April 16, 2020

Join us for a “Marked for Greatness” Leadership Exchange

Answers to your questions about our new and exciting E-Shows brought to you by HorseIQ.
When: April 30, 2020
Time: 7 p.m. CST
Zoom Webinar Invitation

Entries are open now for our second E-Show! 

APHA’s E-Show #1 is in the books!

Youth World Show Premium Book is now posted online!

Entries will not open until May 1. So, online entry forms will be available at that time. Pre-entry deadline is May 29, 2020.
Youth Team Tournament and Judging Contest registration forms available.

Nominate outstanding APHA members for the Distinguished Service Award

Deadline May 15, 2020

2020 Nominating and Leadership Development Committee and contact information.
Craig Wood (Chair) – chorse.wood@gmail.com
Richard Cox – rlcox1010@gmail.com
Tom Crowley – tom.crowley@ministryhealth.org
Paula Mullins – rocknppaints@rpt.coop
Carla Perri – carla@perrisleather.com
Laurie Roden – laurie@roden.com
Mike Short – mdshort53@gmail.com
Travis Titlow – travis1125@yahoo.com
Sue Woodson – jacsue512@aol.com

House Passes Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Addresses Many Horse Industry Concerns
Early Friday afternoon, House lawmakers passed the CARES Act, teeing up approximately $2 trillion in emergency aid to American taxpayers, small business, and non-profits and charities. Because most equine enterprises characterize themselves as small businesses and include many non-profits such as state associations and equine rescue operations, the package addresses many challenges facing the horse industry. The following are highlights, with more details to follow after President Trump signs the bill into law.
Small Business and Non-Profits
The bill bolsters the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, establishing a maximum loan amount to $10 million through December 31, 2020. The bill defines eligibility for loans as a small business or 501(c)(3) nonprofit with not more than 500 employees “or the applicable size standard for the industry as provided by SBA.” The bill further extends eligibility to sole-proprietors, independent contractors, and other self-employed individuals. This should provide assistance to trainers, farriers, and veterinarians, among other solo practitioners. 
APPLY FOR DISASTER LOAN
Getting Cash for Your Small Business Through the CARES Act
CARES Act Small Business Guide
The bill also expands the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program currently available to small business to include “any individual operating as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor during the covered period” from January 31, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Luckily for many breed-specific associations and state groups, for example, the bill extends the program to private non-profits. The American Horse Council (AHC) COVID-19 Resources web page includes links related to the EIDL program and will post updated information as details unfold.
Tax and Payroll Flexibility
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – The bill extends unemployment benefits to the self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others who are unable to work as a direct result of the pandemic. Self-employed professionals such as trainers and other independent contractors impacted by economic disruptions, including event cancellations, caused by “social distancing” should find this provision helpful.
Individual “Recovery Rebates” – Individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 are eligible for a $1200 cash rebate from the IRS. The amount rises to $2400 for married couples.
Charitable Contribution Flexibility – The provision encourages Americans to contribute to churches and charitable organizations in 2020 by permitting them to deduct up to $300 of cash contributions, whether they itemize their deductions or not. This provision should blunt the impact of equine charities including rescue operations.
Charitable Contribution Increases – The bill increases the limitations on deductions for charitable contributions by individuals who itemize, as well as corporations. Technical details to follow.
Employer Payroll Tax Flexibility – The bill allows employers and self-employed individuals to defer payment of the Social Security tax until 2021 and beyond. Employers generally pay a 6.2-percent Social Security tax on employee wages. While the scope of this provision is not yet clear, it could extend to equine equipment makers and other manufacturers and merchants that comprise the complex supply-chain for the horse industry.
Stay tuned to all our channels for the latest developments

CURRENT NEWS

APHA honors award winners at 2020 Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet

APHA honored several distinguished award recipients at its 2020 APHA Convention, as part of the…
Read more…

Calendar

May 1
• APHF Therapeutic Riding instructor scholarship
applications due
May 15
• Distinguished Service Award nominations due
May 29
• APHA Youth World Show Pre-Entry, Stall & RV Deadline

CLUB NEWS

New updates to the Gold Star and Clubs of Distinction awards for 2020.

2020 Rule Change Proposal changes dates for Regional Clubs to provide required information to APHA

See Article IX, page 28-30 of the Official 2020 APHA Rule Book where it states the requirements to maintain a regional club charter.  March 1 is the new deadline for receipt of newly elected officers, financial statements, membership lists and current club by-laws.  Use the links below for the required electronic templates for these items.
Officers
Membership List
Sample Financial Report
 

“Looking to increase show participation? Want to capitalize on the ranching competition movement?

Then the Ranch Work Championships is your answer. The Ranch Work Championships are an all new timed, all-breed ranch competition. It has been designed to maximize revenue for producers and made to seamlessly blend on the front or the back of a pre-exiting event. Visit Ranch Work Championships  to learn more or watch our YouTube explanation video. Are you interested in producing a Ranch Work Championships Qualifier in your area? Email Steven Hayes or call 817-222-6432. Step on to the bus headed for a new era in Ranch Horse competition!”
 

  It’s not too late to get your brick added to the showcase location on Mule Alley.

APHA’s Fresh Paint – Quick Dry Edition #15

Fort Worth Stockyards Update

Bought a new horse?  Transfer it online!