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SHOWING GLOSSARY Click
Shall be computed on the basis of January 1st of a calendar
year. The South American countries of Argentina and Brazil shall be computed
on July 1 for show and race purposes.
To be eligible for all-around honors, a horse in the Open division,
Amateur in the Amateur division, or Youth in the Youth division must compete
in at least three AQHA approved events in one division-Open, Amateur or Youth-in
three or more categories. For specific requirements regarding this award please
refer to AQHA's Official Handbook.
An exhibitor who has not shown, judged, trained or assisted in training a
horse (whether or not a registered American Quarter Horse) for remuneration,
monetary or otherwise, either directly or indirectly, nor received remuneration
for instructing another person in riding, driving, training or showing a horse
for five calendar years previous to application for Amateur membership. Amateurs
must exhibit a horse in their ownership or in the ownership of someone directly
related to them, i.e., spouse, child, step-child, parent, step-parent, sibling,
half-sibling, step-sibling, spouse's parent, spouse's step-parent, sibling's
spouse, half-sibling's spouse, sibling's child, sibling's step-child, half-sibling's
child, half-sibling's step-child, step-sibling's child, step-sibling's step-child,
parent's sibling, parent's half-sibling, parent's step-sibling, parent's siblings
child, parent's sibling's step-child, parent's half-sibling's child, parent's
half-sibling's stepchild, parent's step-sibling child, parent's step-sibling's
step-child, grandparents, legal ward or legal guardian. Separate legal entities,
such as family corporations, trusts, or partnerships, are also authorized owners
of the amateur exhibitor's horse so long as all legal and equitable owners and
beneficiaries of the legal entity are individuals specifically authorized by
this rule. The relationship of the Amateur to the owner of the participating
horse must be evidenced by submitting legal documentation (i.e., copies of marriage
and/or birth certificates) to AQHA's Show Department. Every person competing
in an Amateur class at any AQHA approved show must hold an Amateur membership
and be 19 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the current year.
Amateur card holders may ride horses owned by someone other than immediate
family members in any open division performance class for which they have been
granted exemption by AQHA with no penalty, provided the amateur Member pays
all entry fees and expenses in connection with showing. For more information
see the AQHA Handbook Rules and Regulations, rule 403 (g).
This honor will be awarded to any stallion, mare or gelding in the
Open division or in the Amateur or Youth division to the contestant and his/her
horse in the respective division which has earned three individual performance
superior event horse awards. For specific requirements regarding this award
please refer to AQHA's Official Handbook.
This honor will be awarded to any stallion, mare or gelding in the
Open division or in the Amateur or Youth division to the contestant and his/her
horse in the respective division which has earned 50 or more points in one AQHA-recognized
event. For specific requirements regarding this award please refer to AQHA's
Official Handbook.
Any Youth or Amateur earning six Youth or Amateur AQHA Superior Horse
awards with the same horse in a performance event (not including halter) will
be awarded the Youth or Amateur AQHA Supreme Performance Champion Award. For
specific requirements regarding this award please refer to AQHA's Official Handbook.
This honor will be awarded to any stallion, mare or gelding which
meets specified requirements as outlined in AQHA's Handbook of Rules and Regulations.
This honor will be awarded in the Open division to any stallion, mare
or gelding, or in the Amateur and Youth division to the contestant and his/her
horse in their respective division which meets the specific requirements as
outlined in AQHA's Official Handbook.
A calendar listing the date and location of an approved AQHA show/event.
A competition involving numerous classes approved by AQHA at which
horses and exhibitors vie for high placing to obtain points. After results of
the show have been processed and recognized, the results are permanently recorded
on the horse/exhibitor record.
An exciting race against the clock in which exhibitors follow a course
consisting of three barrels in triangular "cloverleaf" pattern.
Riders choose to circle either the right or left barrel first, race to the opposite
barrel and complete the course after circling the third barrel and racing down
the center of the three barrels to stop the timer. Knocking over a barrel carries
a five second penalty.
