Launching a National First: The 2025 CQHA Canadian National Amateur Virtual Championships

Updated:

June 19, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario – June 17, 2025 — The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is proud to launch the first-ever CQHA Canadian National Amateur Virtual Championship (CNAVC) — a groundbreaking national event that brings together Canadian Amateur and Select Amateur Quarter Horse exhibitors in an accessible, affordable, and fully virtual competition.

In line with CQHA’s mission to unify, support, and promote Canadian Quarter Horse owners and industry stakeholders, the CNAVC directly addresses one of the country’s most significant barriers to national equestrian participation: geography. By providing a virtual, inclusive format, the Championships increase visibility, encourage participation, and foster a renewed sense of connection across Canada.

“This isn’t just a competition — it’s a way to recognize and connect Canadian amateur exhibitors from coast to coast,” said Sharon Forbes-Hanks, Chair of the CQHA Amateur Committee. “At the start of the year, our committee aimed to create something accessible for every Canadian amateur rider and facilitate a national competition that was not just affordable, but also inclusive, motivating, and rooted in a true sense of community.”

From August 15 to September 15, 2025, exhibitors in both the Amateur (ages 19–49) and Select Amateur (50+) divisions will submit unedited video entries in 12 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) structured pattern classes, to be judged by official AQHA judges. Class winners — and their sponsors — will receive national recognition through CQHA’s communication channels.

2025 CNAVC Judged Classes:

Amateur & Select Amateur Showmanship
Amateur & Select Amateur Horsemanship
Amateur & Select Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation
Amateur & Select Amateur Reining
Amateur & Select Amateur Ranch Riding
Amateur & Select Amateur Western Riding

With a low entry fee of just $50 per class, the CNAVC offers one of the most cost-effective national competition opportunities for Canadian Quarter Horse exhibitors. Designed to elevate both emerging talent and seasoned competitors, the Virtual Amateur Championships set a new benchmark for national pride and recognition in Canadian Quarter Horse sport.

Find more information here: Virtual Championships - Canadian Quarter Horse Association

A Call to Sponsors: Championing Canadian Talent, Celebrating a National Legacy

The American Quarter Horse is the most populous horse breed in Canada, representing a cornerstone of the country’s equestrian culture and economy. As the official voice of the breed nationally, CQHA connects over one million Canadian Quarter Horse owners, breeders, and enthusiasts to programs that promote education, excellence, and industry-wide engagement.

By sponsoring the Canadian National Amateur Virtual Championship, your organization can play a direct role in supporting one of the most accessible and inclusive equestrian events in the country — while gaining premium exposure to a highly engaged, grassroots-to-professional audience.

“Sponsorship isn’t just an investment in a competition — it’s an investment in the future of Quarter Horse sport in Canada,” said Dr. Gilles Seguin, CQHA President. “It’s a way to show leadership and help build an enduring, inclusive, future-facing platform for Canadian riders.”

With only 12 class sponsorships available at $300 each, this is a high-impact, limited-opportunity partnership. Sponsors will receive:

National digital exposure across CQHA’s website, newsletters, and social media platforms;
Recognition alongside winning riders in official championship communications;
A direct association with a pioneering national event that aligns with values of accessibility, inclusion, and Canadian equestrian excellence.

Sponsorship is open to businesses, associations, clubs, and individuals who want to give back to the community and help shape the future of Canadian Quarter Horse sport.

To learn more about the program and secure your sponsorship, visit Virtual Championships - Canadian Quarter Horse Association.