The Merle Wood Humanitarian Award is presented each year to an individual whose outstanding voluntary service has been marked by actions or deeds that have enabled young people to experience positive opportunities and activities involving the American Quarter Horse. A multitude of service activities will be considered and is not restricted to any one type of action or deed involving youth. The award is presented each year at the AQHA convention. The 2021 AQHA Convention is February 25 – March 1 in San Antonio.

At this time, no decision has been reached to cancel or postpone the show. We have been meeting regularly to discuss the COVID-19 situation, the shelter at home restrictions many states have placed on their inhabitants and Las Vegas’s temporary closure of its casinos. There are many factors to take into consideration and the responsibility is not taken lightly.

“Facing uncertain times, we feel it is important that NSBA make concessions to afford all those who want to participate, an opportunity to come show their horses with us in Tulsa, Oklahoma this August,” noted Johne Dobbs, NSBA president. “There is still much unknown territory ahead of us, and we want NSBA to be as inclusive as these times will allow.”

The Corporate Challenge is scheduled for July 8-12, 2020 at the MN State Fairgrounds. The event will be AQHA, NSBA, and MQHA approved with six complete shows. Judges for the event will be Andrea Simons, Sara Simons, Elizabeth Baker, Ryan Kail, Brad Jewett, and Jeff Greaves.

The American Royal Horse Show is creating a virtual event. Here is how it works. Exhibitors will submit a video for each class they have entered. The videos submitted will then be compiled into classes and sent to judge, Lindsey McNeill, to review and place.