2026 AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge Returns to the AQHA World Show

$55,000 in total purse plus prizes, the return of the Limited division, and a new official show equipment sponsor are all part of the 2026 event.

The 2026 AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge, presented by Super Sires, returns at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday, November 14, in the OG&E Coliseum during the Markel AQHA World Championship Show, bringing together talented young American Quarter Horses for one of the show’s most unique tests of versatility.

With a total purse of $55,000 plus prizes, the AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge rewards the complete American Quarter Horse through three phases of competition designed to showcase movement, manners, athletic ability and conformation.

Each horse is shown sequentially in three classes: a pattern class blending simplified trail and western riding maneuvers, worth 40 percent of the final score and sponsored by Cimarron Trailers; western pleasure, worth 40 percent and sponsored by The Equine Chronicle; and conformation, worth 20 percent and sponsored by the World Conformation Horse Association.

Kathy’s Show Equipment & Sterling Custom Saddles Joins 2026 Sponsor Lineup

The 2026 event will also welcome Kathy’s Show Equipment & Sterling Custom Saddles as the new official show equipment sponsor of the AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge, adding another respected name in the show-horse industry to the event’s sponsor lineup.

“We’re excited to have Kathy’s Show Equipment & Sterling Custom Saddles become part of the Pleasure Versatility Challenge,” said Stacy Dial, owner of Kathy’s Show Equipment & Sterling Custom Saddles. “The PVC showcases outstanding horses and horsemen, and we’re proud to support an event that celebrates the versatility and quality of the American Quarter Horse.”

Kathy’s Show Equipment & Sterling Custom Saddles joins returning class sponsors Cimarron Trailers, The Equine Chronicle and the World Conformation Horse Association in supporting the 2026 event.

Adding to the 2026 event is the return of the $5,000 VS Code Blue and VS Goodride PVC Limited division, sponsored by Kathy and Jerry Tobin in the names of their popular stallions. The Limited division broadens opportunity within the PVC while preserving the event’s demanding standard of competition, giving eligible exhibitors another meaningful incentive to develop and showcase versatile young horses.

“The Pleasure Versatility Challenge celebrates the kind of Quarter Horse we have always believed in–talented, athletic, good-minded and versatile,” said Kathy and Jerry Tobin, owners of VS Code Blue and VS Goodride. “The Limited division gives more talented exhibitors the opportunity to compete on this stage, and we are proud to support a program that encourages the development of truly versatile horses.”

Limited Division Eligibility

Exhibitors eligible for Level 2 competition in both western riding and trail for the 2026 World Show year will be considered “PVC Limited-Eligible.” The highest-placing eligible Limited exhibitors will make their mounts eligible for the Limited division payout regardless of where they finish in the overall PVC standings.

Up to four payouts will be awarded on a 40%-30%-20%-10% basis. Past or future overall PVC winners are not eligible for future Limited division payouts, and NSBA Quarter Million Dollar Club exhibitors are not eligible for the Limited division.

2026 PVC Eligibility

All general rules and eligibility requirements remain the same in 2026 as for the 2025 event. Horses cannot have been shown astride in western riding, trail or a similar Pleasure Versatility Challenge event prior to the Markel AQHA World Championship Show official entry deadline of September 15, 2026.

Beginning with the official World Show entry deadline, horses may be shown without restriction at any competition, including the All American Quarter Horse Congress, without forfeiting PVC eligibility. There are no eligibility restrictions for western pleasure or conformation, and money earned in the PVC does not accrue against AQHA leveling eligibility.

With $55,000 in total purse plus prizes, the return of the VS Code Blue and VS Goodride Limited division, a strong lineup of returning sponsors and Kathy’s Show Equipment & Sterling Custom Saddles joining as the official show equipment sponsor, the 2026 Pleasure Versatility Challenge will once again put the versatility of the American Quarter Horse center stage at the AQHA World Show.

 

Visit aqha.com/worldshow for additional information on the AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge, as the event approaches.

 

Visit AQHA Pleasure Versatility Challenge Guiding Document

 

Visit AQHAPVC@gmail.com and add your email for direct PVC notifications.