Welcome to Kansas Western Horsemans Association.
The Kansas Western Horseman’s Association was formed in 1948 to bring Saddle Clubs together across the state of Kansas for competition and friendship. And the emphasis is on “friendship”. This is such a great family sport that over the years, families have continued supporting and competing in KWHA with 4 generations being involved. Because of the interaction of the competitors and their families from across the state of Kansas at the KWHA shows and functions, lifelong friendships and relationships have been sealed and cherished.
We are family
KWHA has events for all ages and skill levels. The breakdown of age groups is ages 1-9, 10-13, 14-17, Women 18-49, Senior Women 50 & Over, Men 18-49 and Senior Men 50 & Over. There are no “horse breed” requirements, only that western saddles and tack are used.
Local saddle clubs hold shows all over the state. KWHA holds an annual State Show, usually over Labor Day weekend, where contestants qualify from placing in the local shows compete for the finals. It’s not a mandatory requirement to compete at the State Show, but it’s kind of an end-of-the-season championship so to speak. Local clubs and KWHA also sponsor trail rides and other get together so there truly is something for everyone.
Several of the original events that were set up in the first KWHA rule book in the 1940’s are still being run today at some of the local shows. There are judged events which include Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Bareback Horsemanship, Reining, with Lead Line, and Walk Trot for the younger competitors and Queen class for the girls and women. All race events are run with a distance of 165’ from the starting line to the turning line. Adjustments can be made to the length to accommodate smaller arenas or for arena conditions for safety. Events may be individually timed or some can be run in a heated format by the start of a flag with winners of heats competing for the final placings. No contestant may run in or out of the gate in any events at a KWHA show.
KWHA prides itself in being a family- orientated organization where any rider of any age or skill level can ride and enjoy themselves. We are always eager to welcome new members to the organization so if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to reach out to a current member or board member.