July ASHBA Membership Updates
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
On Sunday, July 6, the ASHBA Board of Directors held a regularly scheduled board meeting in Lexington to discuss a number of topics important to our organization and the integrity of the breed.
These incredibly productive discussions allowed the Board to arrive at important decisions around governance, finances and accounting, organizational and show policies, and equine welfare, among others. We also received a verbal report on the findings of the independent accounting firm that was tasked with reviewing ASHBA’s finances and internal policies and procedures.
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you as informed as possible, below please find brief updates on these areas and others of interest:
Governance and Internal Controls
The Governance Council created a new form for Councils, volunteers and members to use when suggesting changes to governing documents and proposals. Members can begin using these forms, which will soon be released on our website, to propose amendments to existing policies and procedures.
Earlier this year the Board restored the Audit & Internal Controls Committee. The committee reported they instituted an enhanced process to formally check and test ASHBA’s policies and procedures. This will help re-establish oversight, ensure compliance, and align policies with the evolving news of our organization.
Our Records & Retention Policy has been updated to help streamline policies and procedures around corporate records; including banking, and horse records.
Board Member Nomination Process
In preparation for the return of the vote to the membership, we established a new process for nominating board members, including simplifying our existing nomination form, defining the role of the nominating committee, and identifying the processes and responsibilities of that committee when vetting the candidates’ skills and qualifications. More information about this process will be coming in a separate communication.
Independent Financial Review
Representatives from the independent accounting firm Dean Dorton were at the meeting to discuss their findings and recommendations related to their review of ASHBA’s finances and internal policies and procedures.
This review, which considered the period of January 2020-December 2024, reviewed financial documents and information, was completed in late June 2025 and presented verbally to the Board this past Sunday.
During the meeting, Dean Dorton discussed their findings, along with specific recommendations for strengthening ASHBA’s internal controls, policies, and procedures.
These findings and recommendations are currently being compiled by Dean Dorton into an executive summary report.
We will deliver that executive summary report to our members soon after we receive it, which we anticipate within the next two weeks.
Futurity Declare Intent to Show
Nominators will receive more information separately, but the Board voted unanimously to remove the Declaration of Intent to Show requirement and fee for the ASHBA National and National Amateur Futurities. This decision is effective immediately and is aimed at simplifying participation and improving accessibility for all exhibitors.
Non-Affiliate Show
The Association will no longer require horse shows to pay a $100 non-affiliate fee, and we will record ALL submitted results. Priority recording will be provided to USEF, USEF Lite and Star Shows, then shows that provide results within 15 days.
Titles
The Board discussed the WCHS and WC titles and decided:
The WC titles for the WCHS Futurities/Sweepstakes winners will be retroactively recorded for 2024.
The ASHBA National & National Amateur Futurity classes will be awarded WC titles in perpetuity.
WC titles will be recorded for all WCHS classes, with the exception of the County Fair Championship Classes.
Equine Welfare
The Board approved a proposal that allows the Equine Welfare Committee to use funds to support horses in need after legal surrender up to $275 per horse.
As always, our aim is to keep you as updated as possible on these areas and others.
Thank you very much for your ongoing commitment to ASHBA and the breed. We would not be the organization we are today without your support.
Sincerely,
Smith Lilly, ASHBA President
Sara C. Mayer, ASHBA Executive Director
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