Editor’s Note: We went straight to AQHA and they have clarified that schooling horses will be allowed on the showgrounds and also assigned numbers.
New this year, AQHA will be requiring all horses at AQHA world championship shows to wear a number when working on show grounds.
2015 AQHYA World Show Horses are required to wear a number anytime being worked. The American Quarter Horse Association has decided to follow suit of other segments of the equine industry, including the Federation Equestre Internationale, to require exhibitor numbers to be worn all times when a horse is being worked at the Built Ford Tough AQHYA, Adequan Select and AQHA World Championship Show. An extra schooling number and a number for the halter will be provided in entry packets when exhibitors pick up those packets from the show office.
“We believe that requiring numbers while working horses is a positive step in the right direction to make AQHA showing the best it can be,” said Pete Kyle, AQHA chief show officer. “Number requirement while working horses is not uncommon in the horse industry,” he explained. “It is for the benefit of exhibitors and their horses. It is a more formal way of knowing every horse and person on the grounds, in addition to helping stewards become more familiar with the horses and rider.
“This has been a practice the equine world has become accustomed to, and with AQHA being the leader in equine registry, it is only natural that the Association would follow suit,” said AQHA Steward Butch Carse.
“It is also a way for spectators and fans alike to identify horses and competitors, and is nothing but positive in my eyes,” he added.
AQHA understands you may have questions concerning the new number requirement.
Q: Do you have to have a number attached anytime a horse is being worked?
Yes, anytime a horse is being worked, the number needs to be visible, whether on the horse’s halter or saddle pad. AQHA will provide an extra number for your work saddle pad and a smaller version of your exhibitor number that you can clip on the side of your halter and that will not interfere with your horse.
Q: How does the halter number attach to the halter?
The halter number will clip to the side of your horse’s halter. This number will not interfere with your horse.
Q: Does the number stay with the horse or rider?
The number stays with the horse.
Q: What if a horse trainer is working the horse?
No matter who is working the horse, the horse must have a number with it at all times.
If you have additional questions regarding the new number requirement, please contact the show’s office at 806-378-4708.
For more information on the Ford Youth World, visit www.aqha.com/youthworld.
