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Novice Permit

Novice Permit Fact Sheet
Downoload the Novice Permit

It's Here - Novice Permit 

Have you ever wanted to try something new but did not want to invest time and money until you knew it was exactly what you wanted? Many people wanting to show American Quarter Horses know that feeling. That’s why the American Quarter Horse Association developed a permit for novice youth and novice amateur exhibitors.

Try Before You Buy 

The AQHA Novice Program was established to introduce new and potential exhibitors to AQHA-approved shows and allow them to compete with others with similar skills in the youth and amateur divisions. With the development of the permit, novice youth and novice amateur AQHA and AQHYA Members are now eligible to exhibit any registered American Quarter Horse at AQHA-approved shows without the obligation or expense of owning the horse.

The Rules

In order to compete with a permit, you must enter novice classes only and submit an official permit with your entry, or fill out the appropriate form. To level the playing field or show arena, an exhibitor cannot have earned 25 novice youth, youth, novice amateur, amateur or open combined lifetime points in that skill set. Exhibitors can no longer compete as a novice after they have earned 25 novice points in a particular skill set. Points earned in these classes will count toward your 25-point cap for novice eligibility in each skill set.

How Do I Find a Horse?

If you are interested in the permit and need help finding an American Quarter Horse to show, contact AQHA for a list of Professional Horsemen Association members in your area. These individuals can help you pair up with an American Quarter Horse which can introduce you to the wonderful world of showing.

No Fee for Permits 

Novice youth and novice amateur Members may be issued ten permits allowing them to compete in one AQHA-approved show per permit with an American Quarter Horse not owned by them. The permits are absolutely free – it costs nothing but a phone call to receive them. For an application, call the Show Department at (806) 376-4811 or email show@aqha.org. AQHA also can provide you with a list of Professional Horsemen in your area and a list of AQHA-approved shows. There are more than 1,900 shows in the United States, 160 in Canada and 150 international shows so there’s bound to be one out there for you.

For More Information 

AQHA also has a free publication which may be helpful in understanding AQHA shows. “Your First Show”, A Guide to Showing American Quarter Horses” will give you a lot of information about entering a show, what to bring, divisions and classes. A recently completed video entitled “Show Me” takes viewers through their first show and explains how fun and easy an American Quarter Horse show can be. The video also is free. Call AQHA at 806-376-4811 to receive copies of these materials.