“This is a good opportunity for trainers, exhibitors, and competition managers to understand how to work together to create the safest possible environment for everyone, as we look ahead to restarting 2020 competitions as early as June 1st with a phased regional approach in line with local and state government restrictions.”

Have a bad case of horse show cancellitis after being stuck at home this year? Arizona has the cure! Building on the explosive growth and popularity of the AZ Fall Championships, AzQHA is adding a brand new show, The Pinnacle Circuit, to the schedule. The two shows will run back to back, with Wednesday, September 30th as an off day. A great prize line up is planned for both circuits.

“AQHA received multiple requests from exhibitors to host the Nutrena Level 1 classes later in the year,” said Justin Billings, AQHA chief show officer. “After careful consideration and discussions with AQHA leadership and the host facilities, we are pleased to have the opportunity to add the Nutrena Level 1 classes to the respective AQHA world shows, which will be held pending local, state and government mandates due to the worldwide pandemic.”

In response to the COVID-19 catastrophe and the corresponding economic recession with a projected 5–10 year recovery timeline, APHA’s Board of Directors took swift action in April 2020 to pass a stimulus package of APHA rule modifications, which were designed to help the Paint Horse community weather the storm for the long haul and preserve the health of the Paint breed.

“As a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, the Western States Affiliates has decided to cancel The Celebration and EMO Western States Championship Show for 2020. The Western States Affiliates board has reaffirmed its commitment to both the EMO Western States Championship and The Celebration and plans to continue the event in 2021.”

“We came at this decision the right way,” said ApHC President Ken Johnson. “We analyzed trends, gathered information, listened to our members, debated it among ourselves, and resisted overtures to move too quickly. While this action will benefit our show exhibitors tremendously, it was imperative that we help our Regional Clubs as well, during these tough economic times.”

On March 26, the 2020 American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup organizers announced in a statement posted on Facebook that the 2020 Youth World Cup, scheduled for July 3-12 in the Netherlands, has been cancelled.

“With the Coronavirus spreading rapidly across the United States and our health care system nearing a tipping point, we had no choice but to cancel these shows,” said ApHC President Ken Johnson. “Nearly 40 percent of the nation’s population is now impacted by stay-at-home orders and that number is likely to rise in the weeks ahead. We have an obligation to safeguard our members and exhibitors, to the extent possible. While a very difficult decision for the entire Board, it was the socially responsible and necessary thing to do.”