As plans draw near for the WCHA Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, it is time to look back on last year and highlight some of the association’s incredible achievements.
There is no doubt that 2016 proved to be a banner year for the World Conformation Horse Association. Outgoing WCHA President, Luke Castle, reflects back on some of the association’s highlights:
- Conducted WCHA Judges Qualifying Exam in May. From four applicants testing, Aaron Hall, was approved as a WCHA judge.
- WCHA has 462 members through December 31, 2016. Of those, 188 are Founding Members and 47 are Life Members, including two new Life Members, Robin Klover and Bob Cassata.
- Three-year Memberships were re-introduced in 2016; 14 three year memberships purchased as of March 1, 2017.
- Signed a marketing alliance agreement with the Palomino Horse Breeders of America in April, 2016.
- WCHA had a manned booth on site for all three AQHA Level 1 Championship Shows in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Twenty-four trainers donated their services for the 2016-2017 WCHA Trainer Sale.
- Work continues on updating WCHA by-laws to include better practice recommendations and suggestions from WCHA Board of Directors, with a targeted completion date of second quarter 2017.
- Introduced a monthly E-Newsletter to Board of Directors and Members.
- WCHA Financial Statements approved quarterly by WCHA Board of Directors.
- Executive Committee Reports Posted on WCHA Web Site.
- Launch of “Take the Lead” quarterly publication focusing on halter horse industry news, trends, event results and more.
- Yellow Rose Futurity had 24 competing weanlings and yearlings by stallions nominated to the WCHA Futurity; WCHA added $2,500 to class purses
- NSBA World Show featured WCHA approved performance halter paying out more than $3,700 in class winnings.
- Owner/Breeder/Exhibitor Classes held at both APHA and AQHA World Shows. AQHA OBE classes paid out more than $16,000 in prize money and awards.
- 6th Annual WCHA Breeders Championship Futurity held in Springfield, Illinois. 406 entries competed in futurity and AQHA halter special event. Nearly $200,000 in cash and prizes was awarded. 61 stallions were nominated in 2016. For 2017, the WCHA Breeders Championship and Big Money Halter Futurities move to Fort Worth, Texas.
- The Big Money Halter Futurity was held in conjunction with the WCHA Futurity, with 18 stallions nominated. 49 entries competed in 5 classes paying more than $44,800 in prize money.
- 16 entries competed in the 2nd Annual WCHA Ranch Horse Challenge. 2016 Challenge included conformation, Ranch Riding, and Ranch Trail components.
- Golf Cart Trail Challenge held in conjunction with Futurity. 12 teams competed and more than $7,200 was raised for WCHA programs.
- Three people and three horses were inducted to the WCHA Hall of Fame. More than 220 attended the banquet where a live auction was held and raised $14,000.
- Dac® joined with WCHA as a corporate partner and Kimes Ranch apparel has signed on as a product sponsor for 2017.
- WCHA net income increased by $16,337 from 2015. For the complete WCHA Financial Report for fiscal year through December 31, 2016, please click here.
Of course, none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, committees, members and sponsors!
Finally, a special thank you to our Administrative Consultant, Barbara Linke, for her hard work and support in 2016.
Join us for the WCHA Annual Meeting Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas beginning at 7:00 a.m. The Grand Hyatt Riverwalk is located at 600 E Market St., San Antonio, Texas 78205. We hope to see you there!
