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Show Resources

American Quarter Horse Association Resources

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is the world’s largest equine breed organization and the official registry for the American Quarter Horse. Founded in 1940, AQHA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing the American Quarter Horse breed while supporting horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts around the globe.

AQHA offers a wide range of programs and services, including breed registration, horse shows, racing, youth development, educational resources, recreational riding opportunities, and industry advocacy. Through its local affiliates, national events, and world-class competitions, AQHA provides opportunities for riders of all ages and skill levels to compete, learn, and connect with fellow horse enthusiasts. The organization is committed to fostering horsemanship, sportsmanship, and the continued success of the American Quarter Horse industry.

My AQHA Leveling Program Membership AQHA Rule Book

National Snaffle Bit Association Resources

The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the interests of Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and all-breed performance horses and exhibitors. Established in 1983, NSBA provides opportunities for riders, owners, breeders, and trainers to compete in a fair and rewarding environment while advancing the quality and welfare of performance horses.

NSBA sanctions horse shows across North America, offers prestigious year-end awards and futurity programs, and supports exhibitors through educational initiatives and scholarship opportunities. The association is best known for producing the annual NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity, which showcase top horses and riders from across the industry. Through its programs and partnerships, NSBA strives to promote excellence in competition, encourage youth participation, and support the continued growth of the equine community.

Membership Registration Smart Points NSBA Rule Book

Level 1 Horse Non-Pro Classes

SHW238.
LEVEL 1 HORSE NON-PRO ELIGIBILITY. Exhibitors must have a current youth or amateur membership. Youth exhibitors are not eligible to exhibit a stallion, see exception for youth ages 14 and older residing in Mexico, South or Central America in SHW215.9. Horse ownership is required per SHW220. Generally, youth exhibitors are not eligible to exhibit a stallion. See AQHA rule book for more information.

SHW238.1
Level 1 Horse Non-Pro classes are offered in showmanship, western horsemanship and hunt seat equitation.

SHW238.2
Horses are eligible to compete if they have not, as of October 31 of the previous show year, earned more than 10 AQHA lifetime points (points earned by the horse from all levels in any division will count excluding introductory/rookie points and are cumulated in determining eligibility) in that corresponding class.

SHW238.3
Horses placing in the top 3 (Level 1 Horse, Level 2, or Level 3) at any AQHA World Championship Show are ineligible to show in the corresponding Level 1 Horse Non-Pro class beginning the following year.

SHW238.4
Eligible horses will have the entire calendar year to compete in their respective Level 1 Horse Non-Pro Class.

SHW238.5
These classes must be held as standalone classes. Standalone classes allow for judges and show staff to create simpler/lower degree of difficulty patterns that are appropriate for horses at this limited stage. This allows for exhibitors to develop these younger or less experienced horses while showcasing their skills in pattern classes competing on horses with similarly limited experience. If a lead change is included in a pattern, it must be designated as a simple lead change.

Effective June 1, 2026, any horse exhibited in the youth, amateur, or Level 1 Horse Non-Pro division must be solely owned by the contestant showing the horse or the contestant’s immediate family (SHW220).