A mouthpiece which is secured to a headstall bridle and a pair of
reins which is used to guide the horse. A metal mouthpiece on a bridle used
as control.
A timed competition, rather than a scored event, for Amateur and Youth
contestants. In breakaway roping, the rope is attached to the saddle horn with
a heavy string allowing it to break when a legal catch is made. All other calf
roping rules apply.
Headgear consisting of a headstall, bit and reins by which a horse
is guided and controlled.
A class that tests a horse's ability to follow a calf at great
speed, giving the rider the best opportunity to catch the calf. The horse is judged
on how quietly he waits for the calf to be released; how well he runs to the calf;
how he rates his speed and position so that the rider can rope the calf; and how
well the horse stops and works the end of the rope, keeping the slack out but
not dragging the calf. There is a one minute time limit for all roping events.
In English classes, a three-beat gait; smooth, free moving, relaxed
and straight on both leads. Fees assessed to exhibitors entering classes requiring cattle. Shows or set of shows on multiple days in same location. A specified pattern exhibitors must follow in performing certain classes
in AQHA approved shows. Pits an American Quarter Horse against a cow in a battle of wills.
Horse and rider must move quietly into a herd of cattle, cut one cow from the
herd, drive it to the center of the arena and "hold" it away from
the herd. The horse is scored on its ability to keep the cow from returning
to the herd, cow sense, attentiveness and courage. There is a 21/2 minute
time limit. A judged (instead of timed) competition where the heading and heeling
horses are entered and judged individually. There is a one minute time limit
with each roper being allowed two loops from one rope. The heading horse is judged in the rate of speed to the steer, ability
to match the steer's speed and favorably position the roper to catch. The horse
is also judged on his ability to check, turn and set the steer in position for
the heeler. The heeling horse is judged on the ease with which he turns, rates
to the steer, and positions the heeler to catch one or both heels. A run is
complete when the heeler has dallied and the header and heeler have faced with
the steer between the two. A procedure used to remove an entry from a class in which an exhibitor
and/or horse violated an AQHA rule. Major livestock shows or state fairs that have two judges judging
the same class independently of each other at one show, resulting in two sets
of points. Fees paid by an exhibitor for entry into a class.
Designed for Amateur and Youth competitors, this event tests the rider's
seat, hands and ability to control and show an American Quarter Horse over fences.
The course consists of at least four obstacles with a minimum of six jumps required.
Jumping faults of the horse are not to be considered unless it is the result
of the rider's ability.
In terms of AQHA shows, a final is a round of competition to determine
winners and placings in the World Show and in performance classes only.
In shows it can be applied to a two-year-old performance event or
yearling or younger halter event.
A manner of moving the feet; walk, jog and lope in Western
events; walk, trot and canter in English events.
An event designed for horses in their first year of showing over fences
or those which have not earned 10 AQHA points in working hunter for jumping
classes. Rules are the same as those in working hunter except the fences are
not as demanding.
In terms of AQHA shows, a go-round usually refers to a preliminary
round of competition used to select finalists.
Stallion, mare or gelding selected as champion over all sex divisions
halter entries.
Evaluates conformation of the American Quarter Horse as a breed. Halter
classes are divided by age and sex. Horses are shown with a leather halter and
are traveled before the judges so that lameness and quality of movement can
be evaluated. Horses are judged on balance, structural correctness, breed and
sex characteristics and degree of muscling. Of these, balance is the most important.
In English classes, this should be a definite lengthening of the stride
with a noticeable difference in speed.
Tests an Amateur or Youth's ability to ride-not the performance of
the horse. As in western horsemanship, contestants work on a predetermined pattern
consisting of maneuvers such as changing gaits, traveling in a figure-8 pattern,
and backing up as well as posting on correct diagonal, counter-cantering. Top
riders return to be judged as they travel the perimeter of the arena performing
gait changes at the judges discretion. Emphasis is placed on ability to sit
correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse on a precise
pattern.
A transitional English class between hunter under saddle and working
hunter. Horses are required to jump two fences then put on the rail to walk,
trot and canter both directions in the ring. Emphasis is on manner and way of
going on the flat and style over fences.
