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The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) has officially announced its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, honouring the horses and individuals whose achievements have left a lasting mark on the performance horse industry. This year’s class highlights elite horsemen, standout show horses, and two breeding legends whose bloodlines and influence continue to shape AQHA and NSBA competition arenas.
For breeders, trainers, and competitors alike, the NSBA Hall of Fame represents the highest level of recognition—celebrating excellence not only in the show pen but also in breeding programs that consistently produce top-tier performance horses.
2026 NSBA Hall of Fame – Individual Inductees
Charlie Cole & Jason Martin of High Point Performance Horses
Few names are as respected in the all-around performance horse world as Charlie Cole and Jason Martin. Both originally from California, the pair founded High Point Performance Horses in 1992 and later relocated their operations to Pilot Point, Texas, a historic equestrian hub in Denton County and part of the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
High Point Performance Horses has built a nationwide reputation for producing elite show horses and developing riders across Youth, Amateur, and Open divisions. Their impact is particularly notable in Western Riding, where their innovative approach and attention to detail have resulted in a combined 18 AQHA Senior Western Riding World Championships.
Beyond competitive wins, Cole and Martin emphasize correct training, soundness, and consistency, producing horses capable of longevity in the show pen. Both trainers are members of the NSBA Quarter Million Dollar Club, highlighting decades of success at the highest levels of competition. Their Hall of Fame induction honours not only championship titles but also their standard-setting influence on horsemanship and professional training practices.
2026 NSBA Hall of Fame – Show Horse Inductee
Look N Hott (“JJ”), Legendary Hunter Under Saddle Gelding
The Show Horse Category honours competitors whose names are synonymous with excellence in the arena. This year, Look N Hott, affectionately known as “JJ,” earns his place in the Hall of Fame.
The 2007 bay gelding, sired by Hot N Blazing out of Regal Marie (by Regal Lark) and owned by Laurel Champlin, compiled one of the most impressive résumés in modern Hunter Under Saddle competition, earning:
- 12 NSBA World Championships
- Three NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity titles
- Over $91,000 in NSBA earnings
JJ also captured multiple AQHA World Championships and Quarter Horse Congress titles, excelling in both Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation. Shown by Laurel Champlin, Cassidy Champlin, and trained by Beth Case, Look N Hott became known for his consistency, presence, and effortless style, defining an era in the hunter ring. His Hall of Fame induction recognizes a show horse whose influence extended beyond wins, setting a benchmark for quality, performance, and versatility.
2026 NSBA Hall of Fame – Breeding Horse (Mare)
Zippin The Breeze, Influential AQHA Broodmare
Zippin The Breeze joins the ranks of influential mares honoured by the NSBA, the 1999 AQHA mare will be inducted into the Breeding Horse (Mare) Category for 2026. Sired by A Passing Breeze out of Fancy Zippin (by Zippo Pine Bar) and owned by Kathryn Frederick, her record as a producer is exceptional:
- 18 of 19 foals competed successfully
- Nearly 5,000 AQHA points earned
- More than $763,000 in combined NSBA and AQHA earnings
Several of Zippin The Breeze’s daughters have become producers themselves, extending her influence across multiple generations of performance horses. Her induction underscores the vital role elite broodmares play in shaping future champions and reinforcing strong maternal bloodlines in AQHA and NSBA competition.
2026 NSBA Hall of Fame – Breeding Horse (Stallion)
Its A Southern Thing (“Moonpie”), Elite Performance Horse Sire
The stallion Its A Southern Thing, widely known as “Moonpie,” earns his place in the Hall of Fame as one of the most influential sires in modern performance horse breeding. Foaled in 2010, sired by Only In The Moonlite out of Shesa Hot Cookie (by Zips Chocolate Chip) and owned by Amy Gumz, Moonpie had a successful show career before transitioning to the breeding shed, where his impact multiplied:
- Over $1.6 million in progeny earnings
- 26,000+ AQHA points earned by offspring
- 22 AQHA Champion titles
- Multiple AQHA and NSBA World Championships
Moonpie’s offspring are celebrated for versatility, trainability, and competitive consistency, making him a sought-after sire for breeders aiming to produce top-level all-around and western performance horses.
NSBA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The 2026 NSBA Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted during the NSBA honours Banquet on Sunday, August 16, 2026, held as part of the NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity (August 13–23, 2026) at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This prestigious banquet brings together breeders, trainers, riders, and industry leaders to celebrate the individuals and horses who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond the awards and formal recognition, the evening is a tribute to dedication, excellence, and legacy, where stories of outstanding bloodlines, legendary performances, and enduring contributions to the NSBA community are shared and honoured. It’s a night that showcases the heart of the performance horse world, inspiring future generations while celebrating the legends who shaped the past.
Why the NSBA Hall of Fame Matters
The NSBA Hall of Fame honours not just achievements in the show ring, but the lasting impact that trainers, horses, and breeding programs have on the performance horse world. Each inductee represents years of dedication, expertise, and passion that help define the sport.
Trainers like Charlie Cole and Jason Martin are celebrated not only for championship titles but for mentoring riders and setting high standards in training and horsemanship. Show horses such as Look N Hott leave a legacy through their consistent performance, remarkable talent, and unforgettable presence in the ring. Breeding standouts Zippin The Breeze and Its A Southern Thing continue to influence the sport through bloodlines that produce generations of top-tier performance horses.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class highlights how breeding, training, and competition work hand in hand to elevate the sport. At StallionCompare, we recognize these legends for the foundation they provide to the next generation of riders, breeders, and trainers, ensuring that excellence and innovation continue to thrive across NSBA and AQHA arenas.