Third Annual Pleasure Versatility Challenge Coming to AQHA World Show

By: Brittany Bevis

Always a hit at the AQHA World Show each year, the third annual Pleasure Versatility Challenge will take place Friday, November 13th, 2020 with the title sponsor once again being Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses.

The event is scheduled for approximately 6:00 pm on Friday evening when three-year-old Quarter Horses will be shown in three sequential classes- a pattern class with a blend of Trail and Western Riding maneuvers, which counts as 40%, sponsored by Cimarron Trailers; a Western Pleasure class, which counts as 40%; and a conformation class, which counts as 20%, both sponsored by The Equine Chronicle. Blue Ribbon Custom Tack will be providing silver show tack for the winners, as well as a special incentive of a custom work saddle for the rider who finishes in eleventh place.

In order to compete in the class, horses cannot have been shown astride in any Western Riding, Trail, or Versatility type class prior to the AQHA World Show entry deadline of October 1st, 2020. After that date, horses may be shown without restriction at any competition with forfeiting eligibility. There are no restrictions for the Western Pleasure and conformation events. Up to twenty entries will be accepted by the entry deadline on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to postmark date. The entry payment of $1,000 is due by October 1st.

In the pattern class, horses may be shown in a hackamore or snaffle. An AQHA approved bit is optional for the Western Pleasure class. The most exciting part of this event are the quick tack changes. Upon approval to remount after the pattern class, contestants will be given five minutes to warm up for the Western Pleasure class. Once that class is compete, tack will be removed with the assistance of two grooms, and the horse will be prepared for the conformation class, with the same five minute deadline.

Four judges will determine the placings in each class, and all judges will be sequestered until they’ve completed judging. The low judge’s score will be dropped in all three classes. No placings will be announced until the event is complete.

Fifteen horses will be placed in each class. The top ten placings will receive an award in each class, as well as the overall placings.

Any questions regarding the event may be directed to AQHAPVC@gmail.com. Visit www.AQHA.com/worldshow for more info.

Click here to read our article about the winner of the 2019 Pleasure Versatility Challenge. 

Click on the thumbnail images below to view the pattern and entry form.