A preliminary class for English riding disciplines in which judges
evaluate a hunter-type American Quarter Horse on the flat at a walk,
trot and canter. Emphasis is placed on smoothness of gait, free-flowing stride
and willingness to perform. Exhibitors must wear traditional English attire.
Money paid by exhibitors in addition to entry fees and kept separate,
that will then be dispersed among the top placings.
In Western classes, a smooth, ground-covering two-beat diagonal gait.
A monetary penalty imposed on show management as a result of an individual
judge working longer than 15 consecutive hours at a given show.
Individual whose opinion decides placings at AQHA approved shows.
Jumping is a true test of a horse's athletic ability to perform over
fences. Jumping consists of at least four obstacles and a minimum of eight jumps.
Scores are based on time and penalty faults. Faults are assessed when a horse
refuses to jump, knocks down an obstacle, or causes an obstacle to be
knocked down. Horses completing the course without faults return to compete
in a timed "jump-off" to determine final placings.
Refers to age of horse in AQHA competition; junior horses are five
years and younger. Age of junior horse changed from four years to five
years January 1, 1996.
In over fence classes, an obstacle is considered knocked down when a horse
or rider lowers any part of an obstacle.
Last Show Date is the last show entered on horse's or exhibitor's record.
Not necessarily the last show attended.
Limited rider is a step between novice and regualar competition. You show
with your peers and earn points in youth, amateur or open competition, but your
points also count toward limited rider year-end awards!
The horse's left foreleg extends during a lope or canter.
In Western classes, an easy, rhythmical three-beat gait.
Program to introduce exhibitors to AQHA-approved shows and allow them to compete
with others with similar skills in Youth and Amateur divisions. To be eligible,
an individual cannot have earned 25 AQHA novice amateur, amateur, novice youth,
youth or open points, or any combination thereof, in a skill set; or, won a
world or reserve world in an AQHA approved event, national or reserve national
championship title in any equine breed organization; or won a total of $5,000
in cash and prizes with any equine breed organization, or been an accredited
horse show judge. Halter points do not count against novice eligibility. Novice
points are not recorded on the horse's performance record. If an individual
is considered a novice upon application, he/she will be considered a novice
for that calendar year.
The AQHA Novice Permit Program was established to introduce new and potential
exhibitors to AQHA-approved shows and allows them to compete with others of
similar skills in the youth and amateur divisions. With the Permit, novice youth
and novice amateur AQHA and AQHYA members are now eligible to exhibit any registered
American Quarter Horse at AQHA-approved shows without the obligations or expense
of owning the horse. It allows the novice members to "Try Before You Buy."
For more information see the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations, rule 405
(a).
Anyone possessing a current AQHA or AQHYA membership may show their American
Quarter Horse in Open competition. Open classes can be divided according to
the age of the horse. Amateur exhibitors must meet their ownership requirements
even if they are competing in an open class. A youth can show another person's
horse in the Open division; however, this could jeopardize their amateur status.
In pleasure driving; a forward, free flowing, square trot with impulsion.
English rail class tests the horse's ability to pull a two-wheeled cart and
driver along the perimeter of the arena. The horse is exhibited at a walk and
two speeds of trot called park gait and road gait. The horse is judged on straight
and free movement, manners and a bright expression while staying under the drivers
control at all times. Horses must not break into a canter at any time.
A class in which either the horse or the exhibitor is judged upon their actions.
Points awarded to qualifying two-year-old and older horses entered and exhibited
in AQHA approved shows and performance events, and to yearlings entered and
exhibited in their appropriate halter and showmanship classes.
A timed event in which the speed and agility of the horse are tested as horse
and rider weave through a course of six poles spaced 21 feet apart, twice circling
end poles before turning and racing to the finish line. The pattern must
be followed exactly. A five-second penalty is added for each pole knocked down.
In over fence classes, when a horse stops in front of an obstacle and takes
one step backward.
