Big wins & new beginnings at the 2026 APHA Eastern National Championship
New exhibitors like Katelynn Lyden and Dawn Lelakowski were among the 1,000+ entries that helped make the 2026 APHA Eastern National Championship Show a resounding success. The August 20–23, 2026 event took place at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio. It brought prestigious competition to the Northeast, generating 1,024 APHA entries—a 100 entry increase over 2025—along with 424 jackpot, International Ranch Horse Association and National Snaffle Bit Association event entries.
Challenge & growth inspire Katelynn Lyden to make her 2026 Eastern National Show debut
New experiences can be intimidating, but Katelynn Lyden is excited to compete at the 2026 APHA Eastern National Show with BDF Strait Up Class.
For Dawn Lelakowski, Eastern Nationals is both a sunset ride and the beginning of something new
Dawn Lelakowski picked up the reins when her daughter moved away. Now, she’s aiming for one last adventure before a new chapter begins.