NSBA Smart Points
Learn more about NSBA Smart Points- a great way for young equestrians to invest in their future while doing what they love.
Having just graduated from the youth division I was reminded of the program my mom enrolled me in. I received a call last week from the National Snaffle Bit Association requesting information so that they could mail me a check. You can imagine I was happily surprised to be getting a call about receiving money rather than owing it. I recently cashed that check and plan on putting it towards new show attire that I have been saving up for. When I signed up for the program, I was well into my youth career and still received a very nice sum of money from the fund. By signing up early, youth members can have quite the payout at the end of their youth career.
The NSBA Smart Points program is an incentive fund that pays out NSBA youth members for each point that they earn. The rider must be a NSBA member and the horse must either be enrolled in the NSBA incentive fund or paid up into the Smart Points program to be eligible. Riders will pay a $25 one time fee. If their horse is not already enrolled in the NSBA Incentive Fund, a flat rate of $200 can be paid to qualify for the program. To learn more or enroll a rider, check out the link below:
Smart Points - National Snaffle Bit Association
What I think is super cool is how the amount contributed each year changes based on the number of youth members and entries at shows. In 2021 the payout per point was $56.26! This was the highest in the past few years with points averaging around $21 a point more recently. Even at this rate, an individual who is already showing and paying for the NSBA portion of their class could benefit greatly from enrolling in this program. Youth, Novice Youth, and Walk-Trot classes all count towards the payout. The fund also follows the youth as they move through the various levels of showing. The points even follow the youth across different horses as long as they are all enrolled in the program.
Each year the youth will receive an earnings statement to show their earnings for the past season. When the youth member turns 18, they will be mailed a check automatically. If a youth does not decide to collect their funds the money goes back into the NSBA Youth Scholarship Program, which is another program designed to help equestrian youth.
I think that this program is a great way to give equestrian youth an extra step up as they graduate to new levels in their show career. It is no secret that the horse showing community is full of intelligent and hardworking youth riders with bright futures. The money earned by each point is a testament to that hard work and a great opportunity for a financial boost as these young riders begin the next chapter of their lives.
Are you involved in any programs that resemble this one? Have you heard of any that might help the youth within the equestrian community? Drop some names below and don’t forget about the THQ Sponsorship Program where you can earn money just by interacting on the site!
Sources
THQ Team