The North American Point-to-Point Association, founded in 2001 to promote and preserve steeplechase racing through amateurs and juniors, has been dissolved.

Started by amateur jockeys George Strawbridge and Mason Lampton, NAPPA operated as a 501(c)3, promoting point-to-point racing through foxhunts and educating juniors and amateurs with clinics and summer camps.

Michael E. Hoffman, NAPPA’s last president, decided with the board of directors last summer to dissolve the organization but maintain its educational programs. “One of the things we were challenged with is that this is a small sport. There are a lot of groups reaching out, trying to tap a finite group of resources to help fund activities,” he said.

When membership drives and fundraising didn’t supply necessary funds, NAPPA officials started looking for other organizations to absorb their programs. “The activities are really the core of who NAPPA is,” Hoffman said.

After reaching out to regional racing authorities and pony clubs, NAPPA decided on the National Steeplechase Foundation, another 501(c)3, to take over their activities and programs.

“What NAPPA has done with their programs recently has been one of the best things that’s happened in American steeplechasing, and I feel it’s an important program with the development of kids as prospective steeplechase riders, even if they only ride in one or two races. It at least makes them aware of the sport and helps promote it,” said Sam Slater, the current president of the NSF and a past board member of NAPPA. “I think it’s something that is very much in keeping with the NSF charter, and they’re very positive activities that we would like to see continue.”

NSF will begin supporting NAPPA’s clinics and summer camps in 2013. According to Hoffman, clinics will likely run under regional authorities such as the Maryland Steeplechase Association. The NSF will also promote races that host junior and senior field master chases run under a common set of rules.