The National Snaffle Bit Association Board of Directors voted in September to expand recognition of its annual Horse Of The Year divisions to reflect the growth of all disciplines under NSBA’s umbrella.

Each year NSBA will present a total of four Horse of the Year Awards to the owners of the horses, (at time of most recent NSBA competition) which are most deserving of these prestigious awards based on NSBA participation, show record and points earned in that year.

Categories

NSBA will recognize the top performing horse in each of the following categories: 

ALL AROUND PERFORMANCE HORSE OF THE YEAR

Calculated on points and money earned in All Around classes throughout the year, including Trail, Western Riding, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Showmanship, Performance Halter, Hunt Seat Equitation and Hunter Under Saddle.

RAIL HORSE OF THE YEAR

Calculated exclusively on points and money earned in Rail classes throughout the year, including Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle. (Does not include Ranch Rail or Working Hunter Under Saddle)

RANCH PERFORMANCE HORSE OF THE YEAR

Calculated exclusively on points and money earned in Ranch classes throughout the year, including Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding, Ranch Rail, Ranch Conformation, Ranch Horsemanship.

HUNTER/JUMPER PERFORMANCE HORSE OF THE YEAR

Calculated exclusively on points and money earned in Hunter/Jumper classes throughout the year , including Working Hunter, Equitation Over Fences, Hunter Hack, Working Hunter Under Saddle and Jumping.

Looking Toward the Future

“As NSBA continues to see evolution in the industry, the board of directors saw the need to broaden the recognition to reward our horses and acknowledge the support from all divisions of our membership,” noted executive director Stephanie Lynn. 

The Horse Of The Year Award will continue to be calculated based on NSBA participation, show record and points earning in that year in each respective division.

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.