FROM THE DESK OF
Amy Spinelli-Olson
WELCOME TO THE 2019
NATIONAL WALKING HORSE
ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER ISSUE
It is hard to believe the year is nearly over. 2019 has proven to be another very successful year for NWHA
across all aspects of our programs and events – and our unprecedented success – is due to each of you.
The end of the year is always a time of reflection for me personally. Reflecting on the year’s triumphs and
struggles as well as what went well and what could be improved upon. And it should be no surprise that I
take the same approach for our NWHA business. This year is a special reflection as I look back on the last
decade of my involvement with the NWHA Board of Directors, and my last president’s article as leader of
this amazing business.
Over the last ten years, NWHA has evolved significantly. Many of you may remember, there was a time
that our NWHA business was deeply in debt, growth was a far-off idea and processes and the simple
structure of our business was broken. It has taken a great deal of effort – blood, sweat and an occasional
tear as the saying goes – to rebuild and strengthen the organization we have all come to know today.
I’m extraordinarily proud of where we are today – and am honored and thankful for the relationships
and memories I’ve cultivated across our organization. I am confident your new leadership team
will continue to drive and maintain the focus of the right growth, membership involvement
and making the right business decisions this organization that we all love so dearly.
SO LET ME SHARE A FEW ADDITIONAL TIDBITS WITH YOU
At our upcoming Annual Meeting in January, we will dive a little deeper into our business and discuss
new areas to cultivate and nurture into great successes. For now, let’s review a few relevant and positive
highlights and upcoming initiatives.
Our sustained, strong financial performance backed by steady growth throughout the year continues to
advance NWHA forward. We operated throughout the year with zero debt, with a planned year end of over
$60,000. In my ten years – this is the strongest financial performance delivered. Throughout the year, NWHA
gained nearly 70 new-to NWHA members across 7 states, with more than 25 memberships designated as
youth. Look to more organization details in my President’s report at the annual meeting in January. We also
have a great deal to share on our programs and events; the National Show, TRIP, CHIP and sanctioned trail
rides growth for example, but I’ll save the excitement for our committees to reveal at the Annual Meeting.
With 2019 nearly complete, our focus now turns to ringing in a new year. Preparations have been
underway for the Annual Meeting for a few months now - and I’m excited to once again bring together
our membership from across the country. We will host the annual judge’s clinic, annual membership
meeting and of course our exciting awards banquet on January 24 - 25, 2020. Please look for more
information in this newsletter and start planning the trip to Nashville – it is sure to be a great time!
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NWHA National News / November 2019