From the desk of
JIM POTTER
It is my honor to serve as the NWHA’s President for 2020, and I hope you will feel free to reach out to
me during this time with any of your thoughts about the NWHA. I’m excited by the prospects of what
this year will offer to our membership. I hope to work closely with the Executive Committee, the Board
of Directors and the entire membership to further develop a stronger organization, focusing on our
mission, inspiring new directions, as well as fostering our industry connections.
In going forward, a review of the accomplishments we achieved in 2019 sets a precedent for great
achievements forthcoming in our future. Last year the NWHA experienced: an increase of member-
ships – especially youth and new to NWHA, steadier revenues than we have had in previous years -
maintaining a positive financial portfolio, developments throughout the year pinpointed areas which
needed improvement as well as many highlights of key endeavors like the new youth regional sponsor-
ships, continued participation at Breyerfest by Belvue Farm with the assistance of Glenda Levin. These
are all but a few points of interest that reaffirms our goals as a sound horse organization to promote
what we do together as a membership.
Our Judge’s clinic attendance, under the expert direction of Honorable Ruth Ann Spinelli, presented the
training to nearly all our current Judges along with clinic auditors. Mrs. Spinelli also welcomed a new
judge applicant from WI to our dedicated group of NWHA Judges.
The annual meeting welcomed three new Directors to the Board, JoEllen Finerfrock of GA, Robin Lu-
careli of WI and Marianne Springer of WI. With the changing of reins in leadership, we bid farewell to
our Immediate Past President Amy Spinelli-Olson whose service restructured our organization over the
last 6 years. Thank you, Amy for a job well done! Also, to our outgoing Directors, the Board and I
would also like to thank Kelly Johnston of MI and Jerry Ouellette of IL for their contributions and volun-
tary service to the NWHA.
The 2019 Awards banquet in Nashville boasted a packed banquet room of members and guests includ-
ing the newly elected President of SSHBEA, Dickie Gardner and WHOA Executive Director, Tommy Hall,
it was great to have everyone join us. Kim Richwine, Mistress of Ceremonies narrated us through the
evening recognizing the accolades of our members and their horses. I would once again wish to con-
gratulate everyone of you in your high point and annual program accomplishments. Thank you all for
attending.
NWHA NATIONAL NEWS │ MARCH ISSUE 2