Established in 1997 in honor of the late AQHA Honorary Vice President Merle Wood, this award is designed to recognize an individual who exemplifies an ethic of meritorious kindness and benevolence in providing opportunities for all young people to be involved with the American Quarter Horse.

The new platform will also contain videos explaining the NCEA scoring systems as well as discussion of the differences between competing at breed shows and NCEA competitions. It’s a must-have for exhibitors wanting to compete in NCEA events as well as for those wanting to judge NCEA events.

Bob Kail, has been a judge for 36 years. Kail holds cards for the AQHA, NRHA, NSBA, NRCHA and WCHA. He has judged many of the most prestigious shows, such as the Open and Amateur World shows, The Youth World, NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, NSBA World, The Reichert Celebration, The Tom Powers Futurity, The Little Futurity and the Iowa Breeders Halter Futurity. He has judged in Canada, Australia, Mexico and throughout South America.

Equitation Over Fences Co-Riders of the Year: Caitlin Boyle, Auburn and Rebekah Chenelle, Texas A&M
Equitation on the Flat Rider of the Year: Taylor St. Jacques, Auburn
Horsemanship Rider of the Year: Lauren Diaz, Auburn
Reining Rider of the Year: Graysen Stroud, Georgia

Current openings include: Chief of Sales and Business Development, Manager of Infrastructure Operations, Accounting Manager, Accounting Specialist- Part Time, Registration Data Entry Clerk, Registration Customer Service Representative, Customer Care Representative, Customer Request Operator, Customer Care Representative-Part Time

Performance Classes: Designated team members participate in five classes: Showmanship, Hunt-Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship, Barrel Racing and Walk-Trot Pleasure. Up to two contestants per team may compete in any one class, and top-placing contestants earn points for their team’s overall ranking.

From each Zone Finals, the top two teams and the top two individual riders from each division all qualified to compete at the highlight of the IHSA season. Each Zone Final also held a qualifying class for the USEF/Cacchione Cup. The IHSA National Championship Show determines the team, individual and alumni champions in both hunter seat and Western.  The event also features the coveted USEF/Cacchione Cup and the AQHA Western High Point Rider national final.

Each year, the NSBA Foundation provides grants to Equestrians With Disabilities and Veteran riders to attend the NSBA World Championship Show. Your $650 donation to this campaign makes dreams come true for riders who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a World Championship Show. Share the dream and donate today.