NSBA is On Course to Grow Opportunities for Hunter/Jumper Exhibitors
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By: Rachel Kooiker
Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography – www.andrewryback.com
Close your eyes and tap into the most horse-crazy part of your brain. What would it look and feel like to be at a Disney World for equestrians?
Do you imagine dreamy, garden-like show arenas with Super Bowl-worthy jumbo screens and stadium seating? Is there amazing footing, fabulous stalls, luxury camping areas, and incredible customer service? Are their opportunities to see the world’s best equine athletes competing in events that range from Western Pleasure to Grand Prix Jumping?
Chances are, anything you can visualize in your head has already been brought to life by the collaboration happening between the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and the World Equestrian Center, Ocala (WEC, Ocala). Late last year, the NSBA made waves when they announced a major expansion in the approval of Hunter/Jumper classes beginning in 2021 with the World Equestrian Center Ocala’s Winter Spectacular series. These classes are not new to NSBA, but this expansion adds to and allows for the continued growth of a segment of NSBA non-pros, trainers, and judges that have seen a rise in interest and participation in over fence classes in recent years. We spoke with NSBA executive director, Stephanie Lynn, for an inside look at this exciting development.
In the past, show managers could offer NSBA-sanctioned Hunter/Jumper classes, but the opportunities to sanction additional events will increase by allowing show managers to hold events with Hunter/Jumper classes for all breeds–not just NSBA affiliate-breeds–if desired. While the initial expansion of NSBA Hunter/Jumper classes has effectively kicked off with the Winter Spectacular Series held throughout early 2021 at WEC-Ocala, this expansion isn’t limited to these events. Show managers anywhere can apply to host NSBA-sanctioned Hunter/Jumper events by using the guidelines provided at nsba.com. For example, another event coming up in 2021 is the March to the Arch, which has also recently announced the addition of all-breed, NSBA-sanctioned Hunter classes.
