COMMITTEE REPORTS
Our dedicated members volunteer their time on various NWHA committees each year. Committees support our mission and assist with the continual growth of the organization.
Judges
We are pleased to announce that we will continue to allow our members to vote for The NWHA National Championship Show judges again in 2025. Active eligible NWHA members will receive a mail-in ballot and will be asked to select( 3) judges. The ballot will contain a total of( 5) judge nominees:
• Connie Holbrook
• Eli Murphy
• Jason Bachert
• Michael Locke
• Zach Parsons
For 2025 the NWHA Board of Directors approved to allow the return of more than one repeat judge from the prior year, in the event that membership vote favors this result. Ballots from eligible members must be received by July 1, 2025. Members must have renewed or purchased their membership by May 15, 2025 in order to be eligible to receive a ballot.
Jim Potter, Director of Judges
High Points & Awards
We are hard at work tracking and tallying the points of NWHA members for NWHA affiliated events.
To see the latest standings, visit our high point page at https:// nwha. com / high-point
Mag Ranft, Chairperson
Rules
2025 Additional Rule Updates
The below additional rule clarifications and updates will be amended into the 2025 NWHA Rulebook and will take place immediately:
Rule Clarification: 7.3 Amateur Owned and Trained
b. AOT Training / Handling and Exhibitor Requirements
1. An AOT horse cannot be ridden, trained, schooled or participate in lessons by a professional 90 days prior to being shown in an AOT class. Virtual lessons and / or evaluations are the same as in-person lessons. Lessons on an AOT horse for versatility events are permitted.
Rule Update for Safety Rationale: 8.5 Equipment d. Artificial Appliances
While in the show ring, artificial appliances of any kind, including but not limited to leg wraps and devices to anchor a horse’ s tail to a fixed point are prohibited on all horses with the following exceptions:
1. Permitted in Basic Reining, Western Riding:
• Skid boots, splint boots, nonweighted bell boots, and polo wraps.
2. Permitted in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending:
• Martingales, tie downs, skid boots, split boots, non-weighted bell boots, and polo wraps.
3. Permitted in Jumping Classes:
• Martingales, non-weighted bell boots, splint boots, and polo wraps.
4. Permitted in Speed Racking Classes:
• Un-weighted heel boots, quarter boots, and bell boots.
Should you have any questions regarding the above rule updates, please contact the NWHA Office at office @ nwha. com
Morgan Applewhite, Chairperson
July 2025 | NWHA National Newsletter | 2