Learn the three ways to qualify for the inaugural AQHA Novice championship shows.

Competitors can qualify for AQHA's Novice championship shows three different ways.

By Megan Brincks for America’s Horse Daily

It’s nice to be Novice, especially now that AQHA is offering championship-level shows for this division. The AQHA Novice program is available to youth and amateur competitors who have earned fewer than 25 points in the class they are competing in.

The inaugural SmartPak AQHA Western Novice Championship Show in Las Vegas and the Nutrena AQHA Eastern Novice Championship Show in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will be held October 5-7.

Want to know how to get there?

Three Ways to Qualify for a Novice Championship Show

1. Competitors can qualify by placing in the top 10 at an AQHA regional championship show in a Novice class.
2. Showing at 20 AQHA shows during the qualifying period will complete eligibility. For this option, there is no requirement about where the rider competes geographically.
3. Competitors can qualify through their state or provincial affiliate. For this option, competitors should become familiar with their affiliate’s rules because they vary state to state.

Learn the causes, symptoms and treatment options for equine stomach ulcers in AQHA’s FREE Stomach Ulcers in Horses report.

Important Information

The national qualifying period for the 2012 championships is May 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.

If a competitor graduated out of a Novice class during 2011, he or she is still eligible to compete at the 2012 Novice championship shows.

Once a competitor is qualified, he or she can go to either the eastern or western show. There is no restriction, but competitors can only show at one championship each year.

If the competitor qualifies nationally, his or her invitation to the Novice championship is not class-specific. Once nationally qualified, competitors can participate in any of the available classes.

Classes at the Championships

The following classes will be available at the 2012 Novice championship shows.

• Halter: yearling, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, aged and performance halter geldings and mares
• Showmanship
• Horsemanship
• Hunt seat equitation
• Western pleasure
• Hunter under saddle
• Trail
• Western riding
• Reining
• Barrel racing
• Pole bending
• Stake race

AQHA’s FREE Stomach Ulcers in Horses report explains exactly what to do when you suspect your horse is suffering from this common equine problem.

Please see the Novice championships state qualifying page for more information.

Their exceptional Quarter Horse breeding program earned them a place in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

Doug and Nancy Dear's birdtail ranch Quarter Horses breeding program flourished in Montana. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

At the 2012 AQHA Convention in Las Vegas in March, six new inductees will join the prestigious walls of the AQHA Hall of Fame. The new inductees include Gordon Hannagan, Walter Fletcher, Bob Loomis, Indigo Illusion, Streakin La Jolla and Hollywood Dun It.

In April, America’s Horse Daily will feature biographies about the new members of the hall of fame. Until then, enjoy this series about the people and horses honored in 2011 by induction into the AQHA Hall of Fame.

Doug and Nancy Dear

For decades, Doug and Nancy Dear’s Birdtail Ranch Quarter Horses were legendary throughout the Intermountain West. It was said that if you bought a horse from the ranch near Simms, Montana, “you knew you got a good one.”

Married in 1947, Doug and Nancy were Montana natives, raised riding and ranching. It was Nancy’s father, Curtis Diehl, who first took an interest in the “Steel Dust” horses that had arrived in eastern Montana in the early 1940s. Curtis bought a dun coming-2-year-old named Charlie Russell (by Texas Blue Bonnet) – the first registered American Quarter Horse to come into their part of the country. Curtis bred him to U.S. Army Cavalry Remount mares, along with a couple of palominos.

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His vision was to breed a horse that “would make better cow horses for us on the ranch,” Nancy says, a sound horse with a good mind and athletic ability in surefootedness and speed. After Curtis died in 1948, Doug and Nancy carried on, determined to buy the best Quarter Horses they could.
Read the rest of this entry »

Equine events coordinator Nancy Easton tells how to prevent accidents at shows.

Always be on the lookout for potential mental triggers for your horse. Journal illustration.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Picture an average horse show: spectators in bleachers and folding chairs, babies in strollers, tractors, rakes, shovels, tack and other equipment in aisles. Now add a panicked, loose horse.

Looks pretty dangerous inside your head, doesn’t it?

At a horse show, exhibitors and show management must work together to make sure stabling areas are safe for everyone, events coordinator Nancy Easton says.

“Safety is an easy thing to take care of,” she says, “if people stay aware and are considerate of everything that’s going on around them.”

At a horse show, she says, “the horse and exhibitor have a very tight bubble around them. Any noise or movement pushes into their bubble and causes them to react.”

Accidents Waiting to Happen

Many accidents happen because of a horse’s unexpected panic reaction.

“There is a reason for everything a horse does,” Nancy says. “So whether an exhibitor is in the saddle or on the ground, he or she must be aware of the horse every second. And it’s important to see what’s going on around you – what the noises are, the visual triggers and other horses going by.”

New to showing? Get the Beginner’s Guide to Showing and learn what to expect.

