2013 Horseman and Horsewoman of the Year

2013 Horseman & Horsewoman of the Year: Jerry & Kay Gnoinsky

Jerry and Kay have been supporters of the AQHA and the Appaloosa Horse Clubs for many years. Along with breeding and raising many of their own horses, they have helped many 4H youth along the way, while being active 4H Leaders. They have also helped their nieces, Sara and Lisa Holman get their start with horses from the Gnoinksy pasture. Both girls still continue to have a love for horses and are active in the horse field. It must run in the family because now a "great" niece boards her horse at the Gnoinsky farm too. Like they say, once the love for horses is in your blood…..it never leaves you, and can continue on from generation to generation. Jerry still raises a foal now and then. They are looking forward to another foal in March, 2014.

While "In The Mood" was playing, Jerry asked Kay for their first dance at one of Herb Johnson's barn dances. From there, "the rest is history" as they say. Jerry and Kay were married in 1975. This was an exciting year for them, as that is when they each got their first American Quarter Horse. Jerry purchased a sorrel gelding, Ready Go Cowboy, and Kay's gelding was Mac-A-Leo, a golden palomino. They moved to the Moorhead Wallstreet area, where neighbors also had horses. Jerry started a business with his brothers, "Gnoinsky Brothers Construction". He owned and operated the construction company until about 2005, when he sold it to the Strata Corp.. Kay worked for the Moorhead Technical College for many years. She grew up in Aneta, ND and Jerry was originally from Chaffee, ND. They have grown up and always been a part of our Red River Valley region and introduced us to some of the horses we have known and come to love from this region.

Some of the horses that have graced their barn include AQHA stallion Baron Bell. Baron Bell was a pride and joy stallion of theirs. Jerry first came to the realization that Baron Bell was a true winner when he stood "Grand" three days in a row at the Minnesota State Fair. Baron Bell has sired many exceptional foals…..that later went on to be winners too!

Along the way, they started breeding some Appaloosa horses. Some of the Appaloosa's they have raised, have taken them to the Appaloosa World show and the Canadian Nationals.

Their daughter Jennifer, was very active in the 4H Horse Program for several years along with Open Shows and Registered Shows. Jennifer has many fond memories of her involvement with horses. Jerry always made sure Jennifer had the best and she has proof of being a real winner with her many beautiful horse trophies. Kay has been a Horse Show Mom and Wife. She enjoys the shows from outside the arena…..always giving words of encouragement. Jerry has been and continues to be an avid horse shower since 1975. He enjoys the Open Shows, along with both the AQHA and Appaloosa Registered shows. Jerry and Kay have 3 children, Jennifer, Dave & Bon. They have been blessed with 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

A funny story Kay shared with me: When Jerry and Kay started out with horses they had a "not so fancy horse trailer" and Kay always thought they should have a nicer one. Jerry was of the mind-set that "It is not important what kind of horse trailer you have….it is important what you 'bring out' of the horse trailer when you get to the shows – and he was so right!!" They are proof to us all just how true this is!

Jerry will be in the show arena for many years to come and Kay will be there too, to cheer him on!