About UPHA
The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) is an association of professional horsemen and horsewomen who have united to improve the show horse industry and to define and clarify their professionalism within the industry.
The predominant breeds represented by UPHA members are the American Saddlebred, the Morgan Horse, the Hackney Pony and the National Show Horse. From the beginning, UPHA programs have benefited not only the individual horse person, but the entire horse show industry.
The UPHA regularly works with the United States Equestrian Federation, The American Horse Council and various breed organizations to promote safety, ensure fairness, improve conditions, increase attendance and improve the overall horse show experience for owners, trainers, grooms, and spectators alike. In addition to its core programs, the UPHA seeks to foster communication and mutually beneficial relationships between all participants in the horse show industry.
About UPHA Chapter 12
The UPHA has expanded into twenty-one chapters that comprise all fifty states and Canada. Chapter 12 represents the State of North and South Carolina with over 120 chapter members.
2026 UPHA Chapter 12 Officers include:
Chairman: Heather Boodey
Vice Chairman: Jeff Shelley
Secretary: Hannah Sette
Treasurer: Betsy Boone
UPHA Chapter 12 is proud to be sponsoring the Single Bit Classes for 2026.
Here are the details for the Single Bit Classes that have been added at the shows listed below. These rules are slightly different than the Midwest shows and other OTAB snaffle bit classes.
Single Bit Division:
Single Bit classes are Open to Any Breed and for Amateur and Juvenile riders in a snaffle bit only (no curb bits or curb chains allowed), with a running martingale, German martingale or draw rein. All tack should be of show ring quality. Riders are to wear appropriate show ring attire. Horse/rider combinations may not cross enter into another division, with the exception of the Model, Showmanship and Pattern classes, unless otherwise stated in the prize list.
The same horse/rider combination may not compete in both WT and WTC sections of the Single Bit division at the same horse show.
Horses competing in the single bit division are generally not allowed to show in a full bridle at the same show, with the exception being the equitation division. Horses may cross enter into the equitation, model, showmanship and academy classes.
Riders can cross enter in other divisions, except Academy, but not with their single bit horse.
You may not show in WT if you have ever cantered.
Horses are judged on performance, manners, presence, quality and conformation while exhibiting a flat walk, trot and canter and are expected to stand quietly.
In 2026 there will be an ASAC High Point Award for the Single Bit WT and Single Bit WTC.
Shows that will be having these classes this year (confirmed):
ASAC
Raleigh Spring Premier
UPHA Chapter 18
JD Massey
Bonnie Blue
Asheville Spring Warm Up
Southern States
Dallas Summer Classic
Blowing Rock
Asheville Summer Fun
UPHA Chapter 12
Dallas Fall Classic
*Ocala has added Show Rider so that riders who move out into suits can still show in show rider at Ocala.