Board of Directors

President

Mark Renn

5027 Garton Rd
Castle Rock, CO 80104
(303) 887 6070
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Elected Director
Term Expires: December 31, 2023

Mark Renn - President

I’m a lifelong horseman. I grew up with draft horses on the family farm. I’ve shown and bred Arabians, Morgans and now for the past 15+ years, Peruvians. From my ranch in Colorado I compete in shows, host clinics, trail ride and welcome fellow Peruvian enthusiasts as well as potential new owners.

For the past decade I’ve been an officer on the board of directors for the Centennial State Peruvian Horse Club. I’m a board member for Colorado Horse Power, a therapeutic riding center that’s run from my ranch. I served in each position (chairman, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer, etc.) of the board of directors of the Colorado Business Council, the Denver Better Business Bureau and the Better Business Bureau Foundation. I also ran my own career consulting service.

I’m well-versed in the intricacies and processes of nonprofit boards as well as running a successful business. I’ve been in the breed long enough to develop a deep appreciation for its history and a vested interest in its future.

First Vice President

Jose Vasquez

509-703-0727
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Elected Director
Term Expires: December 31, 2022

Bio

Jose Vasquez

Jose Vasquez has been riding Peruvian horses for more than 30 years. His family goes back to the Hacienda Palomino and Cayalti. Throughout the years he spent significant time learning more about the Peruvian breed from his family and other mentors in his career. Jose is a graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Currently working as a commercial loan officer for a local Credit Union and during his free time, he keeps extending his learnings on the Peruvian Horse by training with his dad at CampoBello Peruvians in Deer Park, WA. He currently serves as a Vice President for the Northwest Peruvian Horse Club board of directors and the North American Peruvian Horses Association board of directors.

Jose has shown in Peru, Canada, and the United States. Winner of multiple championships, Jose’s passion for our breed has led him to pursue his career as a judge so he can contribute his knowledge and at the same time learn from all Peruvian enthusiasts. Since 2015 after recovering his judges card, Jose has judged multiple large shows around the United States and Canada. He looks forward to a great career within this breed.

Second Vice President

Juvinal Pina

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Term Expires December 31, 2024

Bio

Juvinal Pina - Second Vice President

I currently reside in Miami, Florida and have a ranch (Hacienda El Alazan) in La Belle,
Florida. I imported the foundation herd from Peru in 2016 which to name a few included
bloodlines from SOL DE PAIJAN, CAYALTI(Huracan , Cova Cova Cayalti) , SOL BRILLANTE and
PREDILECTO. This included 2 stallions and 2 mares. I compete in the US National and Regional
shows.

I have been president of Int’l Monetary Mortgage Fund for the past 33 years a business entity
which provides financing. I have been the RAC representative for region 15 for NAPHA for the
past 6 years. I was a Planning Zoning and Appeals board member for the City of Miami over 20
years and was instrumental in the planning, development and positive growth of the City of
Miami. I believe I can bring my business and City experience to NAPHA. I will work with NAPHA
for the betterment and growth of the breed.

Secretary

Joy Larsen-Ritter

218-838–9700
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Term Expires December 31, 2023

Bio

Joy Larsen Ritter- Secretary

My husband and I started in the Peruvian Breed a little over 10 years ago. We were trail riders and I needed to change to a smooth riding horse to be able to continue riding. Once we found the Peruvian we feel in love. We joined the Northern Lights Peruvian Horse Club so we could learn as much as we could about the Peruvian. Now we enjoy trail riding, showing & breeding the Peruvian horse.

I am currently the Secretary for the Northern Lights Peruvian Horse Club & Show Committee Member for the Fiesta Del Norte/Northern Lights Peruvian Horse Double Show.

I am also CEO/President of Ritter & Ritter Sewer Service, Inc the company I own with my husband.

Treasurer

Mike Powers

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Term Expires: December 31, 2024

Bio

Mike Powers - Treasurer

I was introduced to the Peruvian Horse when I was a young 34 years of age and have been in love with them ever since. I have been involved with the breed now for over 33 years. I am a carded show steward and amateur rider who enjoys riding the trails (roads) of the orchard and farm lands that surround our small ranch in central California. With the addition of my new stallion, I hope to participate in more shows and more horse related activities in the coming years. Currently my wife, Yvonne, and I own 6 Peruvian Horses.

