Inaugural 2026 NSBA MPHA Summer Sizzler Brings the Heat and the Payouts
Photos courtesy of NSBA.
The inaugural Summer Sizzler made a strong first impression, bringing exhibitors from across the Midwest to Winona, Minnesota, for a weekend of competition, added-money opportunities and a multi-breed schedule designed to maximize time in the show pen. Hosted by the National Snaffle Bit Association in conjunction with the Minnesota Paint Horse Association, the event featured three days of NSBA classes alongside a special-event AQHA show and a two-day APHA Paint-O-Rama, July 17-19, at the Minnesota Equestrian Center.
“We were really pleased with how the exhibitors responded to the Summer Sizzler,” noted Denton DeBuhr, NSBA first vice president, who co-managed the show with Eric Petersen. “We wanted to offer a weekend NSBA horse show in the Midwest, and we were able to provide a full slate of NSBA classes on Friday and a full APHA show over Saturday and Sunday, with more NSBA classes throughout the weekend.
“The NSBA umbrella covers a lot of breeds, and exhibitors were able to bring them all to this show, whether a Quarter Horse, Paint Horse or another breed. The schedule was structured so that if you brought a Western Pleasure horse, you could show it almost every day and if you brought a Hunter Under Saddle horse, you could show it almost every day as well. We offered added money in Equitation, Horsemanship, Showmanship, a Limited Non-Pro Maturity Western Pleasure, a Green Western Pleasure, a Three and Four Year Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle, a Non-Pro Longe Line, Open and Non-Pro Trail and a Non-Pro Western Riding class, so there were a variety of classes to win money in.”
The Summer Sizzler featured six $1,000-added NSBA classes as well as four $250 added jackpot Non-Pro classes. Exhibitors preparing for the AQHYA World and NSBA World Championship Shows had the opportunity to show on Trail patterns designed by Tim Kimura. All Breed classes were offered each day. Exhibitors were treated to an exhibitor dinner on Friday evening and helped the Minnesota Paint Horse Association celebrate its 60th anniversary at a party on Saturday evening.
“We had wanted to be a part of this type of format for a few years and we were excited to see it come to life,” noted Trish Schmal, who, with her husband, Tim, served as show secretary through their business, TNT Events. “It came together really well and everyone who helped with the show did a great job.
“I think we were most excited to hear all the positive feedback from the exhibitors. They enjoyed the show and liked the format and all the options they had to show in various classes. A lot of them were already looking forward to coming back next year.”
“We worked to have a friendly atmosphere and provide exceptional hospitality,” Denton added. “Everyone seemed to have a good time and liked the show’s concept. I believe it is the future of weekend shows.”
Plans are underway for 2027, with dates reserved for July 16-18, 2027, as the show returns to the Minnesota Equestrian Center in Winona, Minnesota.
Visit the TNT Events page for the showbill and results: https://www.timzhsm.com/events.html
Press release courtesy of NSBA: https://nsba.com/archives/2026-summer-sizzler-brings-the-heat-and-the-payouts
