World Show Qualifying in Barrel Racing

AQHA recently announced new qualifying options for barrel racing competitors to qualify and compete at the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show. This year, top 10 1D American Quarter Horses in several premier barrel racing events will be invited to compete at the Farnam AQHA World Show.

The qualifying period is from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023.

Ways to Qualify

Get qualified through one of many options offered by AQHA:

• NEW! Direct qualifying invitations will be extended to the top 10 1D placings at the following events. Direct qualifying invitations are specific for the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show. Invitations will be for junior or senior classes, which are based on the age of the horse at qualification. Competitors who receive an invitation will be responsible for entry fees to the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show. To be eligible for the direct qualifying invitation, competitors must enter and follow all rules associated with the qualifying events. 

  • Better Barrel Races World Finals, April 25-30, Oklahoma City

  • NBHA Summer Run Super Show, July 7-9, Perry, Georgia

  • Ruby Buckle, June 20-24, South Jordan, Utah
     

• Earn the required number of qualifying points at AQHA-approved events. Bonus: Qualifying this way gets added to your horse’s permanent record! Points to qualify:

  • Junior Barrel Racing: 3 open points for Level 3 | 1.5 open points for Level 2
     
  • Senior Barrel Racing: 5 open points for Level 3 | 2.5 open points for Level 2
     
  • Amateur Barrel Racing: 4 amateur points for Level 3 | 2 amateur points for Level 2
     
  • Select Amateur Barrel Racing: 2 points age 50-69 | 1 point age 70 or older
    
    Not sure which division you are eligible for? Check out this blog to learn more about divisions and levels.
     
• Participate in six AQHA-approved events during the qualifying period. AQHA events encompass all judge numbers for a particular show or circuit. For example, the Arizona Sun Circuit is considered one event, even though it includes eight sets of points. This qualifying method will not be added to the horse’s permanent AQHA record.
   
• Pay a higher entry fee to enter. Open classes will require a $7,500 nomination fee per class, while amateur and Select amateur will require a $5,000 nomination fee per class. That money will be added back to the purse in the respective class.

Looking for events near you? Find a show near you or encourage the producers in your area to add AQHA barrel racing classes to their events!