The Arabian Horse Association has released an easy-to-read road map to navigate the qualifications needed for AHA Regional and National Shows.
Here are the association's quick points to remember:
- Qualifications are earned during the current show year up to the time of the Regional or National show and the entire previous calendar year (i.e., for the 2018 show year, the qualification period starts on January 1, 2017).
- Qualifications are not "used up." As an example, you may use the same qualification for a Regional and a National Championship class. If you show at Regional(s) or National(s) they EXPIRE after the qualification period.
- Qualifications must be obtained in the same section, i.e., to qualify for Arabian Hunter Pleasure Open Championship, any Arabian Hunter Pleasure class will qualify. Note that additional rules for "Amateur" and "Amateur Owner" may preclude the use of some classes within the section. Click here for more information.
- The number of points a horse receives is based on the number of horses in the class the time the gate closed. Horses will earn one point for every horse in the class that they beat PLUS one for themselves. Points are awarded through 6th place.
- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) or Equestrian Canada (EC) "family" definition must be met to compete in an Amateur Owner classes. The Amateur Co-Ownership Resolution passed at the 2017 AHA Convention does not go into effect until December 1, 2018 (further information will be forthcoming prior to implementation).
- If a horse is qualified for an Owner or Amateur class - ANY age Owner or Amateur can show the horse.
- Amateur or Amateur Owner points (qualifications) can be used by a professional for Open classes, but points earned by a professional MAY NOT be used by an Amateur for Amateur/Amateur Owner classes.
- If the ownership changes, the new owner can use all the qualifications the horse has, including the previous owner's qualifications.
- For Amateur Owner classes, the ownership transfer must be pending in the AHA office or must be on file with AHA or the Canadian Registries. Sale of horse = If an Amateur qualified the horse and wants to go into an Owner class at Regionals or Nationals, the date of the signed transfer will determine if the Amateur can use that qualification for an Owner class. The previous owner's Amateur status is also looked at; if they are an "Amateur" by USEF/EC standards, the qualification can be used.
- In addition to qualification points, a first or second place at an AHA-recognized show qualifies for Regional classes.
- New (starting with the 2018 competition year) -- Cutting, Herd Work, Working Cow Horse and Reined Cow Horse Regional Championship classes require participation from one recognized AHA Competition within their respective qualifying section. For National Championships, classes require participation from two recognized AHA Competitions within their respective qualifying section (one of which may be a Regional Championship Show). Participation is defined as entered, shown and scored in that class. A zero is considered a 0 score and an NS, or, no score, is not considered a score.
- The following disciplines offer an exhibitor a way to qualify for Regional and National Championships through non-AHA Recognized competitions; Dressage/Western Dressage/Working Hunter/Jumper/Hunter Hack/Eventing/Driving/Cutting/Working Cow/Reining/Reined Cow Horse. To use Open Qualifications (non-AHA Recognized competition) for a Regional Championship Show, those qualifications must have been earned within that regional boundary. To view the details for each of these disciplines click here.
- Performance and halter qualifications follow the horse.
- Equitation/Showmanship qualifications follow the exhibitor.
- National qualifications for Equitation must be obtained through AHA Medal Classes (Medal or Medal Points). Qualifications for Equitation at Nationals may also be obtained through a Regional Top Five in that particular Equitation class. Note: Medal Classes DO NOT qualify you for a Regional Equitation class, only regular Equitation classes at AHA-qualifying shows can be used to qualify you for Regional Equitation classes. Note: Resolution 24-17 was passed allowing for an AHA Medal class (Medal points or Medal) to qualify an exhibitor for the Regional Championship starting December 31, 2018. Click here for more information.
- Top Tens from any show and Regional Top Five, Champion or Reserve Champion do not qualify a horse for any Regional Championship classes.
- A Champion, Reserve Champion or a Top 5 placing from a Regional, East Coast or Pacific Slope or a Champion, Reserve Champion or Top 6 placing from an Eastern or Western Canadian Breeders are automatic qualifications for Nationals.
- Qualifying for an Achievement Leveling class (Select/Choice/Elite) is a two-part process. The horse must be qualified in that section and the rider must not exceed the number of points the level requires.
- Achievement Leveling points can be viewed for a rider under the member login on the AHA website. Click on the "Horse/Rider Points and Competition Records." Click on "Leveling Points" and either place a name or member number to view a record.
Remember that there are additional rules regarding qualifications. To see a more comprehensive explanation, please view "Qualifications 101" in this link.
If you have further questions regarding qualifications, please call (303)-696-4500 #4 to speak to a Competitions Representative.
-- via AHA
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