The Northern Lights Quarter Horse Association (NLQHA) is excited to welcome riders, families, and horse enthusiasts to our 2026 Open Show Series — part of our 30th Anniversary season!

This year is especially meaningful for us, as we introduce (and reintroduce) something close to the heart of our horse community — a true open show experience. These shows are a new offering within NLQHA’s current lineup, created with the goal of bringing back the kind of events many of us grew up with.

We wanted to capture that “good old days” feeling — where shows were fun, welcoming, and about more than just competition. A place where:

• Riders of all levels could enter the arena without pressure 
• Kids could gain confidence and experience 
• Families could spend the day together at the fairgrounds 
• And everyone could simply enjoy being around horses 
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Our Open Shows are designed to feel exactly like that — laid-back, inclusive, and community-driven, while still offering a well-organized and rewarding show experience.

Whether you’re stepping into the show pen for the first time, getting back into riding after time away, or just looking for a fun and supportive place to compete, this series was built for you.

Join us at the Dryden Fair Grounds and be part of something special as we celebrate 30 years of NLQHA — while bringing a classic horse show experience back to life.