2024-2025 Youth Board

Youth interested in serving on the NSBYA board should submit an interest form to the NSBA Office. Officers are elected annually at the NSBA Youth Annual Meeting, held at the NSBA World Championship Show.

NSBA rewards youth members for their participation in NSBA programs and encourages them to become lifelong learners through the Smart Points program. Youth riders may apply by paying a one-time fee of $25 and completing the enrollment form and registering their horse if not enrolled in the NSBA Incentive Fund. Enrollment can occur at any time throughout the year.

Youth riders must have an NSBA membership, enroll in the Smart Points program and either ride an NSBA Stallion Incentive Fund (SIF) Licensed horse or register their horse into the Smart Points program in order to earn Smart Points money. The name on the Smart Points enrollment and NSBA membership must be exactly the same.

Each NSBA point that the youth rider earns in a Dual Approved or other designated youth class will earn a monetary value, including Novice youth and walk-trot classes. NSBA Smart Points also sponsors the National Youth Activity Team Tournament (NYATT) at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the Youth Team Tournament at the APHA Youth World Show. This sponsorship allows the youth to enter and earn NSBA points towards the Smart Points program, as well as year-end awards.

The NSBA Foundation awards one scholarship annually in the amount of $2000. The recipient will receive $1,000 the first year, and the next installment will be awarded the second year. The program is open to any current NSBA youth member who will be attending an accredited college or university on a full-time basis, for a minimum of 12 credit hours. The Youth Scholarship program is one of the five programs administered by the Foundation. The Foundation's scholarship fund relies strictly on donations, and accepts donations of any size as well as special memorial scholarship contributions to present the award each year. 

The Youth of the Year Award recognizes youth who demonstrate dedication through volunteer work for a worthy cause. The award is presented annually by the NSBA Foundation to a deserving youth who has gone above and beyond to exhibit exemplary character in helping others through community service. The purpose is to promote and celebrate service work in our youth.

“Each of the applicants are to be commended for their outstanding service to their projects. They truly represent the motto of the NSBA Youth, Doing Good in the Neighborhood,” noted Stephanie Lynn, NSBA executive director. “The work of these outstanding youth is a tremendous testament to their servant heart and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”

The Susan Scott Memorial Fund was established to honor Susan’s memory and foster the lifelong skills learned as a youth involved with horses and horse showing. Rewarding young horsemen who give selflessly perpetuates the characteristics most often found in successful individuals, regardless of their career paths. The fund was made possible through the generous contributions garnered from the auction of Susan’s custom-made Harris saddle and memorial contributions made to the NSBA Foundation in Susan’s name. The saddle was donated by Susan’s daughter, Nancy Ditty, along with her husband Seth and son Luke.

Youth at the NSBA World Championship Show have another opportunity to show up and play hard, with the Youth Team Tournament! Participants are invited to the Youth Draw Party prior to World Show competition beginning, where teams will be drawn randomly. There is no additional entry fee. Entries are taken in the show office or online, up until the start of the draw party.

The competition is open to all youth exhibitors entered in NSBA World Championship Show Youth classes. Futurity and Maturity classes do not count. Teams of no more than five exhibitors will be drawn based on the number of entrants. Once teams are drawn, each youth will choose up to two classes to designate as their Youth Team Class(es). Points earned in those classes will contribute toward their teams' totals.

Results will be tabulated and updated throughout the day on signage to keep teams abreast of their current rank. Team awards will be given to the first place through third place team. Points are awarded based on team members’ placing in their designated classes. See full rules and point chart below.