The United Professional Horsemen’s Association announced Sep. 14 that its Executive Board has voted to host a virtual annual meeting in January of 2021, in lieu of an in person conference, due to ongoing social distancing and group gathering restrictions related to COVID-19.

Upon recommendation from the UPHA Awards Committee, the UPHA Executive Board voted to only award the Tom Moore Hall of Fame, Helen K. Crabtree Instructor Hall of Fame, Larry Bacon Lifetime Achievement Award and the Alvin C. Ruxer Lifetime Commitment Award for 2020. Recipients will be announced, recognized via social media and given the opportunity of receiving the awards in person at the 2022 UPHA National Conference. The UPHA Executive Board, as recommended by the UPHA Awards Committee, voted to not give awards pertaining specifically to the 2020 show season.

These decisions were not made lightly and come as the show horse industry continues to suffer from the negative effects COVID-19 has had on horse shows, its professionals and owners. UPHA appreciates the show organizers, staff and volunteers for their tireless work to make shows happen under COVID-19 restrictions and recognize the effort and sacrifice exhibitors made to support these shows.

The UPHA looks forward to returning to its original format in January of 2022 with a spectacular annual conference to be held with its affiliates at the beautiful Renaissance Orlando Hotel located across from SeaWorld, in Orlando, Fla.