The 2026 Virginia Bred Program
The goal of the Virginia Quarter Horse Association (VQHA) Virginia-Bred Program is to contribute to the Virginia horse-breeding industry by:
- Showcasing the talents and accomplishments of horses born in Virginia
- Developing resources for horse breeders in Virginia
- Providing prize money and promotion to exhibitors, breeders, and owners.
In 2026, we will offer 2 different programs to support horses born in Virginia.
Program 1: Virginia-bred all-breed classes at VQHA shows
VQHA Virginia-Bred classes will be held at both the Virginia National Stock Horse Show (May
May 15 – May 17) and the Jack O’Lantern Classic (dates to come) at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA. These classes will be open to any stock-horse type horse born in Virginia, irrespective of the breed.
Participants do not need to register a horse’s sire or dam. Stallion- or mare-owners may choose to nominate their horses to receive additional publicity, but Virginia-Bred classes are automatically open to any stockhorse type born in Virginia.
Program 2: “Great Horses Born in Virginia”
This program is supported through a grant from the Virginia Horse Industry Board. It allows
VQHA to collablrate with multiple horse show circuits throughout the Commonwealth to
recognize great horses born in Virginia.
Horses born in Virginia will be eligible for high-point awards offered by participating show circuits across the Commonwealth. Each organization/club will use their existing criteria to identify high point horses. Horses that have been entered in this program will be eligible for special high-point awards based on these overall point earnings. Awards will be made to high-point amateur and reserve high-point amateur and high point and reserve high point youth.
- How to participate in the “Great Horses Born in Virginia” Program.
- “Great Horses Born in Virginia” Nomination Form
Participating organizations are:
Amelia County Equine Club
Lucky Stars Open Horse Shows
Northern Neck Horse and Pony Club
Tom’s Performance Horses
Virginia Dressage Association North East Chapter (NE-VADA)
Virginia Quarter Horse Association
Whippoorwill Farm Hunter Series
Note regarding VQHA participation: This program is in addition to and does not replace the Virginia-bred classes offered at these shows. Points accrued from Virginia-bred classes will not count for these awards. Only regular AQHA classes will be tabulated in the point earnings.
Please see the VQHA Virginia-Bred Facebook page for updates.
Virginia Bred Sponsors
