b'I n the early years, the sport of horse racing seemed simple. There was no simulcasting, discussion of appropriate marketing strategies, super testing or betting via direct computer links. There was no NTRA, THA, TOC, TOBA, UTTA, AQHA or other organizations representing horsemens interests.Horsemen have a habit of taking care of their own. If someone was sick or down on his luck, they passed the hat, taking up collections, which is a time-honored tradition among racetrackers.It was in 1940 in New England that a group of committed horsemen brought into existence what is now known as the National Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association. From this meager beginning the National HBPA has developed into an organization representing the horsemens interests on a myriad of issues.Today, there are approximately 30,000 owner and trainer members throughout the United States and Canada focused on a common goalthe betterment of racing on all levels. With this purpose in mind, we welcome and encourage all horsemen to join theNational HBPA, and we urge our members to take an active role in the direction and policies of our organization. It is our members who make a difference.We horsemen are the National HBPA. We are Leading into the Future and we are Horsemen Helping HorsemenThe National HBPA Inc.Eric Hamelback, CEOPhone: 859-259-0451Email: ehamelback@hbpa.org 3380 Paris PikeLexington, KY 40511Website: www.hbpa.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalHBPATwitter: @nationalhbpa'