AHA Response to COVID-19

Dear Arabian Horse Association Members,

The health, safety and well-being of our members and that of their horses is paramount to AHA. We are continuing to closely monitor communications on COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USEF announcement regarding points relates only to USEF Horse of the Year points. Points for qualification for Regionals and subsequently Nationals are not affected by the USEF suspension of shows, neither is the USEF personnel and drug testing requirements.

The Arabian Horse Association is very aware that the foundation of our breed is at the local level, including those who make their living by participation in club hosted shows and that those clubs rely on the shows for their financial support.


On March 13, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Arabian Horse Association met in an emergency meeting and passed the following motion unanimously:

MOTION: Jan Decker moved, Mark Goff Seconded that:

Whereas, As of March 13, 2020 the President of the United States has declared a National Emergency over COVID-19

And Whereas, Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days.

And Whereas, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days and that equestrians do not compete for the next 30 days.

Therefore be it resolved that, AHA Shows that are canceled due to facility closure or government requirements that fall within any USEF suspension of events time frame, verified entries entered in those shows in 2020 will automatically be qualified for their respective Regional shows. In addition, shows that do not fit within these parameters may submit a request to the Executive Committee of the Arabian Horse Association for an exception so their verified entries will be qualified for their respective Regional shows.
And Be It Further Resolved that, AHA Shows that choose to go forward will be supported as well but should create and follow a health/safety plan and close the show to any public attendance.
And Be It Further Resolved that, AHA Shows that wish to reschedule will have all fees passed to that rescheduled show - including those who postpone until 2021.
And Be It Further Resolved that, Any AHA show wishing to go forward as a One Day or Value show will be changed without fee.
And Be It Further Resolved that, Any AHA show that wishes to combine (Local or Regional) the process is already in place to do so. the AHA office staff will help managers through this process.
And Be It Further Resolved that, Regional and National qualification point requirements for 2020 will be rolled back to 2019 levels. Click here to view 2019 Qualifications Chart.
Effective immediately
Motion: Unanimous Approval
BOD Motion 2-3/13/2020

For further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the AHA Office at 303-696-4500.

Thank you,

Nancy Harvey and Glenn Petty
AHA President and Executive Vice President