A Register of Merit is designed to establish a record of outstanding performance. There are three Registers of Merit- one for racing, one for halter and one for performance events- but not a separate Register of Merit for each performance event. Performance: A horse in the Open division or any single horse/exhibitor combination in the Amateur or Youth division which has won at least 10 points. These points can be earned in one or more events. A horse cannot be advertised as a Register of Merit earner in a specific event unless at least five points have been earned in that specific event. (For example, earning 2 points in five different events [for a total of 10 points] qualifies for a Performance Register of Merit, but not in any one specific event; earning five points in western pleasure and five points in western riding qualifies as a Register of Merit in those specific events. Neither Youth nor Amateur Register of Merit qualifies a horse for advancement. Halter: At least 10 points in AQHA approved halter classes have been
won. At least one point must have been earned on or after January 1, 1992 to
qualify for this award.
Judges the horse on movements, mastery of prescribed maneuver and attitude
as he is guided through one of 11 AQHA patterns. The horse is required to perform
a number of stops, spins, rollbacks, lead changes and circles at a lope. The
horse should be willing to be guided with little or no resistance.
Second place stallion, mare or gelding selected over all age division halter
entries.
Any horse placing second in any class held at the AQHA World Championship
Show, AQHYA World Championship Show or the Bayer Select World Championship Show.
During a lope or canter, the horse's right leg extends before the left leg.
The person who assists the judge and has charge of the activity in the ring
or arena.
In pleasure driving; an extended trot showing a definite lengthening of stride,
with a noticeable difference in speed.
An award given to Amateurs
and Youths in their first year of showing who
accumulate the most points by the end of the year.
In over fence classes, this occurs when the horse evades or passes the obstacle
to be jumped.
Refers to age of horse in AQHA competition; senior horses are six
years and older. Age of senior horse changed from five to six January 1, 1996.
The person responsible for conducting an AQHA approved show and has the authority
to enforce all AQHA rules.
A seminar to educate show officials about the procedures used in conducting
an AQHA approved show.
Membership purchased at show sent in by show secretary.
A class for Youth and Amateur exhibitors only, it is designed to judge
the showmanship skills of the exhibitors. Judges evaluate the grooming and fitting
of the horse, and expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse. Each exhibitor
is required to perform a pattern designed by the Judge with emphasis on
preciseness of pattern and degree of confidence exhibited by the showman.
This person is responsible for maintaining and recording entries and show
results of the American Quarter Horse division of the show and shall be held
responsible for the entry fees, office charges, etc., and for any fees collected
for membership on behalf of AQHA and AQHYA.
Any person performing the duties of a show manager, ring steward,
show secretary or any person having direction over a show.
Organizations or individuals desiring to hold an AQHA approved show
must obtain AQHA approval. For specific requirements, please refer to AQHA's
Official Handbook.
A monetary penalty imposed on show management as a result of a disqualification.
Program/schedule of events published by show management and offered
to exhibitors/spectators at shows.
The final outcome of a show or special event submitted by show management
to AQHA for point tabulation and placings on horse's record.
This person is in charge of the American Quarter Horse division of
the show and has authority to enforce all rules referring to the show.
An AQHA approved special event is different from an approved show
in that a maximum of two class types are allowed to be held. For example, team
penning and working cowhorse may be held as a special event.
This program gives registered American Quarter Horses recognition
on AQHA records for outstanding achievements in special events not approved
by AQHA. For example, if a horse participates in the Horseback Riding program
or the Special Olympics.
A class judged solely by a timer.
Any two consecutive shows can be combined to be one show with classes
split over two consecutive days with two judges and two sets of points with
classes only held once.
The individual or group financially responsible for holding a show.
An event for Youth exhibitors only, the stake race is a timed competition
consisting of markers set on either side of a center line. Contestants are given
a running start to complete a figure-8 pattern. They must cross the center line
between upright markers, head to either the right or left of the first pole,
make a 180 degree turn, head to the second pole, turn around in the opposite
direction and then to the center line to stop the clock.
An award presented to the horse/rider combination in Youth or Amateur
or to the individual horse in Open competition that has earned 50 or more all-around
titles.
