NCHA News

Good Afternoon NCHA,

I hope all is going well in your world. By now we have all heard that some areas are easing restrictions of “stay at home” orders. The NCHA is looking at the re-opening of our offices beginning Monday. As with most of the other plans in place this will be a “step by step” process until our staff is fully back to our normal in office capacity. There are shows beginning to crank up and people are starting to make plans to get out and start showing again. While this is great news for some, I realize it is a hard fact for people in the areas that are still experiencing restrictions. The NCHA is working hard to take into consideration those areas and will continue to keep measures in place to ensure fairness for everyone in regard to the show year.

I want to reiterate the decision that was passed by the Executive Committee in regard to the 2020-point year. The NCHA Program Standings remain suspended until further notice. These standings include Amateur Horse and Rider of the Year, Non-Pro and Open Horse of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Senior World Tour, World, Youth World, Youth Rookie of the Year, Area Leader Standings, Regional 4/5/6-year-old standings, Challenger Regional Championship Standings, Certificates of Achievement and Achievement Buckle awards. NCHA wants to ensure that all of our members have an equal opportunity to compete for these year-end awards. Once a vast majority of our membership are out from under the restrictions, NCHA will reevaluate this suspension. 

The NCHA is a big family. Sometimes we forget exactly how big. NCHA has members from all four corners of the world who have been seriously impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic. Last week, I was saddened to hear of the cancellation of the Calgary Stampede. This situation has had a huge impact on our friends north of the border. With the current measures in place their show year looks extremely tough. Additionally, our friends to the south, in Australia, have had their fair share of challenges, along with many other of our international members. I ask you to keep these members in your thoughts and prayers, that they too will be able to return to showing soon. 

Although the opportunity to compete for year-end awards is on pause, I encourage each of you that can return to the show pen to do so. NCHA will continue to count earnings during this time toward Lifetime Earnings. We will get through this together. I pray each of you and your families stay healthy and safe. I will see you back in the cutting pen soon.  

My best to you, 

Jay Winborn

NCHA Executive Director