NSBA Announces Qualifying Updates for the 2026 World Championship Show
The National Snaffle Bit Association Executive Committee has approved several key changes to qualifying requirements for the NSBA World Championship Show, beginning in 2026. These changes reflect the growing popularity of Ranch and Walk Trot classes and are designed to continue NSBA’s mission of providing meaningful competition opportunities for riders at every level.
Beginning with the 2026 World Championship Show, the following classes will require qualification:
Ranch Rail
(Also known as Working Western Rail in AQHA and Ranch Rail Pleasure in APHA, ApHC, PtHA, and other associations)
– Junior Ranch Rail
– Senior Ranch Rail
– Amateur Ranch Rail
– Amateur 50 & Over Ranch Rail
– Youth Ranch Rail
Ranch Riding
– Novice Amateur Ranch Riding
– Novice Youth Ranch Riding
Walk Trot
(Also known as Level 1 Walk Trot in AQHA and Amateur Walk Trot in APHA, ApHC, PtHA, etc.)
– Amateur Walk Trot Western Pleasure
– Amateur Walk Trot Hunter Under Saddle
– Amateur Walk Trot Trail
– Amateur Walk Trot Western Horsemanship
– Amateur Walk Trot Hunt Seat Equitation
To be eligible for these newly qualifying classes, exhibitors must meet the following criteria during the qualifying period of May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026:
– Open Classes: The horse must participate a minimum of five (5) times in the corresponding Dual-Approved or NSBA Special Event class.
– Amateur and Youth Classes: The horse-and-rider combination must participate a minimum of five (5) times in the corresponding Dual-Approved or NSBA Special Event class.
Effective May 1, 2025, participation in NSBA Dual-Approved or Special Event classes will count toward 2026 qualification in these categories.
Exhibitors who do not meet the participation requirement may still enter the class with payment of an additional qualification fee. For complete information on qualifying, please visit www.nsba.com/qualifying.
These changes with NSBA’s continued commitment to honoring excellence in performance as well as creating opportunity for competition across disciplines and levels within the horse industry.
About NSBA
Established in 1983, National Snaffle Bit Association has expanded from its roots in the Western Pleasure discipline to recognize various disciplines and eight breed associations in competition. NSBA’s mission is to grow the show horse community through various equine programs and events where every activity benefits horses, breeders, owners and exhibitors alike.
National Snaffle Bit Association has more than 20,000 active members and more than 44,000 registered horses across its eight alliance breed organizations. NSBA members earn more than $13.5 million in monetary awards at NSBA-sanctioned horse shows annually, and the association sanctions nearly 600 horse show events and close to 200,000 horse show entries each year.
To learn more about NSBA, please visit nsba.com.
