About NEHC
New England Horsemen’s Council “to encourage and promote all equestrian activities” Encompassing Six New England States (now seven with New York)
The New England Horsemen’s Council, officers and delegates volunteer their time and efforts on your behalf to ensure that the events you attend are held to the highest standards of competition and safety. This assures you of balance and equity at our affiliated events.
Objective: The objective of the organization shall be to encourage and promote all horse activities in New England and to join together the New England states in a cooperative interest in horse activities, especially in horse shows. To make High Score Awards to the leading point winners at affiliated shows according to the scoring system and rules adopted on April 14, 1945, at Boston, Massachusetts, together with amendments and revisions as subsequently adopted.
Mission: The policy of the organization shall be to cooperate with and assist the various states and local organizations in their respective efforts in all phases of horse activities, but to refrain from interference or participation in any controversy or problem within a state or local organization, except upon request from that state or local organization for arbitration. Each state may elect annually from it’s members residing in the state, two delegates to represent the NEHC Council.
The Delegates shall consist of people who adhere to the high principles of the association and who, in general, have demonstrated for example good citizenship in the general horse community. Criteria for Council membership shall include, but is not limited to, high ethical and moral values; demonstration of loyalty to the community, strict adherence to the laws of the United States, the respective States of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and New York, and the municipalities; being financially responsible; regular attendance at Delegate meetings including service on committees when requested.
Committees
- Licensing
- Rules
- Nomination
- Banquet
- advisory
- Trophy
- Medals
- Scholarships
- Finance
- Covid-19
Points Divisions/Ratings
NEHC has a wide range of classes that accumulate for points with over 100 different Hunter, Breed or Open divisions to qualify for at more that 300 NEHC affiliated shows throughout the year in New England. Each year, by request, we usually add more classes to accommodate the growing interest in showing our horses. Points are calculated upon the ratings for each division at a show and the number of horses in each class. The Ratings are based upon the Prize Monies awarded per division and how many classes are offered in that division at the show. These ratings are noted in the prize lists that the horse shows offer.
Show Affiliations
New England shows wishing to affiliate with NEHC may submit an application with the Administrator for the upcoming show season. NEHC currently affiliates over 300 New England Horse Shows: Hunter Jumper, Breed and Open.
Sholarships
NEHC encourages Junior Riders to pursue education beyond the high school level and awards a $500. Educational Scholarship to Junior riders in the following four equitation disciplines:
- Hunter Seat Pleasure Equitation
- Western/Reining Seat
- Saddle Seat Equitation
- Hunter Seat Equitation

Challenge Trophies
Always changing, adding and retiring. Currently NEHC has over a dozen to compete for and win or retire.
Judges and Stewards
NEHC offers a list of approved Judges and Stewards that the affiliated shows can choose from. These Judges and Stewards go through qualification procedures to train in their respective discipline including learner judging and stewarding at shows with mentoring Judges and Stewards. NEHC is always looking for those individuals who would like to fulfill this type of career in the horse show world. Information on becoming a Judge or Steward can be found here.
Banquet High Score Awards
Our Awards Banquet is held in February, where we congratulate and award the top six in each division with ribbons and trophies. Our banquet is one of the largest in New England. Our awards have expanded to include updated gifts such as Silver, Barn Accessories, Coolers, Jackets, Director’s Chairs, Clocks and other numerous Equine Gifts with New England Horsemen’s Council proudly displayed.