Coming Soon
UPHA National Conference Schedule
Meetings are open to all registered attendees unless marked closed.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
8:00 AM 5:00 PM Commercial Exhibits Set Up
Monday, January 12, 2026
8:00 AM 5:00 PM Commercial Exhibits Set Up
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM 10:00 AM MEETING: UPHA Finance Committee (closed)
10:00 AM 11:30 AM MEETING: UPHA Executive Board (closed)
11:00 AM 1:00 PM MEETING: AHHS Board of Directors (closed)
1:00 PM 3:00 PM MEETING: UPHA 2025/2026 Board of Directors (closed)
3:30 PM 4:30 PM MEETING: UPHA Equitation Committee
7:00 PM 9:30 PM WELCOME EVENT: The Wizard of Oz at Sphere (Ticket Required)
Sponsored by Grace Arnold, LLC
Transportation Provided-Buses leave at 7:00 PM
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
7:30 AM 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Vendors open
9:00 AM 10:00 AM MEETING: UPHA Professional Members Meeting (closed)
10:15 AM 11:15 AM MEETING: UPHA Chapter Officers (closed)
10:15 AM 11:15 AM MEETING: UPHA Associate Members
11:30 AM 1:30 PM LUNCHEON AND AWARDS PRESENTATION
UPHA Horse of the Year Divisional Awards
AMHA Professional Horseman Award
AHHS John H. & Maybelle L. Costello National Breeder Award
AHHS Lydia Luham Pederson National Distinguished Service
2:00 PM 3:00 PM MEETING: AHHS Members Meeting
3:00 PM 4:00 PM MEETING: ARHPA Membership Meeting
4:30 PM 5:30 PM Associate Members Meet & Greet and Cocktail Hour
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
7:30 AM 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Vendors Open
9:00 AM 12:00 PM FORUMS - These open forums invite riders, trainers, judges, breeders, and enthusiasts of every level to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss what’s working and what we can do better together. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, your perspective matters.
Supply & Demand: Shaping the Future of the Breed
The balance between supply and demand plays a powerful role in shaping the future of every breed. From breeding decisions and sales trends to market value and show participation, economic forces influence which horses are produced — and which careers they go on to have. This forum brings together owners, breeders, and industry professionals to examine how current market dynamics are affecting the breed’s future and what steps can be taken to promote sustainability, quality, and opportunity for the next generation of horses and owners.
“The Power of Positive Training and Coaching: Building Confidence, Communication, and Connection”
Great training and coaching are about more than improving performance — it’s about inspiring confidence, trust, and a love for learning. This forum explores how positive coaching techniques can transform the trainer–rider relationship and create a more supportive, productive environment for both horses and humans. By focusing on clear communication, motivation, and emotional awareness, professionals can unlock better results, stronger client retention, and happier, more confident riders.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a developing instructor, or an amateur leader in your barn community, this discussion will highlight how shifting from correction to connection can elevate the entire experience of horsemanship.
Judging 101: What are judges really looking for in the ring?
Ever wonder what’s going through a judge’s mind when you walk into the ring? This forum takes you behind the clipboard to demystify the judging process and help exhibitors understand what truly matters in the show ring. Experienced judges will share insights into what they evaluate, how they make decisions, and the difference between a good performance and a great one.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of judging specs, presentation, and overall impression — as well as how small details, sportsmanship, and ring presence can influence results. By learning what judges value most, riders, trainers, and owners can better prepare, show with confidence, and improve the overall experience for both horse and rider.
12:30 PM 2:00 PM LUNCHEON AND AWARDS PRESENTATION
UPHA Larry Bacon Lifetime Achievement Award
UPHA Shirley Parkinson Professional Achievement Award
UPHA Sallie B. Wheeler Distinguished Service Award
UPHA Chapter Horse Persons of the Year
UPHA Chapter Honor Shows of the Year
UPHA Dr. Scott Bennett Professional Services Award
UPHA Associate Member Award
AHHS Elsa Mikkelsen Distinguished Service Award
AHHS Anna Lee Spires Judd Amateur Exhibitor Award
2:30 PM 5:30 PM FORUMS: To create an open, professional environment where industry professionals can discuss real-world business challenges, exchange proven strategies, and strengthen the financial foundation of their operations. (closed to UPHA professional members)
How to Crack the Nut-Beyond the Barn Doors: The Business Realities of the Horse World
Running a business in the horse industry isn’t easy — but it’s possible to make it both profitable and fulfilling. This session dives into the financial realities of operating within the equine world: understanding your costs, setting fair prices, managing client expectations, and finding smart ways to make your business thrive. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for budgeting, billing, and saving, as well as insights into how to balance passion with profit.
