The National Snaffle Bit Association has become one of the fastest growing organizations in the industry. Now in its 12th year, The NSBA World Show is already one of the must-go shows on the horse show circuit. In its first year, the event had 1,350 entries while last year, the show had increased to 4,325 entries.
These impressive numbers do not include the AQHA show which had over 2,500 entries in 2016. According to our calculations, that’s an impressive 320 percent increase in entries over an eleven-year span.
GoHorseShow talked to NSBA Director of Operations, Stephanie Lynn, on why she believes this show has increased in size 15 to 20 percent every year.
“We continue to make improvements to the show based on the feedback and needs of our diverse group of exhibitors,” Lynn told us. “For instance, this year will see the addition of All-Around awards for nine divisions, additional Small Fry classes, color longe line and expanded stalling. Exhibitors will also see other riding areas, new vendors, and more judge rotations. We want all the exhibitors to feel welcome and try to show our appreciation by offering a welcome reception, a bar-b-q and new and extensive awards through tenth place paying out over $1,000,000 in cash and awards.”
Lynn adds, “I think our exhibitors notice this and appreciate that NSBA offers a place for everyone, regardless of their age, their horse’s breed or their skill level, a place to show and earn an NSBA World Championship title.”
Stephanie also mentions that they have a great staff and that everyone who works at the NSBA World Championship Show is fully invested in the industry. “From those who donate time and money to the NSBA Foundation to the back gate person, every staff member has been involved in the equine industry their entire lives. They love what they do and champion the success of others. They understand an exhibitor’s needs as well as the confines of the rules that everyone must follow. The great prizes are a bonus too.”
We also asked multiple exhibitors why they attend this show every year. Read their answers below.
Meghan Tierney –Â The NSBA World Show is one of my favorite shows of the year. I love this location – the grounds are always well groomed, clean and the stalls are in great shape. The payouts are incomparable, easily earning the most money back. To top it off, show management is second to none; they are so accommodating and organized. It’s no coincidence this show has grown to the prestigious and competitive level it currently stands; it’s because they’re doing it right.
Jenna Dempze –Â One of my favorite things about the NSBA World is the variety of classes offered. I like that I’m able to show my horse in several classes between the BCF and world show. I’ve attended since the BCF first moved to Tulsa. It’s become a can’t miss event. It’s so well run, the facility is very nice, the prizes are great, and the quality of horses and competitors are the best in the country. Winning a prize here really means something. NSBA has done a great job of creating and maintaining the prestige of the show. I think people come here knowing they will be among the best of the best.
Alyse Roberts – The NSBA World Show is absolutely one of my favorite shows. The grounds in Tulsa are fantastic with lots of amenities for both the young horses and our show team. The show staff are wonderful and seem to be able to keep the long show running smoothly. We have attended this show for quite bring years and always look forward to it. One of my favorite things is getting to see so many friends and colleagues and to get the first look at a lot of the two-year-olds just starting their careers. Two classes that I am very proud to watch are the Equestrians with Disabilities classes and the Heroes on Horses. How could I not mention the Yearling Sale, showcasing some the best yearlings in the country? The show has changed over the years for the better. Numbers are up significantly, which relates directly to the quality. The quality of horses is what I feel has turned this show into such a prestigious event. I plan to be attending this great show for many years to come.
Rebekah Kazakevicius (pictured right with Beth Case) –Â Personally, I like that the NSBA has the BCF included. For exhibitors like myself who enjoy the futurity horses, it’s nice to get a check. I think it has turned into such a prestigious show because Dianne and her show staff know how to keep everyone happy and are so accommodating. My very first NSBA World was in 2005. I won both the Youth and Maturity Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle on Cool Assets. The very next year, Cool Assets won the Youth, Non-Pro and Limited Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle at the NSBA World. It was fun because it was just as prestigious then as it is now. He also won many NSBA World Championships after that, and I have been fortunate enough to have owned and shown many BCF and NSBA World Champions as well as NSBA Horse Of The Year. It’s a show that I look forward to every year, especially with the young horses.
Blair Townsend –Â I like the NSBA World Show for a couple of different reasons. First off, the whole NSBA team does a great job running the show and making things go as smooth as possible. The facility also is very nice, plus plenty of restaurants to eat at after you’re done working for the day. Some of my favorite things at the show are the Heroes on Horses and the EWD classes, those are both awesome classes to watch. I think it’s grown into such a big prestigious event because it’s one of the main futurities to attend. I also think the way it’s run and the quality of horses brings people back every year.
Kaleena Katz Weakly – We love the NSBA World Show. For one, they really try and accommodate the exhibitor. They offer a wide array of classes depending on your horse’s age, class level, exhibitor’s level…more so than any other show we attend. There are great prizes and large purses to be won there as well. I have been attending the show for some time now, and I believe it has succeeded so well because they have really listened to the exhibitors and trainers. For instance, several years ago they added all the pattern classes and green pattern classes, instead of just being about the futurities and rail classes. We get to come together and show against other breeds as well and that’s fun. Now, the show is huge and draws a crowd. It’s an honor to do well out there.
Joe Whitt – I have attended since 2013, and it is one of my favorite shows to attend. I chose it over the Select World for multiple reasons: location is great, Tulsa. I love the fact that there are many classes offered in all divisions, but mostly the caliber of the horses here are amazing and so much fun to just sit and watch. It is great to see horses compete against other horses and riders in their age group as well as color classes. To me, it is becoming the show to attend, well run, great classes, great prizes, and great horses. Tulsa also has a lot to offer the exhibitors for dining, hotels, camping and the show grounds are great with plenty of room to get your horses prepared.
Courtney Archer–Â The NSBA World Show hands down is one of my most favorite shows of the year. I have attended the NSBA World Show for the past eight years, and I have seen the classes double even triple in entries over the years. It welcomes all breeds to come show, and with them offering the pattern classes, there is something for everyone at the show. The NSBA staff is amazing, and they always go above and beyond to make sure all exhibitors are well taken care of and always feel welcome.
What is your favorite thing about the NSBA World Show? Let us know.
