Gypsy Vanner Database

What is a database and why do we need one?

We need to work toward a common goal beginning with preserving information about our breed in one place that is easily accessible to owners, breeders, and breed enthusiasts.

I am a member of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (GVHS) and received an email from the registrar regarding one of my horses that had previously been registered. Apparently the DNA was now available on the sire and it did not match my horse. This DNA was from another registry, the Gypsy Horse Registry (GHR). I contacted the University of Kentucky for verification. They told me they cannot give me the information. “But, I am the owner!” I said. I had to get special permission from the GHR and from the GVHS in order for the University of Kentucky to release the information to me, along with another fee. The University of Kentucky has a contract with each registry and these contracts stipulate who gets what information and with whom it is shared. The registries share their DNA information with each other with the exception of the GHR and the GHA. All of that is fine.

It is my desire that each individual owner has easy access to a database with ALL of the information.

It is not secret private information. It is information that is vital to preserving the breed. If we don’t keep track of crossbred horses then they will work back into the pure bred gene pool. Even if you don’t agree with crossbreeding you have to agree that you want crossbred horses identified somewhere. For instance I am looking for a Sid’s Good Stallion son to breed to one of my mares. Doesn’t it make sense to have one place where I can look for his registered offspring, regardless of registry? The University of Kentucky cannot combine databases without permission from the different registries. For the same reason that there are four different registries I doubt the idea of combining databases is on any Gypsy Horse association’s agenda.

The GVHS has a list of registered horses available on its website. The GHR has a list of registered horses available on its site as well. However, neither of these can be searched and queried easily. The database we propose has these capabilities and more.

Earlier this year I sent out a survey to as many members of all the Gypsy Horse groups as I could find. The survey was regarding Unity among the gypsy horse owners, one Breed Standard, one set of show rules, one inclusive registry with one database. The responses were overwhelmingly YES to UNITY. I would like to thank all of you that responded to the survey. The responses were compiled, sorted, etc. and copies were sent to each of the four different organizations. We think everyone has the right to choose whatever group they want to associate with for whatever reason. However, we think every owner has the duty to preserve the breed. It is in everyone’s best interest to have this data available when making buying or selling decisions, breeding decisions, etc. It is vital that we all have access to as much data as we can about the horses in one place.

 

News Flash!  The GVHS - Gypsy Vanner Horse Society - has purchased a new registry software and are now in the position to provide a searchable database for members.  Let's hope that they take the step to include all registries and we can get all of our data in one place.  Congratulations GHVS!  Let's support this effort!  Great step toward unity.

 

These are some of the things a central database should provide:

We should be able to track multiple registrations for a horse, DNA information, Color Testing, DNA testing. As a breeder, you should be able to query a horse and see what offspring it has produced. Then you could see show records, or points scored, or championships won. Pictures, DNA reports, Color testing reports, and Tests for Tobiano can be attached to a horse’s record.

As a horse enthusiast, you will be able to find a breeder or individual you met at a horse show, exhibition, or on the web if you want further information.

As an owner, you can look at a geographic area and determine who your gypsy horse neighbors are. Maybe you want to organize a fun show or host a clinic.

This is what a registry should provide for you as a member.  We believe that ONE source of information is how we preserve the breed. The members, all of us from each registry, need to step up and get the information together in one place. Most of us have copies of UK reports, registration papers, etc. All you have to do is send in a copy or email a copy with attachments. This is not secret information and it should be available to everyone who has an interest in the Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Vanner, or any other name for the horses.  Let's see what the GHVS does with their new database/registry software and help where possible.  This is great news!

 

Stillwater Farm was and is ready to step up to the plate regarding ONE Database.  We are prepared to do it ourselves.  However, we would rather our registry provide this to members and non members.  As long as they are making progress in this direction toward UNITY we will support these endeavors.  You might have seen my recent ad in the Gypsy Horse Journal referencing a central database and our ideas of providing one.  We will table this plan as long as the GVHS is taking the initiative to provide this and we will work with the GVHS.  We can work toward PRESERVATION of the BREED and we will support this.  This is a very positive step and we congratulate the GVHS!