The National Snaffle Bit Association’s Youth association, NSBYA, hosted a draw party for the 2026 Youth Team Tournament contest being held during this year’s NSBA World Championship Show, and also took time to elect the group’s leadership for the 2026-2027 year.

Emerging Leaders

Congratulations to the following leaders elected during the gathering:

President: June Drinkall
President Elect: Lilly Jones
Secretary: Logan Starnes
Treasurer: Shayne Gilliam

Directors: Hannah Kate Pipkin, Rye Gill, Elden Fredenburg

NSBYA encourages youth participation in the association and hosts conference calls throughout the year, as well as a face-to-face meeting each August. Members also participate in an annual service project organized by the NSBYA officers and directors.

Youth Tournament

More than 45 youth are competing in this year’s team tournament competition, and were randomly drawn by choosing a cookie with their team’s number on the container. Teams of up to five members will each choose up to two horse show classes that will accumulate points for their team toward a tournament win. 

The tournament is open to all youth exhibitors entered in the NSBA World Championship Show. Futurity and Maturity classes do not count toward the tournament. Awards are provided for the top three highest placing teams.

Good luck to all the NSBYA teams as they compete in this year’s tournament!

About NSBA

Established in 1983, National Snaffle Bit Association has expanded from its roots in the Western Pleasure discipline to recognize various disciplines and ten 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 ten 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.