Divisional High-Point Awards Debut at the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show

New for the 2025 Markel AQHA & Adequan® Select World Championship Show, the American Quarter Horse Association will present divisional high-point awards to recognize outstanding horse-and-exhibitor teams in amateur and Select classes, as well as horses in open classes earning the greatest number of points in Level 3 competition.

No formal entry is required. Any eligible exhibitor or horse that competes in at least two Level 3 classes within a high-point division at the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show is automatically considered for the award. Amateur and Select points are compiled on a one-horse, one-exhibitor basis. Open points are tracked on the horse.

High-Point Divisions:

• Working Western: ranch riding, ranch trail, working western rail, reining, cutting, working cow horse or box drive or boxing*

• Roping/Speed: heading, heeling, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, pole bending, stake race

• English: jumping, working hunter or progressive working hunter*, equitation over fences, hunter hack, hunter under saddle or working hunter under saddle*, hunt seat equitation, pleasure driving

• Western: western riding, trail, western pleasure, horsemanship, showmanship

*For horse/exhibitor combinations (amateur/Select) or horses (open) showing in more than one of these classes, the class in which they earn the greatest number of points will be counted toward the Divisional High-Point Awards.

Awards and Prizes:

• Champion: $4,000, custom Montana Silversmiths belt buckle, neck ribbon, custom horse cooler

• Reserve Champion: $3,000, custom horse cooler

• Bronze Champion: $2,000, custom horse cooler

Eligibility Details:

• Amateur and Select points will be compiled separately and cannot be combined.

• Exhibitors must compete in a minimum of two Level 3 classes within a high-point division. Points are calculated on a one-horse, one-exhibitor basis. Exhibitors may show multiple horses, but each horse’s points will be compiled separately.

• In the open division, horses must compete in at least two Level 3 classes within the high-point division; points are compiled on the horse regardless of exhibitor.

• Halter and performance halter placings do not count toward the awards.

• Amateur/Select exhibitors earning all-around or reserve all-around titles and open horses earning Superhorse or reserve Superhorse titles are not eligible for divisional high-point awards.

For complete rules, see the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show Handbook.

About the Markel AQHA World
The Markel AQHA World, Adequan® Select World and Adequan® Level 2 Championships are the premier events in the equine industry for amateur, Select amateur and open exhibitors. The show includes Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes, as well as AQHA Level 1 Champion of Champions classes. The shows feature over three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.

About the Sponsors

We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients – that differentiates us worldwide. 

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text "AQHA In the Know" for the latest Association updates.