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AQHA Offers Pilot Rookie Classes

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by aqha.com

AQHA will offer new pilot rookie classes at nine shows.

This year, the American Quarter Horse Association is introducing the pilot rookie program, a trial run of rookie classes created by the AQHA Blue-Ribbon Task Force. These classes will help exhibitors transition from 4-H, open showing or no show experience at all less intimidating and more comfortable for exhibitors. The goal of the pilot rookie classes is to reach AQHA members of all ages and riding levels. By developing true entry-level classes, AQHA plans to introduce new AQHA members, as well as members who have never shown, to the AQHA show scene.

To compete in pilot rookie classes, you must be an AQHA member. However, AQHA is offering a free 90-day trial membership to all rookie competitors provided they have not been an AQHA member in the last three years. If you are planning to show, you will need to fill out a novice application and bring it to your show.

The rookie classes will be offered for youth-, amateur- and open-division classes. Horse and rider combinations that have earned less than 10 AQHA points in that particular class can compete in that rookie class, as well as the corresponding novice class. Horse and rider combinations that have earned more than 10 AQHA points in a class will no longer be able to enter that rookie class but can continue to compete in the corresponding novice class until they reach a total of 25 AQHA novice points.

AQHA pilot rookie classes will tentatively be available at nine AQHA shows for the 2011 show season.

2011 Pilot Rookie Classes

  • April 2 in Colfax, North Carolina
  • May 21 in Caseyville, Illinois
  • June 17 in Columbus, Montana
  • July16 in Colfax, North Carolina
  • July 27 in Carp, Ontario
  • August 13 in Colfax, North Carolina
  • August 27 in Augusta, New Jersey
  • November 5 in Williamston, North Carolina
  • November 25 in Perry, Georgia

The first show to test-pilot rookie classes was April 2 in Colfax, North Carolina, at the “No Bling” Novice/Rookie Show and Instructional Clinic. The show, which went very well, offered rookie classes in both youth and amateur showmanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, western pleasure and horsemanship.

Follow AQHA on Facebook for the latest information on the pilot rookie program.