Application Information
for the
2026 US Hobby Horse Championships
August 1, 2026
Legacy Center Sports Complex
Brighton, Michigan
Sunday Funday on August 2!
Want to compete in 2026?
At a Glance:
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February 15 - March 15
Complete the application form by March 15, and include the dressage video link, show class photos and performance video link if you want to qualify for these events.
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April 15
Look for an email invoice with the classes you can compete in and registration information.
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April 30
Pay invoice/Register by April 30 to secure your space.
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August 1
Be in Brighton, Michigan for the 2026 US Hobby Horse Championships!
Curious about disciplines?
The 2026 Class Lineup
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--1’ HUNTER/JUMPER–
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1’ Youth: ages 10 and under
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1’ Junior: ages 11 & 12
--2’ HUNTER/JUMPER--
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2’ Youth: ages 10 and under
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2’ Junior: ages 11 & 12
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2’ Senior: age 13 and up
--2.5’ HUNTER/JUMPER—
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2.5’ Youth: ages 10 and under
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2.5’ Junior: ages 11 & 12
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2.5’ Senior: age 13 and up
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--1’ SHOW JUMPING--
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1’ Youth: ages 10 & under
--1.5’ SHOW JUMPING--
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1.5’ Youth: ages 10 & under
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1.5’ Junior: age 11 & 12
--2’ SHOW JUMPING--
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2’ Youth: ages 10 & under
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2’ Junior: ages 11 & 12
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2’ Senior: age 13 and up
--2.5’ SHOW JUMPING--
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2.5’ Junior: ages 11 & 12
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2.5’ Senior: age 13 and up
--3’ SHOW JUMPING (GRAND PRIX)--
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3’ Senior: age 13 and up
--100-110cm INTERNATIONAL QUALIFIER SHOW JUMPING --NEW!--
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All ages
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--WESTERN TRAIL--
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Youth: ages 10 & Under
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Junior: ages 11 & 12
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Senior: ages 13 and up
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--BARREL RACING--
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Youth: ages 10 & Under
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Junior: ages 11 & 12
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Senior: ages 13 and up
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--PUISSANCE--
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Junior: ages 10 & Under
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Senior: all ages​
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--DRESSAGE-- (ages 11 and up)
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Junior Freestyle Dressage
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US Only Grand Prix Freestyle Dressage
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Open Grand Prix Freestyle Dressage​
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--BEST IN SHOW: HORSE--
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Youth: ages 10 & Under
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Junior: ages 11 & 12
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Senior: ages 13 and up
--BEST IN SHOW: TACK--
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Youth: ages 10 & Under
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Junior: ages 11 & 12
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Senior: ages 13 and up
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Test Track​​
Do you have what it takes? Test track is open to anyone who wants to test their skill at jumps, obstacles, and a hobby horse track.
Sunday Funday​​
In lieu of clinics this year, we've decided to host "Sunday Funday", a casual yet lively meetup with a chance to try your hand at all the different disciplines in a non-competitive and relaxed setting. Picture barrels, puissance, a free space to practice dressage, Western Trail, and jumps galore! This is also a chance to meet the USHHC Organizers, hang out with friends, and enjoy the fun of the sport. Think of it as the biggest hobby horse meetup in the U.S.A.!
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Open to all ages.
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Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; feel free to come or go as needed.
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Cost: $10 per hobby horse participant.
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Held at Legacy Sports Center, Brighton, MI
Are you ready?
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This page has lots of information about how to apply, how competitors are chosen, new classes offered this year, and important notes. Find detailed information about travel, rules, course maps, tack and much more in our 2026 USHHC Handbook.
​​How to Apply
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To give everyone the opportunity to attend, and due to the constraints of time and space of the arena, class spaces are limited. We have lots of opportunities to compete, but competitors are chosen by lottery and qualification. This year we are charging a $10 fee to apply to streamline our lottery process and ensure class spaces go to riders who intend to come to the event.
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Be sure to complete the application form found on our website between February 15 and March 15. After March 15 applications will be closed, the lottery will be drawn for each class, and the starting lineup will be released on the website. Qualifying videos and photos will be reviewed. Applications that are incomplete (including those with signed waivers) will not be considered.
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Note* You will not pay for your class(es) or complete registration until after the lottery when the classes have been confirmed for all competitors. Be on the lookout for an emailed invoice with this information once the starting lists have been made. Be sure to pay your invoice by April 30 to secure your space; registrations not complete/invoices not paid will forfeit their space(s) to the next rider on the waitlist.
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Fee is $20 per class, and this includes the rider's entrance fee and one free guest. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Dressage
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Riders must qualify in order to compete in the 2026 USHHC Dressage classes.
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There are three sections of Dressage: Junior Freestyle Dressage, US ONLY Grand Prix Freestyle Dressage (open only to US riders) and OPEN Grand Prix Dressage (open to US and International riders). Riders must be 11 years old or older to compete in any section. Riders who have previously competed in a USHHC dressage class must compete in an equal or higher division of Dressage.
In order to qualify you will need to learn and film yourself performing the dressage qualifying test that was created for each class (see the Dressage Page for qualifying tests). In order to submit your entry you will upload the video to YouTube (public or private) and paste the link into the application form (please make sure that the link or file uploaded allows anyone with the link to access.)
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Rules for qualifying video are as follows:
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The entire arena must be visible
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The rider must be able to be seen the entire time
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The camera must be set up at the letter C (where a judge normally would view the test from)
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The camera may not be set at ground level (preferably 20+ inches off the ground)
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The test must be ridden from start to finish (no cuts in the video allowed)
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Video must have original audio (may not be muted and may not have music)
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All dressage letters must be visible to the judge
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The arena must be 8 m x 16 m size (26 ft x 53 ft)
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No headphones are allowed
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No side coaching during the test (someone giving the instructions as the rider is performing the test)
Best In Show: Horse and Tack
This class is designed to showcase artistic talent in the area of hobby horses and tack. Ribbons are awarded on quality of craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail. There are two separate categories that may be entered: Hobby Horse and Tack.
Entrants must qualify based on the information found in the Handbook. There are 10 spots in each age division for each class.
Those selected will be asked to bring their hobby horse/tack to the designated Best In Show area on the day of the competition. Submitted pieces will be displayed on tables for judges to assess during the Best In Show timeframe.
Participants are allowed only one entry per class (ex: one Hobby Horse entry and/or one Tack piece/set entry). All entries must be hand made by the entrant only. Cost for each entry and the chance to qualify is $5.
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New for 2026!
Performance Ring
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The Performance Ring is a new opportunity at the US Hobby Horse Championships for riders with special skills, techniques, or tack to perform for the USHHC audience.
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Riders must qualify in order to participate in the 2026 USHHC Performance Ring. ​In order to qualify you will need to upload a short description as well as video or photos of your idea to the 2026 USHHC application. Maximum time is 4 minutes. The number of performers selected will be based on interest as well as time and space available in the arena. Qualification is free. (This event is not judged nor will ribbons be given out. )
What will you perform? Dressage duet? Extraordinary tack? Drill team? The ideas are endless!
New for 2026!
Puissance​
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Puissance is all about height! Who will jump the highest in 2026?
Puissance is open to all ages. Competitors will purchase a qualifying ticket for $5 that will allow them to attempt to jump over the qualifying jump at the event. Riders who qualify continue on to the Puissance Championship round. Riders are allowed two chances for one puissance competition only.
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Jr. Puissance (ages 10 and under) starting height: 2'9"
Sr. Puissance (all ages) starting height: 3'6"
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Don't forget - travel info, course maps, judging info and more can all be found in the