New for 2026: Year-End Awards In All-Breed Classes
The 2026 grant, “VQHA Supports You,” received through the Virginia Horse Industry Board (VHIB) will allow VQHA to provide incentives to exhibitors in all-breed classes.
These low-cost classes have historically provided a service to the community and to give newcomers an introduction to showing with VQHA, benefiting from AQHA’s quality judging and show standards.
This grant will allow us to:
- Provide year-end awards for exhibitors
- Develop these classes as entry-level opportunities
- Present education about all-breed and AQHA classes, judging, and horse show management to exhibitors. Authoritative educational content from industry leaders and AQHA will help newcomers and experienced competitors build their skills and prepare for more challenging opportunities in breed-shows and other organizations.
How To Participate And Be Eligible For Year End Awards
- Nominate your horse for year-end awards in 2026 all-breed class(es) at the Virginia National Stock Horse Show and the Jack O’Lantern Classic.
- Exhibitors must nominate their horses to participate in this awards program. The nomination fee is $25. Horses can be nominated at the Virginia National Stock Horse Show.
- Nomination fees are separate from regular show fees and must be paid by separate check to VQHA All-Breed.
- The highest-placing nominated horse in each class series will receive a year-end award.
- This program will also feature education to encourage entry-level exhibitors and help them (along with seasoned competitors) improve their skills.
- A VQHA monthly newsletter will feature tips and techniques to improve your show-ring performance. The newsletter will highlight educational information from industry leaders, AQHA resources, and other reputable experts.
- This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Virginia Horse Industry Board.
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