01/14/2024
MVHSA History
In the fall of 2010, there were rumblings and rumors of turmoil inside CSHSA. A large group of members rallied to try and get more information on the current situation of the association. Many attempts were made to communicate with the current Officers and Board of Directors, we were told to bring our concerns to the next meeting. We attended the general session of the next meeting held on December 10, 2010 in Lebanon. We posed many questions to try and get an understanding of the current situation of the association. We offered to get involved as committee, officer and board members. We were informed they had already held private elections with no access to members. Of course this was in violation of the bylaws as we knew them. They advised us They had changed the bylaws to support this. They shot down every effort we made in an attempt to gain access to our own association. They refused to disclose financials and then abruptly adjourned the meeting. We finally had a meeting scheduled but they never showed up and we were forced to walk away with no answers and no hope that CSHSA would even exist after 49 years and return in 2011. It was sad because there were generations of local horseman and families that had worked hard to build that legacy.
(That is a very abbreviated version of the situation with CSHSA. It was shameful on all their parts and clearly pointed to wrongful actions by everyone involved. ( I like to think that Karma is a @ #$%& and God will be their Judge).
We moved our group to a hotel lobby in Brookeville, OH and after a long discussion MVHSA was formed on that day in early January in 2011. They only resources were the membership fees paid that day. ( I am not naming the founding members in that group simply out of respect to their privacy but it was a great group of people).
MVHSA was founded on strong principles with the proclamation that transparency would be at its core. Through the years the association supported its affiliated show partners along with putting on its own shows. There was also many special events such as open rides, carry in dinners, youth parties, games and special classes. Let’s not forget all the fun we had at the Derby Shows.
The association put all of its earnings back into the club. None of the Officers or Board of Directors received payment for their efforts. Even though our numbers might have been small for some, we celebrated in a big way at our Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. It took many hours for committee members to plan and prepare for the celebration and find the best Awards possible.
As with any community there was joy, sadness, loss and grief. I witnessed adults and youth celebrating each others wins, pitching it to help each other and just lending a hand when needed. It was a great fun family environment. The best part for me was watching the youth learn and grow stronger as a competitor and more confident in themselves. Many excelled and continued their journey at breed shows.
Through these years, we have watched as our small fry exhibitors took their first lope strides, our 13 and under kids graduated high school, and our 14 and over youth went off to start careers or pursue a College education. Many are now married and starting their own families.
Big Thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy in any part over the last twelve years. I have so many great memories.
Jack Bohannon.
