PROFESSIONAL
MEMBERS
Welcome to the Professional Membership Page
For over forty years the United Professional Horsemen's Association has given a united voice to the individual trainer while recognizing his/her unique capabilities and talent. We invite you to learn more about UPHA's goals and programs for the Professional Member.
What Designates an A Professional Member of the UPHA?
To qualify as a Professional, individuals must meet two basic requirements. First, they must be 18 years of age or older as of January 1 of the show year (ineligible to compete in the Youth division). Second, they must be must be a bona fide professional horse trainer and have been a professional horse trainer for at least one year prior to applying for UPHA Professional Membership. They must show that their financial income comes from the profession of horse training or riding instruction and who are acceptable personally and professionally to the membership in all Chapters.
About the UPHA Professional Members
Anyone interested in a UPHA Professional Membership can apply by filling out a UPHA Membership application and having their appropriate Chapter Chairperson sign the completed application as their sponsor.
The application for Professional Membership shall be presented to the UPHA Board of Directors for approval. Once approved, the individual will be considered a UPHA Professional Member.
Any person holding a current United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Amateur card is ineligible for Professional Membership in the UPHA.
As a Professional member of the UPHA, we have provided information and programs for you.
The ASHA/UPHA Amateur Owner Trainer (AOT) Reference List is a list of professionals that will be published within the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) as well as the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA) as professionals who are willing to aid an Amateur Owner Trainer in need.
The UPHA Classics originated in 1974 to stimulate interest in young horses, and to provide owners and trainers an opportunity to receive substantial prize money. Local qualifying classes, as well as Classic Grand Championships, are held for Saddlebreds, Morgans and Hackney Ponies.
Horsemen helping horsemen. The benevolent fund helps horsemen in time of need. UPHA provides payments to members of local chapters, their families or estates left without income in the event of certain occurrences.
The UPHA Jackpot Sale raises incentive monies to be paid out on a national level in the UPHA Classic Championships. The sale is held in conjunction with the Robertson Equine Sale in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
The UPHA Young Professional Committee was established by members of the UPHA who recognized the need for a group that included young horse professionals age 35 and under. Read more about this active voice in the organization.
The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship Program is funded through donations made to the program. The donations are set aside in a separate fund by the UPHA Foundation. The purpose of the program is to provide a scholarship to children of professional horsemen who are currently Professional members of the UPHA.