The 2026 EquiSkill Challenge Cup Guidelines
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
These guidelines take effect in 2026
Event: The EquiSkill Challenge Cup is an english equitation championship class for Tennessee Walking Horses.
Location: The class will be held at the International Grand Championship Horse Show at the Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN.
Eligibility: Open to amateur, limited amateur, and youth riders who have shown a TWHBEA registered Tennessee Walking Horse in any equitation class between January 1, 2026 and the start of the EquiSkill Challenge Cup class. Riders and instructors must be members of WHOA. Riders who win the Equiskill Challenge Cup class will not be eligible to compete again until 2 consecutive years have passed. Riders may compete on any TWHBEA registered Tennessee Walking Horse. The horse must be shod for its division as per the 2026 WHOA Rule Book.
Class Structure: Riders will be asked to flat walk, running walk, canter, and back their horse. There will be rail work and an English pattern. The EquiSkill Committee will announce the pattern prior to the class.
Judging: Class will be judged 50% on rail work and 50% on pattern. Turnout (tack & attire) is part of the rail work score. Riders will enter and complete their pattern individually then exit as directed by show management. Rail work will ensue after each rider has completed the pattern. Judge(s) will hold a current equitation license and be experts in walking seat or saddle seat equitation. The EquiSkill Pattern Score card should be used.
Tests: tests are listed below. The pattern will be 2 or more of the following tests:
• Straight line at any or all gaits
• Circle at any or all gaits
• Figure eight at any or all gaits
• Serpentine at any or all gaits
• Change of canter lead
• Riding without stirrups at any or all gaits
• Turn on the forehand
• Backing the horse
• Demonstration ride of one minute
Additional tests may be asked in line-up including: addressing reins, dropping/picking up stirrups, backing the horse, and answering 3 questions: one on tack, the horse, and equitation. Riders are not expected to address the judge to start the pattern. Riders are expected to flow smoothly thru the workout showcasing the animation and beauty of the English style horse.
Rules: The 2026 WHOA Rule book and the International Grand Championship Horse Show exhibitor and show rules will apply unless otherwise stated in these guide lines.
Rev. 11/23/25
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These guidelines take effect in 2026Event: The EquiSkill Challenge Cup is an english equitation championship class for Tennessee Walking Horses. Location: The class will be held at the International Grand Championship Horse Show at the Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN.
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