I retired as a Sheriffs Lt. in 2015 after 36 years in law enforcement. During that time I worked in many different aspects of law enforcement starting as an emergency services dispatcher and reserve police officer. I was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1983 and after my initial training I was assigned to several different divisions as a young deputy. Over the course of my career I was selected as a training officer to newly assigned patrol deputies, selected as a K9 handler, selected as an on-going training instructor and assigned to the detective division as a fraud investigator. When I was promoted to Sergeant I was designated as a squad leader then platoon leader for the crowd control unit ( the largest specialty unit in the department). I directed court security then assigned as a patrol shift supervisor. When I was promoted to Lt I was assigned as the County wide patrol watch commander for nights and weekends until my retirement.

I am the immediate past President of the Escalon Lions club and have been the president of the Wine Country Peruvian Horse club.

I am looking forward to the years ahead to being a contributing member of the NAPHA Board of Directors and the promotion of our exciting breed.

Director

Heidi Opdyke

862-266-2081
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Elected Director
Term Expires: December 31, 2022

Bio

Heidi Opdyke - Director

My introduction to the Peruvian horse was over 15 years ago on a riding holiday on the altiplano of Peru. It was there that I met ‘my husband to be’ Paul, and rode the magnificent Peruvian horse. I decided then, that “someday” I would own a Peruvian Horse. We now own 3 Peruvians: a stallion, a gelding and a mare, all of which we show and trail ride. My stallion is also being shown side saddle. Our son, Toby, is a Junior competitor, riding the mare.

I have been riding horses for more than 47 years. Showing horses extensively in England to the top level, riding most disciplines, astride and aside. I am an advanced side saddle instructor for 30+ years and am currently a certified advanced side saddle instructor, from the Side Saddle Association (UK), which qualifies me to train and examine instructor candidates. Presently employed by Kroger as the lead of a large drug and general merchandise department.

I currently live in Moneta, Virginia with my husband and son, after relocating from California, over 10 years ago. Prior to moving to the central valley of California, we lived in northern, rural New Jersey. I moved to the US from the UK in 2003. My son, Toby is in
high school and my husband Paul, retired from a career in Human Resources, works on our farm. Paul and I regularly fox hunted with Spring Valley Hounds in New Jersey, Los Altos Hounds in California and Bedford County Hunt in VA.

I have competed regionally and at the nationals over the past several years and have delivered a very good show record including PVFP El Amanecer – Medal de Oro. Additionally, I have been active in promoting the Peruvian Horse at local horse shows, performed demonstrations at Nationals as well as local fairs and community events. I have previously served as President of the Mid Atlantic Peruvian Horse Club and also on the Central States Board.

Board Member

Lucho Dapelo

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Elected Director
Term Expires: December 31, 2024

Bio

Lucho Dapelo - Director

Luis (Lucho) Dapelo the son of Jose Antonio Dapelo V the grandson of Jose Antonio Dapelo M, prominent breeders of Peruvian horses, founders of the National Association in Lima continues’ to carry on the family tradition. Lucho grew up amongst his family’s fighting bulls, cattle and horses obviously with an emphasis on the Peruvian Paso. He was involved in breeding, training and showing in Peru until his move to the United States in 1979.

Since coming the U.S. Lucho has continued in many capacities – trainer, breeder, rider extradentary, International and U.S. judge. He has served on the NAPHA board previously, president and member of the board of directors for numerous clubs.

Lucho continues his breeding program and showing since his marriage to Jeanelle in 2002.

Lucho’s dedication to the bred and all owners of the Peruvian horse can be seen in his platform for running for the NAPHA Board. His knowledge and commitment to the Peruvian horse runs deeps in his veins and heart. He wants nothing more then to bring the Peruvian horse to the forefront of the general public. One of his strongest desires is to bring all owners together, breeders, those who show, those who trail ride, etc. for the betterment of the Peruvian horse.

Lucho wants to share with all his knowledge (via seminars, webinars), passion and dedication to the breed with all.

Administrative Secretary

Becky Oley

Email: [email protected]

Text or Call: 440-785-1179

Mail: 4820 N FM 51 Weatherford, TX 76085

Bio

Becky Oley - Administrative Secretary

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