4 Welcome to the National News
8 Meet the 2026 NWHA Board of Directors
14 Introducing the 2026 NWHA Regional Directors
18 Welcome NWHA Office Manager Ann Moriarity
19 Feature Article by Scot MacGregor How Dressage Helps the Gaited Horse
28 2025 NWHA High Point Awards
35 Pegasus Award Recipient Alex Ostrum Youth of the Year Gabby Preast
36 Trail Riders Awards High Mile Adult Marilyn Platter and Bodie High Mile Horse Star and Patti Paulk
38 In Memory of Juana Grover
39 Board Meeting Highlights
40 Events Calendar
42 Show Sheets and Event Flyers
52 NWHA Judges
53 Trainer Directory
NATIONALNEWS
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL WALKING HORSE ASSOCIATION
MARCH 2026
2026 NWHA Officers
President JoEllen Finerfrock( GA)
Vice President Merleene Pacheco( TX)
Treasurer Kimberly O ' Connor( TN)
Secretary Lori Snyder-Lowe( OH)
Office Manager Ann Moriarity( WI)
CONTENTS
4 Welcome to the National News
8 Meet the 2026 NWHA Board of Directors
14 Introducing the 2026 NWHA Regional Directors
18 Welcome NWHA Office Manager Ann Moriarity
19 Feature Article by Scot MacGregor How Dressage Helps the Gaited Horse
28 2025 NWHA High Point Awards
35 Pegasus Award Recipient Alex Ostrum Youth of the Year Gabby Preast
36 Trail Riders Awards High Mile Adult Marilyn Platter and Bodie High Mile Horse Star and Patti Paulk
38 In Memory of Juana Grover
39 Board Meeting Highlights
40 Events Calendar
42 Show Sheets and Event Flyers
52 NWHA Judges
53 Trainer Directory
On the cover: The Red Martini, owned by Marcia Hersh
Copyright © 2026 | The National Walking Horse Association. All rights reserved.
2026 Regional Directors Jean-Marie Degville( TX) Sandy Harris( TN) Martie Jacobson( MN) Matt Janish( OH) Dana Kanstul( CA) Ali Merritt( SC) Leah Terrell( IN) Mag Ranft( OH)
NWHA
Phone: 859-252-NWHA( 6942) email: office @ nwha. com www. nwha. com
NATIONAL NEWS Editor
Artworks Advertising & Design email: nwhanews @ nwha. com
Issued by the National Walking Horse Association, a non-profit animal welfare organization established in 1998.
March 2026 | NWHA National News 3