The AQHA Novice program allows even the experienced AQHA member try something new to develop his or her horsemanship and exhibitor skills. Novice is designed as the beginner level for exhibitors under the new AQHA leveling program. Visit www.aqha.com/leveling to learn more about the leveling program and other levels. Eligibility Novice is available to you in youth and amateur competition, plus open for halter and cattle-event exhibitors. Eligibility in a Novice class is determined by:
To maintain Novice eligibility in a particular class, you may not have:
Enrollment To compete in a Novice class you must hold a Novice amateur or Novice youth membership card. The great part is that you can complete the application at any time, even at the show! Once you have pointed out of Novice, based on all Novice points you have earned in that particular class in the past three years, you may move on to Intermediate- or Open-level competition. And don’t forget: Novice competitors have the option to show up a level, or two, at any time. Download the Novice membership application. Learn more about the other levels at www.aqha.com/leveling. Showing a Leased Horse The Novice level allows you to try out a horse you are thinking about buying. AQHA rules allow a Novice youth or Novice amateur competitor to show a horse in a Novice youth or Novice amateur class with the owner and his or her immediate family still retaining the ability to show the horse in any class other than the same class as the Novice exhibitor. Novice exhibitors must still complete an AQHA show lease to show a horse that is owned by a non-family member at any of the top-10 AQHA circuit shows that allow permit competition. The top-10 shows are determined by the total number of entries the previous year and can change from year to year. Top-10 circuits that will require a permit for Novice competition in 2013: Arizona Sun Country Circuit, Scottsdale, Arizona Oklahoma AQHA Redbud Spectacular, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma The Big A Circuit, Conyers, Georgia All American Quarter Horse Congress, Columbus, Ohio Dixie Nationals, Jackson, Mississippi Oregon QHA Summer Classic, Central Point, Oregon Iowa Circuit, Des Moines, Iowa (Ankeny QHS, Warren County QHA, Sting Ray QHS, Big ‘D’ QHS, L and E Performance Horses and New Image Show) European Championship of Quarter Horses, Rieden/Kreuth, Germany March To The Arch, Lake Saint Louis, Missouri Silver Dollar Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the largest individual show in terms of entries but does not allow permits.
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