MOSCOW, Idaho – Calling it a difficult, but necessary decision, the ApHC Board of Directors has cancelled all ApHC-sanctioned regional horse shows through May 1.
“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.”
As a result of this action, Regional Clubs will have the option of applying fees already paid to the ApHC toward rescheduled shows or they can receive a refund.
“We’re going to do whatever we can to help our Regional Clubs through this difficult period,” Johnson added. “At least two cancelled shows have already been rescheduled, and we will work with others to find new dates which will work for them. Our show staff is making this a top priority.”
To further assist clubs, the ApHC Board of Directors earlier waved two rule restrictions for judges. For all shows impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, Regional Show Managers can now use the same judges in 2020 that they used in 2019. What’s more, the Board waived the rule which prohibits judges from working two shows within 200 miles of each other during any 30-day period.
“Working together, we will get through this rough patch,” Johnson continued. “But there is some good news, too. The ApHC National Show & Youth World Championships, set for June 23-July 3, is still a go. Over the weekend, we received our final feedback from the Exhibitors/Show Advisory Committee, so the official schedule will be released in a few days.”
Johnson said the BOD will meet again on April 3-4. Among other things, the Board is expected to make a final decision on whether to waive qualifying for the 2020 ApHC World Show because of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
