AQHA Adds Walk-Trot Classes in 2016

[Source: AQHA.com]

Effective January 1, 2016, show managers will have the option to offer American Quarter Horse Association-approved walk-trot classes for Level 1 youth and Level 1 amateur exhibitors.

The 2016 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations outlines the classes:

SHW755 WALK-TROT CLASSES. Level 1 walk-trot classes can be held in western pleasure, western horsemanship, trail, hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation. Walk-trot classes are available, at the discretion of show management, at any approved show in Level 1 youth and Level 1 amateur classes. 

SHW755.1 The Level 1 walk-trot classes can only be held as an all-age class and cannot be split out into youth age groups or Select.  Only one horse-rider combination is allowed per class. If a horse-rider combination was entered into a Level 1 walk-trot class, that horse-rider combination cannot show in the corresponding loping/cantering class at that show. However, that combination can switch back and forth between the different shows.

SHW755.2 There is no year-end high-point for walk-trot, and there is not a world show class, but points will be tracked and Registers of Merit and Superior certificates will be presented based on adding all of the points earned in the Level 1 walk-trot classes together.  AQHA Incentive Fund money will not be awarded. Level 1 walk-trot points do not count for performance halter qualification. 

SHW755.3 The same rules apply in Level 1 walk-trot classes as apply in the corresponding class, except loping/cantering is prohibited in both pattern and rail work.

SHW755.4 Faults:

• Exhibitors going off pattern, knocking over or on the wrong side of the cone, never performing specified gait, or overturning more than one-quarter turn than designated, shall not be disqualified, but must always place below exhibitors not incurring a disqualifying fault.
• Scored according to severity include:
  • Head carried too low and/or clearly behind the vertical excessively and consistently while the horse is in motion, or otherwise showing the appearance of intimidation.

As of 2016, an exhibitor will not point-out of walk-trot nor will the walk-trot points count toward an exhibitors Level 1 eligibility.

The 2016 rulebook will be available soon at www.aqha.com/rulebook.