Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Executive Committee reviews and approves rule changes from the AQHA Show Committee, which are approved by the membership and AQHA Board of Directors at the annual Convention.
Committee recommendations are reviewed for feasibility based on a variety of criteria, including but not limited to available resources, budget constraints and necessary computer programming. Careful consideration, discussion and debate are devoted to each item at the time of approval.
“We are proud to roll out these member-driven rule changes, which were voted on at the AQHA Convention,” said Scott Neuman, AQHA director of competitions. “The goal of the show department and AQHA is to implement and monitor member-driven programs in all areas of competition.”
AQHA Rule ChangesSHW246 If an exhibitor wins a class at the Level 1 Championships, he/she is no longer eligible to compete in all exhibitor age divisions and/or sex divisions in that class at that level or lower at any future Level 1 Championships. However, if an exhibitor is Level 1 eligible, he/she may continue to show in that class in Level 1 competition. Exhibitors who won a walk-trot class are eligible to show in the Rookie or Level 1 division of that class at future Level 1 Championships. Exhibitors who won a Rookie class are eligible to show in the Level 1 division of that class at future Level 1 Championships.
SHW247.1 If an exhibitor wins a Youth or Amateur class at the Level 2 Championships, he/she is no longer eligible to compete in all Youth or Amateur exhibitor age divisions and/or all sex divisions of that class at any future Level 2 Championships for the subsequent 3 years. However, if an exhibitor is Level 2 eligible, he/she may continue to show in that class in Level 2 competition.
SHW247.2 If an exhibitor wins an Open class at the Level 2 Championships, except for heading and heeling, he/she is no longer eligible to compete in all Open, Amateur and Youth age divisions and/or all sex divisions of that class at any future Level 2 Championships for the subsequent 3 years. However, if an exhibitor is Level 2 eligible, he/she may continue to show in that class in Level 2 competition. For example, if you win Level 2 Open, cannot return to Level 2 Amateur or Level 2 Youth.
SHW247.3 If a horse wins an Open class at the Level 2 Championships, the horse is no longer eligible to compete in all Open age divisions and/or all sex divisions of that class at any future Level 2 Championships for the subsequent 3 years. However, if the horse is Level 2 eligible, the horse may continue to show in that class in Level 2 competition.
All rules are effective January 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
The following new classes approved at the 2023 Convention are also available as AQHA-approved classes beginning January 1, 2025:
Learn more about the Association’s rules and regulations in the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations.
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