What’s going on in the horse’s head can be another trigger. Read the rest of this entry »

Western pleasure specialist John Dean explains his strategy behind rail position.

Understanding rail placement for western pleasure will help you and your horse stand out to the judge in the show ring. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

As western pleasure classes get more competitive and the gap between first and last place narrows, rider strategy becomes increasingly important in separating champions from contenders. A rider’s first opportunity for strategic advantage comes before the judging begins, as riders take their places on the rail.

Entries in a western pleasure class perform along the arena wall, circling at a walk, jog and lope both directions around the show pen’s outer edge while the judges watch from the center of the ring. Ideal rail positioning allows a horse and rider to work smoothly, creating a natural and consistent image for the judges, without having their “zone” encroached upon by other entries.

Finding a Place on the Rail

“At most horse shows, you have a choice as to where you can go on the rail at the start of a western pleasure class,” says trainer John Dean. “What I consider when I make that choice is the speed my horse is going to go, especially jogging.”

John suggests you pay attention to other entries in the warm-up arena and take note of faster-moving horses. Once the class is ready to begin, position yourself behind a horse you expect to move faster than yours, eliminating the need to pass and ensuring that you and your horse stay in position along the rail while the judges critique your ride.

“You don’t want to get behind any horse you’ll gain ground on,” John says. “Stay where you lose a little ground on a horse, or at least keep the same pace.”

What Is the Best Way to Pass?

For more tips on western pleasure, get Showing to Win: Western Pleasure.

If you find yourself stuck on the rail behind a slower horse, John says passing isn’t a sin, especially if a rider has to forfeit his horse’s cadence to avoid gaining ground on the slower entry.

“A horse looks better alone and on the rail in a pleasure class,” he says, “but you can’t sacrifice the way your horse moves by trying to cover such little ground.”

When overtaking a slower entry, it’s important to make your move without disrupting the horse you pass. Move off the rail before getting within four feet of the slower horse and pass with two to three feet between your outside stirrup and the inside stirrup of the other rider. A rider shouldn’t get within a four-foot comfort zone of another horse and attempt to maintain a position along the rail.

“I hate to see someone run up on another horse and try to stay there,” John says. “It’s a rude thing to do to another competitor, and it makes your horse look bad, too.”

A typical error John notices among western pleasure riders is the tendency to pass too wide, calling more attention to the pass and increasing the amount of time it takes to overtake another horse.

“So many riders pass too wide, with 10 feet or more between them and the slower horse beside them,” he says. “They can lose a lot of rail position that way. When you pass before a corner, it’s even more important to stay in the correct position and maintain the two to three foot distance between your horse and the horse you are passing. In a full class, passing too wide before a corner can force exhibitors to pass several horses that are moving at the same speed as theirs just because they are out of position.” It’s also a common mistake to not use all the ground that’s available in the corners to circumvent passing.

Learn expert tips for winning western pleasure in Showing to Win: Western Pleasure.

If a faster horse overtakes you, John suggests keeping your pace steady and holding your position as the other horse passes. Be prepared to slow up or move off the rail yourself, though, if the faster horse makes a return to the rail too quickly, cutting you off.

Maintaining Position

Once you’re in position behind the horse of your choice, stay close to the rail, keeping your horse’s shoulder and rump as close as possible to the arena wall without touching it. If the arena floor hasn’t been worked and there’s a rut or trail along the wall, stay in the center of the track. Riding on one side or the other might cause your horse to alter his stride unexpectedly or trip.

The 2011 AQHA Amateur Western Pleasure World Champion talks about her experience at the show.

Dave Page offers his advice on proper show halter fit.

If you need a chain for control, Page suggests running it under the horse's chin. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

In any given halter class, each entry represents months of preparation directed at creating the perfect picture. Before a horse enters the arena, his handlers develop individual feeding programs, exercise regimens and grooming routines, knowing it’s the details that separate the champions from the contenders.

Unfortunately, something as easily changed as the halter fit can ruin that picture, especially if a halter fits poorly, hangs loose and gives an overall sloppy appearance.

“There are different styles of halters, and everyone has their preferences,” says halter horse trainer Dave Page, “but the most important thing is that the halter fits right.”

When you’re not in the show arena, learn how to make your own rope halter for your horse in AQHA’s FREE report, How to Make a Rope Halter.

How Should a Halter Fit?

A show halter should fit snugly, with the halter conforming to the shape of the horse’s head, particularly behind the jaw and under the throatlatch. The noseband should be positioned halfway between the eyes and nostrils. A halter shouldn’t be loose enough to slide and shift from one side to the other.

“It should look like the halter is made to fit the horse,” Dave says. “Ninety percent of the time, the halters are too big, and they fit sloppy over the nose and hang down the throat.”

To accommodate a variety of horses, Dave keeps six to eight adjustable leather and silver show halters – in weanling, yearling, mare and stallion sizes – with interchangeable top straps.

