The National Snaffle Bit Association is an equestrian organization in the United States that began by promoting and staging Pleasure riding events. Since then, several more disciplines have been added. It was founded in 1983. It is currently headquartered in Gurnee, Illinois, United States. The NSBA has a partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association in order that both associations can benefit from the many rules and regulations they have in common.
History
There was a long period of chaos with all the involved parties of pleasure riding meeting in various places and attempting to improve the sport, while a few good men complained on the sidelines. Then these few decide to its time to take a big risk to do something exceptional for the horse. Knowing that it is a long-term endeavor, these men take a leap of faith and meet in Dallas, Texas, to shape a plan in detail. The result was the National Snaffle Bit Association. It started with donations gathered from the most active, mostly trainers, riders, and owners. With the funds collected, they used it as seed money; thus the NSBA was founded in 1983. Many members can rightfully claim credit for getting the association started. But a handful were crucial - Leo Barbera, Walter Hughes, Jerry Stanford, and Jack Benson are some. These cowboys were intent on promoting gentler training methods, more authentic gaits, and longevity in show horses. They helped to protect the horse and ensured a lasting future for the show horse. One of the changes was to have trainers stop pressuring the two-years old to have them ready to show bridles in the summer. Rather, they wanted them shown in snaffle bits. "We first formed the National Pleasure Horse Association but it didn’t quite have the leadership that was needed to get off the ground," says trainer and judge Brad Gibby, who was there from the very beginning when NSBA was formed. "That’s when we came together again and our vision for NSBA was for it to be a place to market our western pleasure horses and for us to slow down a bit and not push the horses as much as we had in the past." There was quite a bit of adjustment after the switch. When the NASB first started, it was a Western Pleasure based association only. When they welcomed June Warren onto the Board in 1986, she advocated for the hunter under saddle horse. Not long after, she had lassoed cowboys and a hunter under saddle division was born. And for every addition to Western pleasure, she made sure a commensurate addition was made for hunter horses. The association continued to grow with a Stallion Incentive Fund and then a Breeders Championship Futurity. A new program was added for rail horses. The BCF was expanded to include trail and western riding. The show transitioned to the NSBA World Championship Show. The NASB says it is a combination of programs and people that has made their association so successful.
The World Show is several days of pleasure horse classes and special events. Pleasure horses are judged on their "manners, performance, and way of moving." The classes are open to all recognized breeds. The top 10 in each classes earn cash awards. The entry fees are also handed out as prizes. The fees are combined into a jackpot that is then distributed among the winners. Some classes require qualification. Other classes only require entry fees.
Recognized breeds
These are the breeds that NASB currently recognizes:
There are over 40 BCF classes. Competitors must enroll to be eligible. Pleasure horses must follow various rules as per the BCF rulebook.
Stakes classes
There are five stakes shows offered at the World Show. All recognized breeds are eligible to compete. Awards are given to the top 10 in each class. Prizes are money and a jackpot.
Riders with Disabilities
Five different classes are included. Independent and supported riding in Western and Hunting disciplines are included.
