Markel AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows

EVENT DETAILS

• Earn Qualifying Points

   

  • Earn the required number of qualifying points for the desired class during the 2026 AQHA World and Select World qualifying period, August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, and pay the standard entry fee. This qualifying achievement will be added to the horse’s permanent AQHA record.
    
    View qualifying point requirements.

• Participate in Four AQHA-Approved Events

   

  • Participate in four AQHA-approved events during the 2026 AQHA World and Select World qualifying period (August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026) and pay the standard entry fee, regardless of the number of points earned. Participation credit is earned by horse on a class-by-class basis for the open division and by horse/exhibitor combination for both the amateur and Select amateur divisions. AQHA event is defined as 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. Note: exhibitors and horses need only show to one judge or set of judges at an event to earn the participation requirement.

• Qualify as an Affiliate (State/Provincial) Invitee

   

  • Qualify as an affiliate (state/provincial) invitee and pay the standard entry fee. For each affiliate, the top 5 amateur and Select exhibitors/horses, plus ties, in each Level 3 class which do not qualify nationally will receive an invitation to the respective world show class. This also includes the top 5, plus ties, in each Level 3 open class. To qualify through this option, at least one-half point must be earned in the respective class. This qualifying method will not be added to the horse’s permanent AQHA record.

• Buy-In World Show Entry

   

  • If the requirements outlined above are not met, an American Quarter Horse can still be entered in the show for a higher entry fee. Open Level 3 classes will require a $7,500 nomination fee per class, while amateur and Select amateur Level 3 classes will require a $5,000 nomination fee per class. Open Level 2 classes will require a $5,000 nomination fee per class, while amateur and Select amateur Level 2 classes will require a $3,500 nomination fee per class. A portion of this buy-in fee will be retained by AQHA.

• Level 1 Champion of Champions

   

  • Amateur and Select exhibitors at the 2025 AQHA East, West and Cattle Level 1 Championships earned invitations to the Level 1 Champion of Champions held during the 2026 Nutrena AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows in the seven core classes plus halter. The core classes are western pleasure, showmanship, western horsemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, trail and ranch riding.
    
    Additional qualifying opportunities are available for Level 1-eligible halter exhibitors. If a horse/exhibitor combination did not show in their halter class at the 2025 AQHA East or West Level 1 Championships, they can also qualify by showing at 4 AQHA events or earning at least .5 point.

• Barrel Racing Direct Qualifying

   

  • The top 10 1D American Quarter Horses in the following barrel racing events will be invited to compete at the 2026 Markel AQHA World Show. Direct qualifying invitations are specific for the 2026 Markel AQHA World Championship Show. Invitations are 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 2026 Markel AQHA World Championship Show. To be eligible for the direct qualifying invitation, competitors must enter and follow all rules associated with the qualifying events. View the open and aged event qualifying events.