What is IBBA?
The International Bareback and Bridleless Association is an organization founded by Integrated Equine Specialist, Lexi Richelman, with the help of Bit Fitter and Bodyworker, Chloe Johnson, with the passion and desire for something to look forward to in the competition world that doesn’t require compromising ethics.
OUR MISSION
To be the global advocate for ethical horse show excellence, to promote excellent horsemanship by protecting equine welfare, and to open opportunities for horse people to compete in ethically standardized competition with minimal equipment in a welcoming, family friendly environment for all ages, disciplines, and horse breeds.
OUR VISION
To be the example of horse show regulations, changing from required equipment to a competition platform that centers on partnership between horses and humans, leaving out the need for ethical compromise.
OUR VALUES
We value creating opportunities for horse people to carry out a higher standard of handling horses by shifting the standard and setting the example for ethical horse shows.
Community
Ethics
Partnership
Integrity
Empowerment
Community Ethics Partnership Integrity Empowerment
Access to competition should not depend on equipment—bits especially. The passion behind IBBA all started with the realization that horse show regulations do not advocate for equine ethics but rather exploitation of the animals they claim to love. IBBA was created to advocate for skill development and true partnership exhibition between man and horse without the extraneous and harsh equipment used to control them.
OUR OBJECTIVES:
To create a horse show atmosphere that celebrates horses abilities and their partnership with people without compromising ethics.
To offer opportunities for exhibitors to compete in ethical standardized competition with minimal equipment.
To ensure horses are treated humanely–with dignity and compassion–at all times.
The future of excellent horsemanship lies beyond equipment.
We honor our past by allowing our experiences to teach us.
Progress is recognizing where we came from while adapting as we learn. One can only make progress when given the opportunity—that’s where IBBA comes in.
What sets us apart isn’t just our belief—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, grow, and choose better when we can do better.
How to Show
Virtual Shows
Virtual shows are just that, virtual! Show off your horse, get feedback, and get a payout all from the comfort of your home barn.
In-Person Shows
In-person horse shows will start in 2027. The first few states it will be held are South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois.
Explore Our Memberships
Become a Member
An IBBA membership doesn’t just lower your entry fees, it allows you to support a cause you care deeply about: equine welfare.
At IBBA, putting the horse first isn’t something we just say. It shapes the way our shows are organized, judged, and experienced. Don’t believe us? Take a look at our rulebook.
Here are just a few things that make IBBA different from a traditional horse show:
• Points are deducted when a horse displays outward signs of discomfort.
• We have a strict “no blood… ever” rule.
• Horse-friendly equipment is required on the show grounds.
• Every class offers payouts (every show, every discipline)
• We value the community we create just as much as the competition itself.
Beyond the rules, we want to bring back that childlike sense of wonder so many of us once felt around horses. We remember watching Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron with wide eyes, captivated by the freedom, connection, and magic of it all.
But somewhere along the way, traditional competition can begin to feel very far removed from that magic. Negative environments, unhappy horses in the ring, and a focus on performance at the expense of emotional welfare have become far too common.
IBBA is here to offer something different.
If you want to show in a positive, supportive environment, if you cringe at what you see happening in some traditional show rings, and if you’re ready to break free from the limitations of conventional competition….
Welcome to IBBA.
This is where horse-first competition begins.
Membership Cost
IBBA Membership fees are annual with renewal due on April 1st, regardless of signup date. Anyone may become a member at any time throughout the year. Benefits will renew annually, with points renewing on April 1st of each year.
Active/Competing
$120 Individual
$200 Family (no limit)
Professional Networking
$250 League of Professionals (bodyworkers, vets, holistic care practitioners, trainers, etc.)
$250 Accredited Judges
Supportive/Non-Competing
$75 Advocate
$150 Influencer
$300 Contributor
Show Center
$500 Ten or more shows
Competing Members
Active/Competing: All exhibitors participating in IBBA competitions.
Includes:
Access to IBBA’s exclusive League of Professionals
Reduced Show Fees
Online educational material
Extraordinary Horse Shows
Qualify for Year-End Awards
Point Accrual for Championship
Access to IBBA’s monthly newsletter
Opportunities to show in a fresh standard of ethical horse showing with minimal equipment at any level
IBBA exhibitors hold themselves to a high standard of integrity when showing horses. They aspire to uphold an inspiring example for the equine horse show industry standards involving bitless, bridleless, & bareback riding as well as handling in groundwork and liberty disciplines.
IBBA active competitors come together to prove that anyone at any level can reach this balance when given the opportunity to showcase it. Equipment becomes irrelevant once a true balanced partnership between horse and handler is established and IBBA members are just the horse people to verify it.
