GOOD IS IT DOING THE BREED?
The purpose of the NFHR is to register horses. If there is surplus money,
it should be used to Promote the breed, Educate owners through the
Evaluation system, and Protect the breed through the Evaluation system.
I realize that the members of the BOD are volunteers. They all have
businesses and families. Like all of us, their time is limited, and
there's only so much they can do. --- This is why they should hire Wayne
Hipsley as Consultant to work with them as a coordinator and implementor.
-- There are so many good ideas floating around. I'm sure the BOD members
have a lot themselves, but it will take an experienced professional to put
those ideas into action. To make it happen . . . WAYNE IS OUR MAN!
Also in that first communication, I recommended that the NFHR
hire Kathy Rollins to use her significant talents in Promotion. She has
since indicated she would be willing. --- I firmly believe this would be
a very good use of some of that money in the NFHR's accounts.
I would like to hear from the Board of Directors what they think in this
regard.
Speaking of hearing from the BOD . . . we don't very often, and when we do
it is months and months after the fact through publication of minutes in
the Herald. -- Why
