UNITED PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

It is part of the mission of the UPHA to encourage and promote educational activities and competition related to the sport of showing horses. Through our Challenge Cup programs, many juvenile and adult riders have increased their equine knowledge and athletic skills. In 1997, with Challenge Cup Championships offered in many different breeds (Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian) and age divisions, former UPHA President, L.F. Lavery, felt that the program was incomplete without a division for the physical or mentally challenged rider. In 1998 the UPHA Equitation Committee and the National American Riding Handicap Association developed the UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup.