“AQHA understands that during this unprecedented time, show management teams around the world are making difficult decisions to cancel AQHA sanctioned shows,” said Craig Huffhines, AQHA executive vice president. “We appreciate their due diligence with following recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities to not risk the safety of our members.”

APHA Executive Director Billy Smith has confirmed that, at the current time, not only are the APHA Youth World Show, Open and Amateur World Show, and Eastern and Western National Championship going ahead as scheduled, the association has made the decision to waive qualification for the Open and Amateur World Show for 2020. 

Now, many people are wondering if this is only the beginning of horse show events that may be cancelled, shortened, or moved as a result of the coronavirus. If something needs to happen regarding major summer horse shows, like the AQHA L1 Championships, AQHA Youth World, APHA Youth World, or NSBA World, such as shortening of the schedules, moving dates, or an outright cancellation, how early would people be notified? What about waiving qualification if people cannot travel as much to compete at events?