AQHA features a special format of shows – introductory shows – to allow exhibitors to get their feet wet in AQHA competition.
At an AQHA introductory show, AQHA classes are offered at any open or 4-H horse show; sometimes these classes are held within other classes at the show. For instance, AQHA members exhibiting in the open show’s western pleasure class can also receive points based off their placings against other AQHA members in that class.
Introductory shows are Rookie- and Novice-level driven, but show management can choose to offer open, amateur and youth classes, as well. Exhibitors will be able to earn AQHA points at introductory shows, as is the case for all other AQHA shows, and all classes will be judged by AQHA judges. Introductory shows are also a great opportunity for exhibitors to qualify for the AQHA Novice championship shows. However, AQHA Incentive Fund money will not be paid on points earned at these shows and points earned at introductory shows do not count toward AQHA world championship show qualifying. Take a look at upcoming AQHA introductory shows across the country:
• July 28 – Clemson, South Carolina – Norlene Leake-Engstrom, (864) 369-2679
• August 4 – Mt. Pleasant, Michigan – Andrea L. Cluley Laney, (989) 621-1101
• August 10-11 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Vicky Carlson, (903) 513-8890
• August 11 – Georgetown, Ohio – Theresa M. Siemer, (513) 256-5676
• August 11-12 – Philippi, West Virginia – Laura L. Chenoweth, (304) 514-8880
• August 11-12 – Terrace, British Columbia – Laurie Muller, [email protected]
• August 11-12 – Montgomery, New York – Celeste O’Neill, (518) 466-2445
• August 12 – Swanzey, New Hampshire – Chrissy Ives, (603) 228-1244
• August 14 – Lewisburg, West Virginia – Teresa Ann Butts, (304) 645-1090
• August 18 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Jean Trevino, (903) 739-8236
• August 18-19 – Kingman, Kansas – Louis Johnson, (620) 549-3737
• August 22-25 – Smithers, British Columbia – Geri Brown, (250) 867-3105
• August 27 – Pueblo, Colorado – Lindsay Wadhams, (719) 404-2025
• August 31 – Herndon, Virginia – Ashley N. Schaeffer, (301) 514-7459
The new AQHA Rookie classes are also growing in popularity. Check this listing to see if the show you are interested in attending is holding Rookie classes. For a list of all upcoming AQHA shows, check out the AQHA show calendar. For a complete list of approved classes at each show, subscribe to The American Quarter Horse Journal and you’ll also have complete online access to the detailed show calendar. Log-in with your AQHA subscriber’s ID to view the detailed calendar now.
