In the fast-paced world of Western performance horse competition, few achievements come easily. Success takes time, repetition, and a deep understanding of both the sport and the horses that define it. Over the years, Nick Mayabb has established himself as a respected figure in the Western performance horse world, recognized for his professionalism and consistent presence in the show pen.
That consistency has now placed him among an elite group of professionals recognized by the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) for surpassing $250,000 in lifetime earnings — a mark that reflects not only competitive success but the longevity and commitment behind it.
From Ohio Beginnings to a National Presence
Raised in Gratis, Ohio, Nick Mayabb developed a strong foundation in the horse industry at an early age. His father, Jerry Mayabb, was a trainer, and growing up around horses gave Nick a firsthand understanding of the discipline and consistency required in the business.
After high school, he attended Miami University (Ohio), where he participated in athletics before deciding to dedicate his career to training and showing horses.
Mayabb’s early professional years were spent learning from respected trainers, including Brian Craig and Kenny and Ashley Lakins. These experiences provided him with valuable technical skills, show experience, and mentorship that shaped his own training philosophy and program.
In 2012, Nick and his wife, Carmen Mayabb, established NCM Show Horses in Georgia. Their 17-acre facility features a 35-stall barn, multiple arenas, and a comprehensive training program that supports riders at all levels. Together, they focus on futurity and all-around horses while maintaining strong youth and amateur divisions.
Building a Program on Communication and Care
Over the past decade, Nick and Carmen have produced numerous competitive horses, including Peace Out Man, Rockn The Blues, Mostly Chocolate, and A Cookie For Certain. Each represents the Mayabbs’ philosophy of combining solid fundamentals with individualized attention to both horse and rider.
Their program emphasizes confidence, understanding, and long-term development rather than rushing results. Training is adapted to each horse’s temperament and potential, while riders are encouraged to grow in their skills and communication. This balance between technical training, patience, and rider education has helped NCM Show Horses earn a strong reputation for producing horses that perform reliably and riders who are engaged partners in their own progress.
Sustaining Success in a Changing Industry
As the NSBA continues to evolve, professionals like Nick Mayabb contribute to its growth through programs that balance quality horsemanship with adaptability. Running a modern training operation demands more than show pen skill — it requires careful management, mentorship, and an ability to adapt to shifting standards and opportunities.
The Mayabbs’ program prioritizes horse welfare, clear communication, and progressive goals for both horses and riders. By focusing on education and steady development, NCM Show Horses continues to strengthen the foundation of the industry. Their work not only develops champions but also helps shape the next generation of riders, trainers, and enthusiasts who carry forward the values of patience, skill, and respect for the horse.
The Significance of the $250,000 Club
The NSBA $250,000 Club acknowledges professionals who have surpassed the quarter-million mark in lifetime NSBA earnings. It recognizes consistent achievement across futurity, maturity, and world championship events.
According to the NSBA’s Top Money Earners, leading riders such as Rusty Green ($1.33 million), Gil Galyean ($1.27 million), and Jay Starnes ($1.06 million) represent the upper tier of competition earnings. New inductees like Nick Mayabb, Anthony Montes, and Shannon Curl Holbin highlight the ongoing growth of the sport and the continued rise of skilled professionals achieving national success.
This milestone is not only a personal accomplishment for Mayabb but also a reflection of the strength and opportunity within the NSBA’s competitive landscape. Each addition to the $250,000 Club reinforces the evolving nature of the sport, where long-term development, consistency, and professional structure continue to define successful programs.
Comparable benchmarks appear in other associations, including the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) — where horseman Zane Davis recently surpassed $2 million in lifetime earnings — and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), which also recognizes lifetime achievements across its competitive disciplines. Together, these programs reflect the professionalism and depth within Western performance events today.
Riding Toward What’s Next
Joining the NSBA $250,000 Club marks a significant milestone in Nick Mayabb’s career and highlights his ongoing contribution to the sport. With an established foundation and continued momentum, the potential for greater milestones—whether $500,000 in NSBA earnings or broader recognition across associations—remains on the horizon.
Beyond the numbers, the recognition underscores the steady effort and professionalism that define his career. It celebrates a horseman who continues to represent the values of dedication, patience, and care that shape the future of the Western performance horse industry.
As the NSBA community continues to grow, milestones like this serve as reminders that true progress in the sport is built on persistence, education, and doing the work right—one horse, one ride, and one show at a time.