A timed event in which a team of three riders must sort three specifically
numbered head of cattle from a herd and pen them at the other end of the arena
within 90 seconds. All cattle, except the ones being penned must be kept on
one side of the starting line (often called "cattle side") until time
is called.
The trail class tests the maneuverability of an American Quarter Horse
through an obstacle course. Mandatory obstacles include one in which the rider
will open, pass through and close a gate. Scoring is based on the horse's willingness,
ease and grace in negotiating the course. The other two mandatory obstacles
are riding over at least four logs or poles and one backing obstacle.
In English classes, a two-beat gait, comprised of long, low, ground covering,
cadenced and balanced strides.
Awarded to any stallion, mare or gelding in Open competition or any
single horse/exhibitor combination in the Amateur or Youth division that has
earned a total of 65 points in eight events. A minimum of 10 points must be
earned in five separate events and a minimum of five points must be earned in
each of three additional events. For specific requirements regarding this award,
please refer to AQHA's Official Handbook.
In English and Western Classes, a natural, flat-footed, four-beat
gait.
Designed to test the horsemanship abilities of Youth and Amateur riders
using western tack. Divided into two sections, riders first follow a prescribed
pattern of maneuvers at a walk, trot or lope. Finalists ride as a group around
the perimeter of the arena. Judging focuses on the rider's body position, seat
in the saddle and ability to control the horse.
One of the most popular AQHA show events is western pleasure. Contestants
compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion
of the Judge, are asked to walk, jog, lope and reverse the direction of the
horse. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm,
traveling on a loose rein.
Judges the abilities of the American Quarter Horse to change leads precisely,
easily and simultaneously, using both hind and front legs. Following one of
four patterns consisting of a log and a series of pylons, the horse and rider
must change gaits-from a walk to a jog or a lope-through-out the course. Reward
is given to the horse that changes fluidly and precisely between the middle
of the pylons within the pattern.
Combines reining ability and cow sense. This event tests the American
Quarter Horse's skills that are applicable to ranch work. The competition consists
of two parts; prescribed reined work and actual cow work. Judging is based on
good manners, smoothness, cow sense and ease of reining. During the cow working
part, one cow is turned into the arena. The horse is required to hold the cow
on the end of the arena, make at least one turn each direction along the fence,
and circle the cow both directions.
An English event which demonstrates the gracefulness of the American
Quarter Horse as it maneuvers a course consisting of at least four obstacles
but must jump a minimum of eight fences. Manners, style of jumping, flow of
strides, balance and keeping an even hunter pace are factors in the Judges'
scoring.
The horse placing above all others in any class held at the AQHA World Championship
Show, the AQHYA World Championship Show or the Bayer Select World Championship
Show.
An award given to any horse in the Open division or any single horse/exhibitor
combination in the Amateur or Youth divisions earning the most points in halter
and performance classes at AQHA-approved shows.
An award given to any horse in the Open division or any single horse/exhibitor
combination in the Amateur or Youth divisions based on the total number of points
earned during a calendar year in each AQHA-approved event in which points are
awarded.
An exhibitor who is 18 years of age or younger as of January 1 of the current
year may compete in the Youth division. Youth exhibitors are eligible to compete
in the Youth or Open divisions. In the Youth division the exhibitor must exhibit
a horse owned by them or someone directly related, i.e., parent, stepparent,
sibling, half-sibling, step sibling, grandparent, step grandparent, sibling's
spouse, half sibling's spouse, step sibling's spouse or legal guardian (as evidenced
by court documents) or owned by the institution in which the contestant is enrolled
as a ward. See changes in rulebook or refer to the rulebook for a list of immediate
family members. Separate legal entities, such as family corporations, trusts,
or partnerships, are also authorized owners of the youth exhibitor's horse so
long as all legal and equitable owners and beneficiaries of the legal entity
are individuals specifically authorized by this rule. Youth exhibitors can exhibit
a non-owned horse in the Open division, although it may jeopardize their Amateur
eligibility. Stallions are prohibited in all Youth classes.
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