Versatility / Dressage
We are pleased to bring back the“ All Show” fee of $ 175 for horse / rider combination for versatility classes( excluding dressage).
We will also offer several special versatility awards at The National again this year:
• All Around Versatility Champion- This award honors adult and youth champions competing in versatility. Participants declare 2 gait preliminary classes and at least 3 different versatility divisions in order to be eligible for the All Around Versatility Award. Stay tuned for the 2026 entry form on our website!
• Equiskill Award- Compete in any equitation class and the top 5 pattern scores will receive special prizes!
• Dressage High Scores- Compete in dressage and our high scores will receive special prizes!
• Don’ t forget to check out our Dressage Horse of the Year and Lifetime Superior Achievement Program opportunities. Visit nwha. com for more information.
VERSATILITY / DRESSAGE
Youth
The NWHA Youth Committee has been hard at work creating new opportunities for young members to become more involved, connect with one another, and share their passion for Walking Horses.
NWHA YOUTH COUNCIL
One of our most exciting initiatives currently underway is the formation of an NWHA Youth Council. The Council will give youth members a voice in the association while helping them develop leadership skills, contribute ideas, and become more engaged in the future of NWHA. An initial meeting is being planned, and invitations will be sent out soon.
We encourage any youth member interested in participating to contact office @ nwha. com with the permission of a parent or guardian. Whether you’ re a current youth exhibitor or just getting started in the Walking Horse community, we would love to hear from you.
YOUTH VIDEO CONTEST
The Youth Committee is also excited to announce the return of our Second Annual NWHA Youth Video Contest! This year’ s theme is“ How to Get Ready for the National!” Youth participants are invited to showcase their personal journey from the beginning of the season through the excitement of preparing for the NWHA National
Show. Contestants are encouraged to get creative and share their experiences— whether that includes conditioning horses, cleaning tack, practicing patterns, packing equipment, loading the trailer, or capturing fun behind-the-scenes moments along the way.
Participants may create their videos in any style they choose, including vlogs, montages, documentaries, cinematic edits, or a combination of formats. Videos can be filmed and edited using a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
The submission deadline is September 15, 2026, and winners will be announced at The National. Videos may be submitted directly by email or shared through Google Drive or an unlisted YouTube link. All youth participants must have a completed parent or guardian consent form on file.
The Youth Committee looks forward to seeing the creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm of our young members on display once again. We are excited about the future of NWHA Youth programs and can’ t wait to see more young horse enthusiasts become involved through the Youth Council and this year’ s Video Contest.
For questions about the Youth Council or the Video Contest, please contact office @ nwha. com.
Leah Terrell, Chairperson
July 2026 | NWHA National Newsletter | 3