INTRODUCTION
The Texas Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club, or THLRSC, is a Texas state specialty club devoted to promoting the breeding and showing of Holland Lop rabbits, improving the quality of Holland Lop rabbits in Texas, and encouraging and educating its members about the Holland Lop rabbit. THLRSC is a non-profit organization affiliated with the ARBA, TRBA, and HLRSC.
THLRSC was organized on March 10, 1984 by a group of eleven Holland Lop lovers. A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted and a slate of officers was drafted. Present at the original organizational meeting and paying dues were Teresa Barber, Lelton and Tina Jones, Richard and Carol Kincaid, Ivy Kirkland, Steven Stice, Bill and Virginia Stoops, and Dennis Trusner. The first officers were elected at the annual state meeting in April of that year, and the club has been in existence ever since. Past presidents include Dennis Trusner, Valmon Meade, Merry Moon, Susan Weaver, Peggy Wolff, Bob Beadel, and Sandra Luning.
During its history, THLRSC has hosted two national Holland Lop shows - 1988 in Euless and - 1996 in Ft Worth. Many of the Texas members have also been active in the national HLRSC, and Steve Westberg served as President in 1996-1997. Clyde and Doris Jones were selected to the HLRSC Hall of Fame for their service to the club.
THLRSC has grown by leaps and bounds in the past five years, and our members currently number well over 100. Both adult and youth members are urged to participate and we try to involve as many of our members as we can in the club’s various activities each year.
The newsletter - “Lone Star Holland Happenings” is published 3 times yearly and includes a list of upcoming club special events with results from completed events along with a TRBA show calendar. Informative articles about raising and showing the Holland Lop, a special youth highlight section, and a Specialty Show BOB/BOS listing make it interesting reading.
Our website lists the current officers and committees, current members, members websites, a schedule and results of yearly activities, along with our THLRSC promo pamphlet and a THLRSC Holland Lop Care pamphlet.
Numerous specialty shows are held each year. Recent judges include nationally known Holland Lop judges Allan Ormond, Ruth & Anna Dapper, Joe Lugo, Tammy Loomis, Ken McCracken, and Gail Krall. Noted Holland Lop breeder Allan Ormond put on an educational workshop along with a hands-on color ID workshop in 1998.
TRBA Sweepstakes records show both open and youth Holland Lops are one of the largest breeds shown in Texas by number. BIS’s by Texas Hollands are becoming more and more common.
The annual meeting is held each year during the TRBA State Show. At that time, new officers and directors are installed and the club's plans and activities for the year are discussed.
The first annual summer specialty show and party was hosted by Ken and Pat Vanecek in 1998 at the Vanecek Bunny Farm in Spring Branch. The tradition of a summer specialty show followed by a huge “eat too much” meal and fun get together along with a raffle and pie/dessert auction to raise money for special upcoming events and out of state judges expenses was begun. The show was again held at VBF in 1999. In 2000, the “Brownwood Summer Blast” show was moved to an air-conditioned building in Brownwood and hosted by the Brownwood 4-H Club with Bob and Ann Beadel making the arrangements for the move. Club attendance and support was high and an all-time high fundraising record was reached thanks to the generosity of our many members.
The THLRSC Holland Lop Youth Royalty Contest was begun in 1999 and has involved a large number of club members helping to make it a success. Our youngsters are encouraged to participate and by doing so learn more about their Holland Lop rabbits. Holland Lop study guidebooks are distributed with information about the Holland Lop and written test questions are taken from it. A hands-on judging contest sometimes makes the contest more interesting.
Special awards donated by club members are given to the boy and girl winners in 3 or 4 different age groups each year. All the youth who participate are given certificates of participation.
A Youth Showmanship Clinic was presented by Judge Carrol Hooks at the summer show in 2002. We hope to encourage more of our youth to participate in the showmanship contests available to them through their county 4-H/FFA shows and TRBA.
Our youth are also encouraged to work behind the tables as assistant show superintendents or assistant show secretaries or comment takers at our THLRSC specialty shows to learn the ropes.
The THLRSC Youth Scholarship program was initiated in 1999 as a way to encourage our youth and to reward their efforts. Each year a scholarship is available to one or more deserving college students who have been active in THLRSC and with Holland Lop rabbits.
Special money making raffles and fundraisers are held each year to keep our scholarship fund workable, and THLRSC is very proud of its members who continue to support this worthwhile project.
In 2003, the schoalrship was named the THLRSC "Rich Luning" Schoarship in memory of one of our most consistently supportive members.
THLRSC also encourages its members to participate on the national scene and recent years have seen many of our members attending the Holland Lop Nationals, as well as attending the ARBA Convention each year. A number of Texas open and youth breeders have won class wins, and numerous open and youth breeders have also placed in the TOP 10 at recent national shows, and the quality of Texas Hollands is showing.
Hopes are high for a Texas breeder to break into the coveted BOB/BOS at a national show soon.
Our new logo with the Holland Lop inside the state of Texas is now featured on club T-shirts and collar golf shirts. Information on ordering these can be obtained from Lisa Hall. The club is now furnishing THLRSC pamphlets and Holland Lop care pamphlets to any interested persons. Information on joining ARBA, TRBA, and HLRSC can be obtained from most officers or directors.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN SHOWING, BREEDING, PROMOTING, BUT MOST OF ALL, LOVING THE HOLLAND LOP RABBIT.
For a printed copy of this flyer, contact THLRSC Secretary,
Lisa Hall at - HallsHollands@cs.com
JOIN THE TEXAS HOLLAND LOP RABBIT SPECIALTY CLUB (THLRSC)
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MEMBERSHIP DUES SINGLE ADULT/YOUTH $8.00 HUSBAND/WIFE $16.00
PARENT(S) WITH CHILDREN ADD $4.00 FOR EACH CHILD
Click here to print out the membership form and mail to:
Secretary--Lisa Hall, 7677 Orchid, San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 653-1870