To participate in this FREE online show, you need to be an EBRA Member. Don't worry, you can be from anywhere in the world and do not have to register horses with us to be part of our community. The half-year Membership rate is just $25 and you can quickly join our community by clicking HERE. Again, your horse does not need to be registered with the EBRA to compete.
Registration and Submissions: Registrations open September 1st, and they will be open until November 17th at 5 pm EST. While you do not need to submit your video(s) and photo(s) at registration, all videos and photos for the competition must be captured and submitted between now and November 17th at 5 pm EST.
Online Show Party: An EBRA Virtual Horse Show watch party will take place on Saturday, December 6th at 12 pm EST over Zoom.
2025 Virtual Horse Show Classes:
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Halter Class: 5 Photos and 1 video
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Showmanship Class: 1 video
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Trail Classes (In-hand/Under-saddle or Driving): 1 video
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Traditional Raffia Class: 5 Photos
Handler Guidance: Each unique handler must complete a registration form. A handler may exhibit more than one horse, but will be required to submit a new registration form per horse. A horse may only compete in one Halter Class and a handler may only compete in one Showmanship Class. The same horse may be used by multiple handlers competing in the Showmanship In-Hand Competition. A new registration form must be completed per handler, even if using the same horse.
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Exhibitors participate at their own risk, understanding the potential risks associated with equine activities. By entering, each participant who engages in an equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person(s) or property resulting from the risk of equine activities. By entering exhibitors agree to release and hold harmless the European Brabant Registry of America, its employees, contractors, and affiliates from any and all liability(ies).
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All exhibitors must practice sportsmanlike conduct and treat horses in a manner that is kind, respectful, and compassionate. Any conduct the EBRA deems unsportsmanlike or abusive to people or animals may result in disqualification from current and future events.
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The use of aids such as a stick-and-string, lunge whip, carriage whip and sack-on-a-stick are permitted to encourage horses to trot. Absolutely NO hitting, slapping or whipping with a hand, lead rope or whip. If an aid appears to make physical contact with an animal, it will be deemed abuse, and the exhibitor will be automatically eliminated from the competition.
HALTER CLASS
Halter Class Photo & Video Requirements
When taking photos and video(s) for the virtual show, be sure your horse is clean, with no saddle or harness. For the Halter Class , each exhibitor is required to record a video of themselves performing the posted pattern.
Halter Class Video Example
SHOWMANSHIP CLASS
Showmanship Class Video Requirements
When taking the showman video(s) for the virtual show, be sure your horse is clean, with no saddle or harness. For the Showmanship Class , each exhibitor is required to record a video of themselves performing the posted pattern.
Showmanship Class Video Example
TRAIL CLASSES
Trail Class Requirements
When taking the trail class video(s) for the virtual show, each exhibitor is required to record a continuous video of themselves performing the posted pattern. While safety equipment, such as helmets, is not required for adult classes, the EBRA strongly encourages the use of helmets. For those competing in Youth riding/driving categories, helmets are required.
Driving Trail Class Pattern
The Driving Trail Class can be performed while hitched to a vehicle or when unhitched and driven on the ground. The class can be performed with a single horse or a team of horses.
Riding/In-Hand Trail Class Pattern
For those opting to compete "under saddle," competitors are not required to use an actual saddle. Exhibitors may use a bareback pad or simply go bareback. Also, riders are permitted to go bitless too.
Saddle/In-Hand Trail Class Video Example
Driving Trail Class Video Example
RAFFIA BRAIDING CLASS
This “Traditional Yarn & Raffia Class” is where you deck your horse out in the traditional Dutch and Belgian way with yarn and raffia! If using the double-braided mane with yarn, competitors should use three skein of yarn (any color combo) and raffia. Tails must have a single, centered hunt-style braid with or without raffia twill. However, participants can also have fun embellishing their horse with a modern spin. You can also look to the show archives from Western European competitions to let historic presentations to inspire your presentations.
Raffia Braiding Guidelines
Thanks to Trekpaard.net and Eva de Smidt, this PDF provides step-by-step instructions on how to approach the double-braided mane with yarn.
Meet the Judges
Halter & Showmanship Class Judges
Monique Beullens and Eva de Smidt
Trail Class Judge
Laura Wiencek