President (Elected Director)
Edith Gandy
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires December 31, 2026
Edie Gandy - First Vice President
I have had a passion for the Peruvian Horse for most of my adult life. It is an amazing breed, yet its numbers in the U.S. have been steadily declining. We have fewer breeders and fewer NAPHA members
than we had ten years ago and that trend needs to be reversed. I wish there were a simple answer regarding what the NAPHA Board needs to do to turn things around, but the truth of the matter is that the Board alone cannot do it. For years we have looked to a handful of people on the Board to solve the organization’s problems. The truth of the matter is that, no matter how dedicated and hard-working, the Board alone cannot grow the organization.
NAPHA has to grow from the bottom up, not the top down. That means that the starting point is the regional clubs and regional representation. We need to support and strengthen local clubs to help them to welcome and encourage new owners and breeders. Additionally, we need to find a way for individual members who care about the breed and its future to become more engaged and involved in supporting the organization with their time and talents. NAPHA has limited financial resources and needs
volunteers now more than ever. We need fewer members complaining and asking “What can NAPHA do for me?” and more asking what they can do for the organization and the Peruvian Horse.
I don’t have all the answers as to how to make that happen, but I know is that if we don’t try to make some positive changes, things are unlikely to improve. I’m running for the Board with the primary goal of listening to members and working to bring people together around our common goal of preserving and promoting the Peruvian Horse.
1st Vice-President
Larry Underwood
Larry Underwood - Director
I was first introduced to the Peruvian breed in 1996, and since then I have been active in NAPHA. I have been an exhibitor, a small-time breeder and member of the Centennial State Peruvian horse club where I served as treasurer. I served on the regional advisory committee for a number of years and was honored to be elected as chairman. I am also a carded show steward and carded judge for NAPHA. With my knowledge and experience, I feel that I would be an asset to the board of directors.
2nd Vice-President
Bonnie Gallegos
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Bonnie Gallegos - 2nd Vice-President
For over 40 years I have been an active member of the Peruvian Horse Community and had the privilege to work for some of the most famous breeders of Peruvian Horses in the USA. Those incredible breeders include West View Farms LLC, owned by Gene Pepe, Rocking M Ranch, owned by Mike and Linda Mewhinney, and Free Oaks Farms, owned by the late Jerry Freeman.
Since then, for more than 20 years, I have owned and operated a successful business known as the Bonnie Gallegos Training Center located in Ramona, California. In my business I train my own horses, those of clients, and give lessons to new horse owners. While many of you see me in the show arena, one of my favorite tasks is training horses for trails so they may be versatile both in and out of competition. This has also proven to make these horses great riding companions for their owners.
Treasurer
Nancy Cox
Nancy Cox - Treasurer
My Name is Nancy Cox. I am interested in running for a position on the NAPHA board. I live in Oregon and am an avid trail rider. I also attend many shows around the country. In my professional career, I have owned my own tax consulting firm since 1980, but my passion is the Peruvian Horse. WE purchased our first Peruvian in 2010 and now have many that we enjoy on daily rides around Oregon, Washington, California, and many other states.
My Husband, Glen, is a retired diesel mechanic. With our free time, we enjoy our horses on the trails and in the show ring.
I retired from many years of competitive endurance riding because my husband’s back issues prevented him from continuing to ride the trotting horse. Hence, my love and passion for the Peruvian Horse. Part of my interest in joining the BOD is to help promote the Joy of Riding.
I have been on the BOD of the Peruvian Horse Association Canada for several years, which has a Between the Ears ridding program with many members who participate. This program has increased its membership significantly, and people enjoy many activities together as part of this program. This is something I believe NAPHA needs.
I am excited about this breed and would like to introduce it to our trail and leisure riders. I also understand the importance of the shows and promoting the breed to attract owners who feel they have no reason to become members of NAPHA. With my experience as a certified Tax consultant, I can also help make informative tax decisions with the board.
My Husband and I will attend the National Show in Albuquerque with 3 of our horses. I look forward to meeting those I have not met and having good conversations about where the breed needs to be.
Sincerely,
Nancy M. Cox.
Secretary
Bill Willis
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires: December 31, 2027
Bill Willis - Elected Director
I have been involved with the Peruvian Horse breed for over 20 years, serving in leadership. roles such as club secretary for the Southern California Peruvian Paso Horse Club (SCPPHC), the Show Secretary for both the Gold Rush Classic (GRC) and SCPPHC Pacific Coast/Grand Championship shows. My background includes extensive experience on a 501(c)(3) nonprofit board, where I organized fundraising events that raised over $35,000.
I have a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, which combined with my experience as an elementary school principal, contributes to my strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. These qualities, combined with my passion for the breed and proven ability to manage events and engage communities, uniquely prepare me to contribute to the national board and help promote the future of the Peruvian Horse in the U.S.
Elected Director
Lucho Dapelo
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
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.
Elected Director
Mitch Dubois
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
Mitch Dubois - Elected Director
My name is Mitch Dubois, and I am honored to be nominated for a position on the NAPHA Board of Directors. While my introduction to horses began in 1997 after meeting my wife, my true passion for the Peruvian Horse was sparked in 2016 when I became the proud owner of a remarkable mare, Anastasia EC.
Since then, I have developed a deep enthusiasm for trail riding, exploring many of our great U.S. states on horseback—and I look forward to riding in many more upon retirement.
I have been given the opportunity to work at several NAPHA shows as Barn Manager and Gate Steward, in these roles I have been able to apply my organizational and time management skills while contributing to the smooth operation of our shows and supporting fellow members. In addition to serving in this way, I have also enjoyed showing our wonderful horses in both Novice and AOTR classes, gaining a well-rounded appreciation for both the show and recreational sides of our community.
As a board candidate, I want to bring a fresh and balanced perspective—one that reflects the interests of many newer members who are active riders outside of the show ring. I believe it is essential that our leadership represents the full diversity of our membership, from dedicated show exhibitors to passionate trail riders. My goal is to help NAPHA grow membership and engagement by fostering inclusivity, encouraging participation at all levels, and continuing to promote the versatility and beauty of the Peruvian Horse. I would be honored to earn your support and to serve our community with integrity, enthusiasm, and a shared love for this incredible breed.
Thank you for your consideration
Mitch Dubois
Administrative Secretary
Becky Oley
Email: [email protected]
Text or Call: 440-785-1179
Mail: 155 Fixler Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Becky Oley - Administrative Secretary
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