Supportive Members
Supportive/Non-Competing: For owners, fans, or breeders not actively competing with IBBA who want to support the movement behind IBBA.
Includes:
Access to IBBA’s exclusive League of Professionals
IBBA’s monthly email newsletter
Access to online educational material
Optional thank you advertisements on IBBA’s website for contributors
IBBA supporters strengthen the mission to promote excellent horsemanship by protecting equine welfare and encourage lifelong enjoyment of horses by advocating for a higher standard of horse showing.
Active IBBA non-competitors come together to support IBBA competitors, professionals, and show centers in proving that anyone at any level can reach a higher standard of horse showing when given the opportunity to showcase it.
Hosting a Show
Show Center Membership: For all equestrian centers hosting IBBA competitions.
Includes:
Show advertisement on IBBA’s list of approved shows
Social media advertisement pre and post shows
Discounted application fees
IBBA Show Centers host horse shows that exceed current industry standards of ethics, welfare, and horsemanship by creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment for all ages, disciplines, and horse breeds with a competition platform that centers around partnership between horses and humans.
IBBA Show Centers showcase a high level of integrity on show grounds that honors IBBA’s rules and regulations. Upholding such a standard is the epitome of a higher level of education, enrichment, and competition.
The IBBA Show Center Membership is for centers that wish to host ten or more IBBA-approved horse shows within a calendar year for significantly discounted application fees.
League of Professionals
Professional Networking Membership: For professionals (trainers, bodyworkers, and judges) seeking accreditation as industry experts and benefits involving a listing within IBBA’s League of Professionals and list of Accredited Judges.
Includes:
Listing in IBBA’s Exclusive League of Professionals or Accredited Judges
Access to higher-level educational material
IBBA’s monthly professional email newsletter
Approval of Integrity
IBBA professionals exemplify IBBA’s high standard of professionalism and integrity when working with and showing horses by showcasing such a level of achievement through their actions within the equine industry.
IBBA professionals come together to set the example for excellence in ethical horse showing. With use of less equipment and partnership at the forefront, IBBA trainers and bodyworkers work together to create an educational atmosphere by lifting up each other and lower level competitors.
IBBA trainers may show in competitions under any class that meets the horse’s ability
designated for fair competition. Trainers may show multiple horses in different classes, based on each horse’s individual ability within each discipline.
IBBA bodyworkers may show in competitions under their appropriate class tiers based on rider and equine ability.
IBBA professionals are those who profit in the horse industry through lessons, training, judging, bodywork, hands-on or manual equine services, education, and things alike.
Show Rules
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![A woman riding a galloping horse through the barrel pattern in a covered arena, wearing a black cowboy hat and a patterned black and white shirt.]()
Snaffle Classes
VIO109.12.1 Acceptable snaffles must meet the following requirements: smooth mouthpiece with an anatomical curve, a maximum of two breaks in the bit (no waterfords or chain mouthpieces), appropriate size and width, rubber and alternative materials are allowed, yet discouraged – no rawhide mouthpieces. Any alternative mouthpiece must be free of sharp or rough points. The removal of bridles to assess authenticity of equipment compliance may be done at the judge’s discretion.
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![A woman with long hair wearing a patterned dress riding in a side pull on a dun roan horse in a grassy arena with trees in the background.]()
Bitless Classes
VIO109.12.2 Acceptable bitless set ups must meet the following requirements: No crossunders (Dr. Cooks), no metal or twisted rawhide within whatsoever (bosals are acceptable). Little S hackamore, wheel hackamore, and flower hackamore, are permitted with less than a 4 inch shank, and acceptable padding such as leather or sheepskin. Side pulls are permitted, and encouraged, so long as they do not connect to the poll piece and apply poll pressure.
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![A woman riding a dun roan horse bridleless in a grassy arena, with green leafy trees in the background. The woman is wearing a colorful, patterned kimono-style jacket over a burgundy top and denim shorts, with long hair and cross earrings.]()
Bridleless Classes
VIO109.12.3 Acceptable neck ropes must meet the following requirements: No sharp points, nails or screws. They may be made of soft rope, leather, or biothane. They may not be made of lariat or metal.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Maiden Virtual Show
October 10th-18th
Class Cost:
Members: $25
Non-members: $30
Payback + Points For Each Class
In-person shows will start in 2027. The first new states shows will start in are South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois. If you’re interested in hosting a show, click here to learn more.
Class Types:
In Hand
Liberty
Ranch
Western Pleasure
Horsemanship
English Flat
Hunter Under Saddle
Equitation
English/Western Dressage