Columbus, OH – On Sunday (Oct. 24), Chairperson Joe Faraldo and Directors Bob Miecuna, Joe Frasure, Jr., Jordan Stratton, Mike Kimelman hosted the annual District 8A meeting via Zoom online.

Chairman Faraldo opened the meeting by introducing the recorded opening messages from USTA Executive Vice President/CEO Mike Tanner and USTA President Russell Williams.  Faraldo then acknowledged the presence of Directors Miecuna, Frasure, Stratton and Kimelman and thanked them and USTA members on the call for their attendance on a Sunday afternoon.

The remainder of the agenda included a discussion of and voting on 26 rule change proposals.

Following are the results on the 2022 rule change proposals from District 8A:

Rule Change Proposal             Voting Results

#1 (Medical assistance/back-up ambulance)  Approved
#2 (County fair charting timeline)    Approved
#3 (Microchip optional horses born before 2019)  Rejected
#4 (State vet regulation of microchips)   Approved
#5 (Draw video and recording)    Tied
#6 (Blood samples for claims)    Approved
#7 (Voidable claims – injury)    Tied
#8 (Stakes payment dates)     Approved
#9 (Driver selection in stakes races)   Rejected
#10 (Interference before start)     Approved
#11 (Trainer continuing education)    Rejected
#12 (Whip specifications)     Rejected
#13 (Breaking horse disqualification)   Rejected
#14 (Stallion limit increase)     Rejected
#15 (Charitable breedings offered)    Rejected
#16 (Outstanding horse names)    Approved
#17 (No horse name changes)     Rejected
#18 (ID of broodmares)     Approved
#19 (Embryo transfers)      Rejected
#20 (Parentage verifications)     Rejected
#21 (Horse ID requiring chip and FB)   Rejected
#22 (Breeder location)      Rejected
#23 (Equestrian membership fees)    Tabled
#24 (Addition of equestrian membership)   Tabled
#25 (Universal election date for directors)   Approved
#26 (Trainer continuing education bylaw)   Rejected

Following the vote on rule change proposals, Chairperson Faraldo inquired if there was any interest from anyone in serving as director for District 8A.  Director Frasure made a motion for Faraldo to continue as district chairperson and it was accepted.

There was no further discussion.

The meeting commenced at 1 p.m. (EDT) and was adjourned at 2:52 p.m.

For the schedule of remaining USTA District Meetings, click here.