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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 

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.

HORSE SHOW RULES & REGULATIONS

  • The grounds will open at 6:30 AM and close one hour after the final class.
  • Entries will be accepted via Google Form or by email at nlqhassociation@gmail.com.
  • Payment can be made by e-transfer to the above email (auto-deposit enabled).
  • Cash payments will be accepted at the show office on the morning of the show.
  • A show secretary will be available to accept entries on show day.
  • Exhibitor numbers will be assigned and distributed at the show office on show morning.

MEMBERSHIPS

  • An NLQHA membership must be purchased prior to or on the day of the show:Individual: $25.00Family: $50.00A DDAS membership is also required.

POINTS & ELIGIBILITY

POINTS & ELIGIBILITY

POINTS & ELIGIBILITY

  • Points will be awarded to active NLQHA members only, and tracked per horse/rider combination.
  • Please use the horse’s registered name consistently at each show.
  • This show is NAERIC approved (pending) — please ensure correct spelling of the horse’s registered name on entry forms.

REFUND POLICY

POINTS & ELIGIBILITY

POINTS & ELIGIBILITY

Refunds will only be issued in the case of:

  • Illness or lameness of the horse (vet certificate required)
  • Exhibitor illness or injury

RULES & EQUIPMENT

POINTS & ELIGIBILITY

RULES & EQUIPMENT

This show follows AQHA rules and regulations.


  • Junior horses (5 & under):

May be ridden one-handed in a shank OR two-handed in a snaffle

  • Senior horses (6 & over):

Must be ridden one-handed in a shank


Exceptions:

Speed events and English classes.

Walk/Jog exhibitors:

Walk/Jog exhibitors:

Walk/Jog exhibitors:

  • May ride two-handed in a snaffle or one-handed in a shank regardless of horse age.
  • Any adult assisting a child in the arena (excluding Lead Line) will result in the child being placed last in the class.
  • 🚫 No riding double.

Classes

Walk/Jog exhibitors:

Walk/Jog exhibitors:

  • Competitors may show in both Western Pleasure and Ranch Riding classes.
  • Lead Line is intended for riders not yet able to independently control their horse in a group setting.
  • Stalls will be available for those wishing to stay overnight.

Conduct & Safety

Walk/Jog exhibitors:

Class & Points Rules

  • Unprofessional behavior (including foul language, bullying, or inhumane treatment of animals) will not be tolerated.
  • Offenders will be asked to leave immediately without refund.
  • Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Any disruptive dogs must be removed from the grounds.
  • 🚭 No smoking near barns, equipment, or buildings. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly.
  • Please clean up manure around your trailer or stall. Thank you!

Class & Points Rules

Class & Points Rules

Class & Points Rules

  • If classes are combined, the judge must place all entries so points can be properly allocated within each division.
  • Each class must be placed to 5th place, as NLQHA points are awarded to 5th for year-end High Point standings.

Additional Rules

Class & Points Rules

Additional Rules

  • Stallions may only be shown by senior competitors
  • 🚫 No run-ins for speed events — the gate must be closed before the run begins
  • Proper attire and footwear required
  • Half chaps and paddock boots permitted in English classes
  • All exhibitors under 18 MUST wear an ASTM-approved helmet

Liability

Class & Points Rules

Additional Rules

  • The judge’s decision is final.
  • NLQHA is not responsible for any accidents, injury, loss, or damage to persons, horses, or property.
  • A 2026 waiver must be signed.
  • We recommend obtaining Ontario Equestrian membership for liability insurance, though it is not required.

NLQHA OPEN SHOW - JULY 5 2026

LEARN MORE

Join the nlqha.com Community

Find out more

Join us for another exciting day at the Northern Lights Quarter Horse Association Open Show, happening July 5, 2026 at the Dryden Fair Grounds.


This show is part of our 30th Anniversary season, bringing back a fun, welcoming, and community-focused atmosphere for riders of all levels.


🕘 Start Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Dryden Fair Grounds – 99 Scott Street

NLQHA CLASS LIST - JULY 5 2026 ( MORNING)

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • Walk/Trot (Youth) 
  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • Walk/Trot (Adult) 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • Walk/Trot (Youth) 
  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • Walk/Trot (Adult) 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • Walk/Trot (Youth) 
  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • Walk/Trot (Adult) 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • Walk/Trot (Youth) 
  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • Walk/Trot (Adult) 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • Walk/Trot (Youth) 
  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • Walk/Trot (Adult) 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

NLQHA CLASS LIST - JULY 5 2026 ( EVENING)

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

  • 12 & Under 
  • 13–16 Years 
  • 17–39 Years 
  • 40+ Years

Enter the Open Show Today!

Entries are officially OPEN—don’t wait, get yours in before the show even begins! It’s been a long time since we’ve had an Open Show series, and we’re beyond excited to bring it back.

Come be part of the energy, the competition, and the community. Whether you’re there to win, learn, or just enjoy a great day with your horse, this season is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss.


 Get your entries in today and join us for all the exciting fun this year has in store! 

ENTER TODAY

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