From the Ground Up: How Every Role Shapes The Horse Industry
Every role matters, understanding the importance of all jobs in the horse industry. This forum invites open discussion about how each job contributes to the bigger picture, why mutual respect across roles matters, and how the industry can better support and retain skilled professionals in all areas. Our collective goal is to broaden the perception of what it means to “work in the horse industry”, inspire future professionals, and strengthen the entire equestrian community by recognizing the importance of every job, both in and out of the saddle.
2:30 PM 5:00 PM ASSOCIATES ACTIVITY - The Mob Museum (Ticket Required-Transportation provided)
Experience the fascinating history of organized crime and law enforcement at The Mob Museum, located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. This world-class interactive museum offers an inside look at the notorious rise of the mob, the heroes who fought to bring them down, and the continuing battle between crime and justice. Attendees will enjoy engaging exhibits, authentic artifacts, and immersive experiences that bring history to life. While at the museum, Associate Members can participate in a scavenger hunt, scouring the Museum’s three floors of exhibits to be the first to discover answers to provocative questions about the history of the ongoing battle between organized crime and law enforcement. Additionally, registrants also need to select between a distillery tasting or a crime lab experience on the conference registration form.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
7:30 AM 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM 5:00 PM Vendors Open
9:00 AM 11:00 AM FORUM:
"Generations in Conversation"- Ideas Across Ages: Shared Paths, Different Steps
Every rider has been shaped by the wisdom of those who came before — and the horse world’s greatest trainers have stories that teach as much about life as they do about horses. This forum brings together legendary professionals to share the experiences, challenges, and turning points that defined their careers. Amateurs will gain an inside look at how training philosophies evolved, how great horsemen approached learning and problem-solving, and why timeless principles still hold true today.
Whether you’re an amateur rider, an aspiring trainer, or simply passionate about horses, you’ll enjoy hearing firsthand stories of perseverance, mentorship, and the deep bonds between horse and human that unite every generation of equestrians.
11:30 AM 1:30 PM LUNCHEON & AWARDS PRESENTATION
UPHA National Honor Show
AHHS “Spirit of the Youth Medallion” Award
AHHS Junior Exhibitor Award
UPHA Lillian Shively Equitation Distinguished Service Award
UPHA Sportsmanship Award
UPHA Ribbons of Service Presentation-Platinum and Diamond levels, and Scholarship Recipients
UPHA Tony Ray Young Professional of the Year Award
National Horseman Icon Award
1:00 PM 1:30 PM AMHA and ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC-Check in - Participants must register with AMHA &/or ASHBA
1:30 PM 2:15 PM ASHBA AND AMHA COMBINED JUDGES CLINIC: Ethics (closed)
2:15 PM 5:00 PM ASHBA AND AMHA COMBINED JUDGES CLINIC: Saddle Seat Equitation Division (closed)
2:00 PM 3:00 PM MEETING: UPHA Executive Board (closed)
3:30 PM 4:30 PM MEETING: UPHA 2026 Board of Directors (closed)
6:00 PM 7:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM 10:00 PM HALL OF FAME AWARDS DINNER & GALA-Black tie optional
St. Jude Children’s Hospital Ribbons of Service Presentation
UPHA Helen Crabtree Instructor Hall of Fame Award
UPHA Overall Horse & Pony of the Year Awards
AHHS Bill G. Robinson National Trainer Award
UPHA Richard E. Lavery Professional Horseman’s Award
UPHA Harry M. Sebring Professional Horseman’s Award
AHHS Gwen Stableford Lifetime Achievement Award
UPHA Alvin C. Ruxer Lifetime Commitment Award
UPHA Tom Moore Hall of Fame Award
Friday, January 16, 2026
7:30 AM 8:00 AM AMHA JUDGES CLINIC - Check in-Participants must register with AMHA
7:30 AM 8:00 AM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - Check in-Participants must register with ASHBA
8:00 AM 10:00 AM AMHA JUDGES CLINIC - Registered (R) Morgan Judges only (closed)
8:00 AM 10:00 AM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - Applicants Only Session (closed) to auditors)
10:00 AM 10:15 AM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - Check in for Auditors, “r”, & “R” Judges
10:15 AM 12:15 PM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - Roadster & Hackney Divisions (closed)
12:15 PM 1:00 PM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - working lunch with interviews (closed)
1:00 PM 4:00 PM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - American Saddlebred Division (closed)
4:00 PM 5:00 PM ASHBA JUDGES CLINIC - Interviews (closed)