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The AQHA leveling program will include more and different levels, including new Rookie and Intermediate showing levels; more and different awards; and two novice championship shows. Full implementation of the AQHA competition leveling plan will take place in 2013.
Leveling involves these new levels:
In 2012, the Rookie horse and exhibitor level will officially be implemented, and Rookie classes within shows will be another option for show organizers to consider when planning their 2012 schedules. Rookie classes can be offered in open, amateur and youth.
Two other new levels are based just on the rider or just on the horse. The Intermediate level will be tabulated on exhibitor points, while the Progressive level will be based on a horse’s points. And the Intermediate and Progressive points will count toward AQHA world show qualification, year-end high-point awards and the AQHA Incentive Fund. These levels will be implemented in 2013.
Want to know more about the leveling program? Read our frequently asked questions.
Throughout 2012, AQHA will be testing the leveling program by running scenarios on shows that have been held and in some instances, testing both exhibitor and horse leveling at various shows. Two such leveling test-pilot shows are the Prairie Classic in February in Oklahoma City and the Silver Dollar Circuit in March in Las Vegas.
Find level point ranges for the test shows here.
Testing allows the show department to make any needed modifications before full implementation. The testing period was the primary reason AQHA’s Executive Committee opted for the phased-in approach rather than full introduction in 2012.
Blue Ribbon Task Force The AQHA competition leveling plan was developed and recommended by the AQHA Blue-Ribbon Task Force that has met numerous times since September 2010 to address AQHA’s show structure. Members of Blue Ribbon Task Force In the News
The overall goal of the new show leveling program is to get more new people involved in showing their American Quarter Horses and drive the showing market in a strong direction. If you have questions about the show leveling program, contact the AQHA competition department at (806) 376-4811.