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AQHA SHOW DIVISIONS No matter what your level of expertise, if you have the desire to compete, you’re a member of the right organization. The American Quarter Horse Association has structured shows and show divisions to ensure everyone has an even chance to compete and succeed no matter what your age, experience or area of expertise. The novice program was established 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, you must not have earned 25 novice youth, youth, novice amateur, amateur or open combined lifetime points in that skill set. The American Quarter Horse Youth Association is open to American Quarter Horse enthusiasts 18 years of age or younger as of January 1 of the current year. AQHYA shows normally are scheduled in conjunction with AQHA-approved shows. Virtually all types of classes are offered to youth exhibitors. American Quarter Horse owners who do not join the professional ranks may enjoy a full spectrum of competition in the amateur division. You may obtain an amateur membership if you are no longer eligible for youth competition and if you have not shown, trained or assisted in training a horse for payment, either directly or indirectly, during the previous five calendar years. You must be 19 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the current year. Reining sounds exciting with all the spins and stops, but you’ve only shown in western horsemanship. English sounds interesting but you consider yourself a western rider. Is there a way to try a different event, gain experience and still feel competitive? The American Quarter Horse Association now offers the limited rider program just for AQHA members wanting to try something new. Limited rider is a “class within a class” and allows you the chance to compete in a different event and learn new skills. To be eligible, you must not have earned 25 open, amateur or youth combined lifetime points in that skill set. AQHA-approved shows may offer any amateur performance classes as a Select class for amateurs age 50 and over. These classes are designed to provide an avenue of competition to our more mature amateur exhibitors and are becoming some of the most popular classes. An amateur may compete in the Select class(es) on the day that the individual turns 50 years of age. Anyone possessing a current AQHA or AQHYA membership may show their American Quarter Horses in open competition. Although usually for the most experienced exhibitors, many amateur and youth are tough competitors in open classes. Open classes can be divided according to the age of the horse: Junior Horses (5 years of age and under) and Senior Horses (6 years of age and older). 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.
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