Classic Riding Series

History

With a shared vision for growth and continued opportunity within the draft horse industry, the Board proudly approved the implementation of the Classic Riding Series in February of 2026. This marked the fifth division in North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series history and an exciting step forward for the organization. The Classic Riding Series presents an opportunity for riding enthusiasts to participate with their horses and represents the versatility of the draft horse.

Membership

Membership in the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series may be held by any individual, firm, or partnership, who is interested in the promotion of the draft horse and the competitive showing of draft horses.

1. Annual dues of fifty dollars ($50.00), in addition to the General Membership dues, are required to compete in any Classic Riding Series class.
2. Non-members may compete, but no points will be awarded.
3. Members of the Classic Riding Division are the only members entitled to nominate and vote on the Classic Riding Division judges for the Classic Series Finals.

Age Divisions

Classic Riding Series points will be tracked as follows:

• 19 and Over English, W/T/C
• 19 and Over Western, W/T/L
• 19 and Over English, W/T *does not qualify for the World Finals
• 19 and Over Western, W/T *does not qualify for the World Finals

Age is based on the rider's age as of January 1st of the current year.

See the Youth Classic Riding Series page for additional rules and information for youth riders.

Rules

1. To earn points in the Classic Riding, exhibitors must hold a NASHHCS Classic Riding membership.
2. There is no minimum payout required by the NASHHCS for Classic Riding classes.
3. Points are tracked based on the rider, not the horse. The same horse may be used for both disciplines and age divisions.
4. Classic Riding members will follow the existing rules and age groups established by the show when participating in classes. Regardless of the show's rules and age groups, the Classic Series will track points on age.
5. Helmets are recommended for anyone 18 and Under. The helmet rules of the hosting show will take precedence.
6. Only one set of points will be awarded for each Classic Riding and/or Classic Youth Classic Riding class.
7. Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Shires, and Spotted Drafts are permitted. Crossbreds are allowed if the rider can prove that the horse is at least 50% of one of the aforementioned breeds.
8. Tack and attire must be appropriate for the discipline. Judges will have final discretion.
9. Bits must follow the rules of the hosting show and the judge will have discretion.
10. Bitless bridles are acceptable in the 19 and Over Division.
11. Cantering and/or Loping:
    • Cantering is mandatory in the 19 and Over W/T/C class.
    • Loping is mandatory in the 19 and Over W/T/L class.
    • Cantering and/or loping is not required in the 19 and Over W/T classes
12. Cantering and/or loping is mandatory in 19 and Over classes at the Classic Series Finals.
13. Presentation of the horse is at the discretion of the rider (i.e., braiding, tails, etc.).
14. Shows must accept entries from all riding participants and place the class in its entirety, assigning a placing and points to each entry.
15. The show does not have to offer a Six-Horse Hitch, Classic Halter, Classic Cart, and/or Youth Cart at a Classic Riding show.
16. At the completion of the show, show management must submit the results through the NASHHCS website/show manager portal.
17. The submission must list the placing of every rider in the class by their hitch, farm, or membership name or number.
18. Premium payouts are optional but encouraged.
19. Any show with a NASHHCS class or classes that do not meet all the requirements listed above may be suspended for a period to be determined by the Board of Directors.
20. The Classic Riding will run concurrently with the NASHHCS points year beginning the day after Labor Day and concluding on Labor Day of the following year.

Show Rules

1. The show must register with the Classic Series and follow the Qualifying Show guidelines.
2. Shows must accept entries from all riding participants and place the class in its entirety, assigning a placing and points to each entry.
3. To earn points in the Classic Riding, exhibitors must hold a NASHHCS Classic Riding membership.
4. A Classic Riding membership is not required to participate in the class.
5. There is no minimum payout required by the NASHHCS for Classic Riding classes.
6. Only one set of points will be awarded to each Classic Riding class.
7. Points are tracked based on the rider, not the horse. The same horse may be used for both disciplines and age divisions.
8. Classes offered:
   • 19 and Over English, W/T/C
   • 19 and Over Western, W/T/L
   • 19 and Over English, W/T
   • 19 and Over Western, W/T
9. Helmets are recommended for anyone 18 and Under. The helmet rules of the hosting show will take precedence.
10. Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Shires and/or Spotted Drafts are permitted. Crossbreds are allowed if the rider can prove that the horse is at least 50% of one of the aforementioned breeds.
11. Tack and attire must be appropriate for the discipline. Judges will have final discretion.
12. Bits must follow the rules of the hosting show and the judge will have discretion.
    • Bitless bridles are acceptable in the 19 and Over Division.
13. For all adults (19 and Over), the following gaits will be required: walk, trot and lope/canter depending on the discipline. This includes the Classic Series Finals.
14. 19 and Over English and Western W/T are not required to lope/canter.
15. Presentation of the horse is at the discretion of the rider (i.e., braiding, tails, etc.).
16. The show does not have to offer a Six-Horse Hitch, Classic Halter, Classic Cart, Youth Cart, and/or Youth Classic Riding classes to be a Classic Riding show.
17. At the completion of the show, show management must submit the results through the NASHHCS website/show manager portal, listing every rider's placing in the class by their hitch, farm, or membership name or number.
18. Submit results within 10 days of the conclusion of the show.
19. Premium payouts are optional but encouraged.
20. Any show with a NASHHCS class or classes that do not meet all the requirements listed above may be suspended for a period to be determined by the Board of Directors.
21. The Classic Riding Series will follow the same competition season as all other divisions of NASHHCS, ending Labor Day.
22. The Youth Classic Riding may or may not include a Classic Series Finals event but will be presented with year-end awards.

World Finals Participation

Requirements to Compete at the Classic Series Finals:

1. Classic Riding participation at the Classic Series Finals will consist of the top five (5) point earners in both the 19 and Over English W/T/C, 19 and Over Western W/T/L,
2. 19 and Over English and Western W/T disciplines are not eligible to compete at the Classic Series Finals.
3. In the event a qualifier declines an invitation to participate in the Classic Series Finals, the next highest point earner in the respective discipline will be invited to participate.
4. A paid member is allowed to qualify for the Classic Series Finals in both disciplines if their membership indicates such.