Board Update
Spring Season Ahead!
As winter gives way to spring, our Peruvian horse community is preparing for the months ahead. This is the time when horses return to conditioning, riders begin setting their goals for the season, and regional clubs start finalizing plans for their shows and events that bring our community together.
The months ahead promise many opportunities to celebrate the beauty, athleticism, and unique culture of the Peruvian Horse. From local gatherings and clinics to regional shows and our National Championship Show later this year, these events showcase not only our exceptional horses but also the passion and dedication of the people who support our breed.
NAPHA remains committed to supporting our members and clubs while continuing to strengthen the programs that promote our horse throughout North America. As discussions continue on several important topics, member input will remain an important part of the process.
We encourage everyone to stay engaged, support your local clubs, and most importantly, enjoy the journey with our incredible horses! We look forward to seeing many of you ringside this season!
— Your NAPHA Board of Directors
Updated Joy of Riding Regions
The NAPHA board has voted to align the Joy of Riding (JOR) regions with the organization’s Show Regions. Winners from these four regions will now be recognized at the National Show, beginning this year. Visit the Joy of Riding webpage on the NAPHA website for information on logging your hours and becoming a member of the program.
The four regions are:
NAPHA Judges Clinic Report
The NAPHA Judges Accreditation Committee held a seminar for judges February 27 – March 1, 2026. Attendance exceeded expectations, with the unprecedented opportunity to share opinions among 15 judges and additional JAC members. Horacio and Mary Kay Santos of Rancho Santos Peruvians provided their beautiful ranch as the venue and organized all the hospitality, with a gracious donation from the Southwest Club. Live horses were provided for judging by local breeders and trainers — thanks to Lone Star Center (Pam and Willems Casteneda), Fenix Ranch (Janelle and Lucho Dapelo), and Rancho Santos (Mary Kay and Horacio Santos).
During the seminar sessions, judges watched videos of gait classes, made their placements, and debated the results before learning how the same classes had been judged in Peru. Many show ring scenarios were also discussed. While small differences of opinion are always expected, the conversations established more common ground in judging techniques. A key focus was improving consistency in how judging priorities are applied and enhancing the overall exhibitor experience in the arena. Feedback from attending judges was positive, and we look forward to another event of this kind.
Committee Interest Form
Interested in getting more involved with NAPHA? Our committees play an important role in supporting the organization’s mission and future. Members interested in serving on a committee are invited to complete the 2026 NAPHA Committee Interest Form, available on the NAPHA website.
NAPHA Online Membership Directory is Now Live!
The new NAPHA Online Membership Directory is officially live on the NAPHA website. This updated, searchable directory makes it easier than ever to connect with fellow members across the country. You can search by state, services offered, or both. Whether you are looking for breeders, trainers, show services, or regional contacts, it is all now at your fingertips.
If you would like to have your information included, please take a moment to complete the submission form on the NAPHA website. Once submitted, your listing will be added to the directory. We are excited to continue strengthening our network and supporting our members.
Regional Club Spotlight: Celebrating Our Community Across the Country
Regional Club Presidents are invited to submit photos and brief write-ups of your recent or upcoming events. Whether it’s a show, trail ride, clinic, or community outreach effort, we’d love to share your story. Please send your submissions directly to Bill Willis at [email protected].
Southern States Peruvian Horse Club
The Southern States Peruvian Horse Club kicked off the 2026 show season with a meeting at Criadero JGS in Alachua, Florida. The club would like to thank Julio and Silvia for their warm hospitality and for an enjoyable event.
Members from Florida and Georgia attended and enjoyed good food, wine, pisco, and, of course, plenty of horse talk. In tallying the number of horses owned by each member, the group collectively counted over 50 Peruvian Horses, with at least 16 foals expected this year.
The conversation centered on the annual spring show, to be held again this year at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on May 2–3, 2026. The World Equestrian Center in Ocala was named one of Time’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places for equine events, and now boasts two luxury hotels, over a dozen restaurants, and more than 30 boutiques and equine-related specialty shops, along with nightly live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday. Everyone is encouraged to come to the show — with or without horses — and enjoy the competition and the venue.
NAPHA Junior Scholarship Program
NAPHA is proud to support the next generation of Peruvian Horse enthusiasts through the NAPHA Junior Scholarship Program. This program recognizes outstanding juniors within our community and provides financial support to help them pursue their educational goals.
The scholarship is designed to encourage young members who demonstrate dedication to the Peruvian Horse, involvement in the NAPHA community, and commitment to their academic future. Our juniors represent the future of the breed and the organization, and NAPHA is honored to help support their continued growth and success.
Complete details about eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines — including the scholarship application form — are available on the NAPHA website. We encourage all eligible juniors to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.
Upcoming Show Dates
Here is a list of upcoming shows. Visit the NAPHA events page for more information.
NAPHA Board of Directors
Whether it’s a show, trail ride, clinic, or community outreach effort, NAPHA would love to share your story. Send submissions to Bill Willis at [email protected].
