PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Distribution to NCDCTA Membership

Date: 12.1.2025
From: North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (NCDCTA)
Subject: Cancellation of the 2025 Year-End Championship Show (December 12–14)

The North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (NCDCTA) has made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel our Year-End Championship Show, scheduled for December 12–14, 2025, due to the current EHV-1 outbreaks occurring across the United States.

This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and in close consultation with:

• The North Carolina Department of Agriculture

• Veterinarians and equine health professionals

While we know how much this show means to our riders, trainers, owners, and community, the health and safety of our horses is — and must be — our highest priority. With the unpredictable nature of EHV-1 and its potential for rapid spread at equestrian gatherings, holding a large championship event at this time would pose unnecessary risk.

We understand that this news will be disappointing for many who were preparing, training, and hoping to earn scores toward year-end awards. We share in that disappointment and want our members to know that we are committed to ensuring fairness in the Horse of the Year (HOY) standings.

Adjustments to Horse of the Year Standings

NCDCTA will be implementing accommodations to ensure that riders are not unfairly penalized by this cancellation. These adjustments may include:

• Score requirement modifications

• Revisions to qualification criteria

• Consideration of alternative pathways to eligibility

Our Competition Committee will release the full details within the next two weeks so that all members have clarity and transparency moving forward.

Our Commitment

We remain dedicated to supporting our dressage and combined training community through this challenging period. By acting responsibly now, we protect not only our own horses but the broader equine community across the state and region.

We will continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available from state officials and veterinary experts.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and commitment to the welfare of our horses. The strength of this community is one of NCDCTA’s greatest assets, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

If you have questions, please reach out to:

Helen Ingersoll

president@ncdcta.org