Wide or Thin?

When it comes to selecting the right headgear for your horse, even the width of the halter’s leather straps comes into play.

“For a horse that’s really pretty-headed, you can use a narrow halter,” Dave says. “When a horse isn’t as pretty in the head, or is heavy on the jaw or wide between the eyes and muzzle, you want to use a wider halter.”

While the weather is cold outside, use AQHA’s FREE report, How to Make a Rope Halter to learn a new skill with these simple instructions.

What About Chains?

While a halter chain may not always be necessary, especially on the calmer, easier-to-control horses, it’s common to see an exhibitor using a chain for added control in the ring. If you choose to use one, other aesthetic issues arise.

“A lot of times, an exhibitor will put a lead shank over a horse’s nose, but I don’t recommend that,” Dave says. “It makes the halter pop up on top, over the nose. In addition to raising the halter and creating a bump, it makes the horse put his head up higher than you want.” Instead, Dave shows his horses using a chain under the chin.

When a chain is used, there should be adequate slack in the chain, between the lead and the halter. Dave uses leads with a long length of chain, so the chain can be run under the chin and up to the right side of the halter. “If you do that with a shorter chain, it pulls the whole length of the chain into the halter, leaving no slack,” he says. “It looks a lot better with a little more chain left over.”

Concentrate on the moment to create overall success.

During a reining run, a dramatic sliding stop followed by a blur of spins and gorgeous circles leaves you watching in awe. Journal photo.

By Barbra Schulte in The American Quarter Horse Journal

Early in my career as a cutting-horse trainer, I noticed special showmen. Certain people consistently qualified average horses for the final. They regularly collected big checks. Other competitors would show an outstanding horse and fumble. I was intrigued to understand the differences.

In my own experience, some days I showed a horse to his potential. I helped him when circumstances threatened to expose our weaknesses. I asked for more when opportunities arose to maximize his strengths. Other days, if I concentrated on something going wrong, that’s all I could think about. The rest of the run fell apart.

I now realize the essence of a magnificent performance. It is a series of beautifully interwoven moves that set it apart from the “also rans.” It’s an evolving masterpiece as one maneuver flows into the next. Read the rest of this entry »

An AQHA judge describes the psychology behind showmanship classes.

Tony Anderman and Goodness Im Green at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Holly Hover of Cave Creek, Arizona, became an AQHA judge in 1988. She judges AQHYA and AQHA world shows, and has judged internationally throughout her career. She’s a professional horse trainer who coaches amateurs and youth showmen with a focus on all-around competition. Read the rest of this entry »

How to show like a pro, with tips from AQHA Professional Horseman Mark DeFreece.

Josh Weakly makes his first impression on the judges at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

They say you never have a second chance to make a first impression.

A cliché, yes – but true.

Nowhere in the show world are first impressions more important than in halter competition, where a horse’s conformation is scrutinized and a showman’s ability can make or break a performance. Read the rest of this entry »

Look the part of the confident equestrian with advice on visual appeal from AQHA Professional Horsewoman Gretchen Mathes.

Jessica Johnson wears traditional gear for hunt seat equitation. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

It’s no secret that horse show judges favor riders who exude confidence and convey strong communication-based partnership with their horses.

To present themselves as relaxed but attentive equestrians ready to take on the challenges of a class, youth riders must convince judges they understand the nature of their event and how best to position themselves in the saddle for effective commands. Read the rest of this entry »

Als Kaper shows at his last AQHA World Championship Show at the age of 31.

Cecil’s age has not slowed him down much in the ranch sorting ring, but owner Ross Graham says he has to keep his age in mind during a run. Journal photo.

By Samantha Eckert

At age 31 and with eight AQHA World Championship Shows under his belt, Als Kaper has earned his retirement. The 1980 sorrel gelding bred by Ronnie Brooks of Clark, Missouri, retired after his final appearance with Ross Graham of Sherman, Illinois, in the preliminaries of amateur ranch sorting November 7. Read the rest of this entry »

Progressing from psyched out to psyched up.

Pinpoint when, where and under what circumstances your nerves are an obstacle. Journal photo

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Do you know this competitor?

“Although I try to have a positive mental attitude, I’ve always been nervous about competing.

“If I could just handle my nerves, I have everything else I need to be a real winner.”

Managing your mind is like every other facet of horsemanship – it takes work. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for keeping your horse slick and sleek all winter.

The last thing you want is for your horse to be the fluffy one. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

For most people, long-haired horses aren’t such a bad idea.

It’s natural for livestock to grow thick coats when the days get shorter and cooler, and the extra hair keeps them safe and warm, protecting them from chill and sickness.

If you show horses, however, there has probably been at least one frustrating season where your horse got a little fluffier than you would have liked. And goodness knows, a shaggy horse just doesn’t sparkle when he stands next to a slick horse in the show ring. Read the rest of this entry »