World Show Qualifying

View the qualifying requirements for the Nutrena AQHA and Adequan Select World Championship Show.

2024 Nutrena AQHA World and Adequan® Select World

The qualifying period for the 2024 Nutrena AQHA World and Adequan® Select World is August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, based on the event's end show date.

Exhibitors and their American Quarter Horses can qualify by meeting one of the following requirements:

  1. Earn the required number of qualifying points for the desired class during the 2024 AQHA World and Select World qualifying period, August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, and pay the standard entry fee. This qualifying achievement will be added to the horse’s permanent AQHA record.

  2. Participate in four AQHA-approved events during the 2024 AQHA World and Select World qualifying period 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.

  3. Qualify as an affiliate (state/provincial) invitee. For each affiliate, the top 5 amateur and Select exhibitors/horses, plus ties, in each class which do not qualify nationally will receive an invitation to the respective world show class.  This is also includes the top 5, plus ties, in each open class.

  4. 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.

2025 Nutrena AQHA World and Adequan® Select World

The qualifying period for the 2025 Nutrena AQHA World and Adequan® Select World is August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, based on the event's end show date.

Exhibitors and their American Quarter Horses can qualify by meeting one of the following requirements:

  1. Earn the required number of qualifying points for the desired class during the 2025 AQHA World and Select World qualifying period, August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, and pay the standard entry fee. This qualifying achievement will be added to the horse’s permanent AQHA record.

  2. Participate in four AQHA-approved events during the 2025 AQHA World and Select World qualifying period 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.

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

All Level 3 classes entered, regardless of qualifying method, will count toward AQHA Superhorse and All-Around awards, as long as the horse or horse/exhibitor combination are otherwise eligible. 

Additional qualifying opportunities through AQHA Alliance partners for several classes will be released at a later date as details become available.