Westerville, OH — The U.S. Trotting Association’s District 1 held its annual district meeting today (Jan. 10) at the Renaissance Hotel in Westerville, Ohio. District Directors Steve Bateson, Roy Burns, Kevin Greenfield, Jason Roth, and District Chairperson Dr. John Mossbarger were in attendance, along with USTA Chief Operating Officer, TC Lane.
The meeting opened with Dr. Mossbarger recognizing longtime District Director Skip Hoovler for his many years of dedicated service to the Standardbred industry. Hoovler’s seat will now be filled by Roy Burns, a longtime Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) director and highly respected driver, trainer, and owner.
A total of nine rule change proposals were reviewed during the meeting. The following actions were taken:
- Resigning membership while under investigation — Approved
- Horse race fatalities reported to USTA — Approved
- Shoes off / shoes on — Tabled
- Horse retirement contribution from claims — Rejected
- Start caps for 2- and 3-year-olds — Rejected
- Deposit for appeals — Approved
- Stallion cap of 160 mares — Rejected
- Standardbred as embryo transfer recipient mare — Rejected
- Executive committee composition — Approved
Dr. Mossbarger was also reelected to serve as the chairperson for the district. District voting results will be presented to the USTA Board of Directors when that body convenes in Columbus, Ohio, from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, 2026.
USTA members are reminded that they may vote online through their USTA account, found by visiting myaccount.ustrotting.com.