BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS continued
March 2026
DQP Director Peggy Moore gave an update on the joint training led by the USDA. The show managers will be more involved this year and Peggy plans to reach out to them directly. NWHA team members scored a perfect 100 % on the training session – including the new recruit from Texas.
USDA stressed the importance of monitoring warm-up areas and DQPs will be evaluated this year as well as show managers. We want to make sure the DQPs have a clear site of warm up area and it is important to make sure the number of people in the warm-up ring are vital to the showing of the horses.
The biggest change was the USDA introduced an evaluation sheet and they now have compliance officers who will use the sheet to evaluate the show DQPs and show managers. The USDA will utilize the SEF list to determine illegal drugs in horses; Peggy stressed that this work is to protect the horses. DQPs will look at horses’ back legs, but not pick them up. She also mentioned that the DQPs are not required to inspect horses that are not covered by the Horse Protection Act. Peggy will write up some information for NWHA to share with members.
Lastly, Peggy mentioned that the idea of a combined alliance for all HIO’ s is not moving forward because NWHA and WHOA are not in agreement.
The Marketing / Promotion / National News Committee talked about working with the Show Committee to push out some ideas for the show to membership. They also talked about creating an NWHA shirt to celebrate 2026 as the Year of the Horse.
The Judges Committee reported that Alex Ostrum has completed his requirements for licensure and the Board approved his name to be added to the Judges List. Roger King will be apprenticing at the Michigan Show in May.
The Rules Committee submitted a definition for the Spotted Saddle Horse Division and it was approved by the Board.
1. Spotted Saddle Horses( SSH) classes are open to horses of Tobiano or Overo or Sabino coat color patterns
2. Eligibility for the SSH division is the responsibility of the exhibitor
The Trail Committee is encouraging all breeds to be part of the TRAP program and the sanctioning fee for trail rides is being donated by Merleene Pacheco.
The Youth Committee is finalizing the details of the Youth Party and it is being held the Friday of the National Show at 11 AM and will involve a 70’ s theme. The Youth Council is being formed and will consist of five youth members. The video contest is being planned and communication on this will be going out soon. The Youth Judging Sessions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday of the show.
The National Championship Show Committee proposed a budget which was approved by the board. The office staff and the final showbill were also approved by the Board.
Region 5( Kentucky) showbill was approved as well as the sanctioning of the WHOA Four Beats for Pleasure Show Versatility classes.
July 2026 | NWHA National Newsletter | 12