Western Horsemen of Oregon — 2026 Convention Weekend
November 14–15, 2026 • Newport, Oregon
Connection, competition & celebration
A Letter from the President
Congratulations to everyone on making it through another successful year! It’s been a busy one, and you’ve all done an incredible job. I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished and look forward to celebrating soon.
Nick has once again put together a fun-filled weekend as Convention heads back to the coast. Details are below.
We hope you’ll join us for a wonderful weekend filled with fun, laughter, and celebration with friends and family.
— Tasha Ballstaedt, WHO President
Junior Director’s Corner
It has been a fun and successful year! As we wrap up the season, we’re already excited for Convention.
During Convention, we’ll be voting on our nominated Juniors for:
• Sportsmanship
• Most Improved
• Rookie of the Year
Nominations are open until November 1.
It’s awesome to see how much everyone has grown and supported each other this year. I can’t wait to celebrate together at Convention.
— Jade Ballstaedt, Junior Director
Convention at a Glance
Location
Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn
3019 N Coast Hwy, Newport, Oregon
Saturday • November 14
6:00–10:00 pm — Family Game Show Night
Jasper/Onyx Room
Team games, prizes, hors d’oeuvres, snacks, drinks
10:00–11:00 pm — Family Fire Pit
Hot chocolate and cider
Evening Prices:
Adults $30 • Kids $20
Sunday • November 15
8:00–9:00 am — Judges & Timers Meeting
9:30 am–12:00 pm — General Membership Meeting
12:00–1:00 pm — BBQ Lunch Buffet
Members $20 • Non-members $28
1:00–3:00 pm — Awards Ceremony
Stay With Us
Hillside rooms $119
Ocean-view rooms $149
(plus tax)
Call 541‑265‑9411 and ask for the Western Horsemen of Oregon Group.
Book by October 23 to receive the WHO room rate.
RSVP by October 24
Nick Meuret
503‑732‑4202
nickmeuret@outlook.com
Meet Your Board
President: Tasha Ballstaedt
Vice President: Jake Hart
Secretary: Sara Hart
Treasurer: Leslie Davis
Junior Director: Jade Ballstaedt
2‑Year Directors:
David Traschel • Kayla Sawyer
1‑Year Directors:
Kattie Ackley • Candy Spahn • Tiffany Meuret
Board Elections & Open Positions
Voting will take place during the General Membership Meeting at Convention.
Positions open for nomination:
• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Junior Director
• Two 2‑Year Directors
Judges & Timers: We Need You!
Judges & Timers Meeting:
Sunday, November 15 • 8:00–9:00 am
Judge Duties:
• Have a current rule book
• Raise an arm when the course is ready
• Enforce all game rules; call penalties & DQs
• Read both watches and sign record-run sheets
• Re-measure course after record times
• Instruct arena crew on resetting
• Inspect all game equipment
Timer Duties:
• Know record times before each event
• Signal judge when ready
• Announce full time (example: 15.419)
• Check each time against backup timer
• Sign arena & record-breaking sheets
• Do not reset clock/watch until checked
• Read time in seconds, not minutes
2026 W.H.O. Rule Change Proposals
To be voted on at the Convention General Meeting • November 15, 2026
Rule Proposal #1
Submitted by: Suzie Kennell
Current Rule: Dress Code
“No ripped jeans or shirts, no shorts or cut off pants permitted. No tank tops with straps thinner than 1” and/or low cut permitted.”
Proposed Rule:
“No ripped jeans or shirts, no shorts or cut off pants permitted. No tank tops with straps thinner than 1”, no low cut tops, and no tops with bare mid-drifts permitted.”
Reason:
Adds clarity for judges regarding bare mid-drifts.
Board majority supports.
Rule Proposal #2
Submitted by: Suzie Kennell
Current Rule: Interstate Qualifications
“Based on an average of three best times of the season from two different arenas.”
Proposed Rule:
“Based on an average of three best times.”
Reason:
• Rising fuel costs and reduced arena access
• PSHA allows qualification from one arena
• Interstate needed to pull down to 32nd rider to fill spots
• One team had four times from one arena and needed board approval — this rule would make qualification automatic
Board majority supports.
Rule Proposal #3
Submitted by: Marilyn Norris
Current Rule: Board of Directors
“Any office position may be held for more than two consecutive years except for the President or Vice President.”
Proposed Rule:
Remove this sentence.
Reason:
President and Vice President would still be voted on yearly, but could continue serving if elected.
Board majority supports.
Compiled by WHO Secretary, Sara Hart