Skip to content

A Letter To UPHA Membership



Dear Members of UPHA,

I hope this email finds you healthy and safe. These are frightening times for all. Our membership is unique: We are not just working to keep our families and staff safe; we are also tasked with providing the highest level of care for our horses and ponies.

COVID-19 has forced all of us to alter the way we run our businesses and conduct our daily routines. UPHA recognizes the difficulties we all face in the days, weeks and months ahead and has developed a plan of action to provide help.

UPHA has been working with our partners AHHS, AMHA, ARHPA, ASHA and ASR through the Joint Leadership Council. Information is jointly shared so the greatest number of our members can be served. The websites of UPHA, JLCcares, AHHS, AMHA, ARHPA, ASHA and ASR will have helpful information and provide an up-to-date resource for all our members.

A national fundraising program has been developed to provide financial help to all members of our trotting breed community. The Joint Leadership Council Horsemen’s Relief Fund was established to provide financial help to our members that are not otherwise eligible to apply for assistance through the Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund. The application for the JLCHRF can be found on all our member websites. Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprised of representatives of each of the JLC member associations. Strict criteria will be used to determine the eligibility of each applicant.

UPHA members that meet eligibility requirements will have their application directed to the Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund. The DHBF has a long-standing adherence to IRS guidelines and a long history of helping horsemen/women in need. Here, too, strict criteria exist in determining eligibility, application review, and disbursement of funds. With respect to both the JLCHRF and DHBF processes, applications are held in the strictest confidence and all guidelines are followed without alteration or exception.

Together we will navigate these difficult times. We will be ready when the in-gate opens again.

Sincerely,
Cindy Mugnier

More Stories

  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More
  • Nominate to the UPHA Classics Program by April 1 for a Discount!

    Don't forget to nominate your American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies, and Morgans to the 2024 UPHA Classics Program. To nominate and receive the $50 discount, nominations must be postmarked on or before Monday, April 1, 2024. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has continued to work tirelessly over the past three weeks to address the untenable situation created when the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) chose to drop the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as the governing body for the World’s Championship Horse Show. Read More
  • Mike Spencer Arrangements

    There will be a gathering of family and close friends at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17 at the Shannon Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Kentucky, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is disappointed that we were not invited to participate in the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS) town hall meeting yesterday. On behalf of our members, who submitted 637 questions to us, we sent a consolidation of 105 questions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association is grateful for its membership’s concerns and questions about recent changes announced by the Kentucky State Fair horse show management.  Read More
  • World’s Championship Horse Show Virtual Town Hall Invitation

    With less than six months until the world’s most prestigious Saddlebred show, the announcement of a new governing body has positioned all levels of leadership at Kentucky Venues to deliver a great show this August. All those working to make the 121st show successful have greatly appreciated our community's positive support. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 4 24

    Read More
  • Joint Leadership Council Reinstated

    Leaders of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, American Hackney Horse Society, American Road Horse and Pony Association, and the United Professional Horsemen’s Association met Sunday evening to reinstate the Joint Leadership Council (JLC), comprised of leadership from all four membership organizations. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 24 HW

    Read More