Everything You Need to Know About AQHA Level 1 Championships

AQHA Publicity

New this year, Nutrena Central, West and East AQHA Level 1 Championships exhibitors can enter the 2020 shows online! Simply fill out your entry form and submit it electronically for the opportunity to compete at one of the most pinnacle events in the world for Level 1, Rookie and walk-trot exhibitors. Exhibitors can compete at only one of the Nutrena Level 1 Championships each year.

Entries are due:

• March 15 for the Nutrena Central AQHA Level 1 Championships; the show is April 8-11 in Oklahoma City. Enter the Nutrena Central.
• March 15 for the Nutrena West AQHA Level 1 Championships; the show is April 15-19 in Las Vegas. Enter the Nutrena West.
• March 15 for the Nutrena East AQHA Level 1 Championships; the show is April 29 – May 3 in Wilmington, Ohio. Enter the Nutrena East.

Here are 10 reasons you should enter:

1. There’s no qualifying; you need only be eligible to enter! The entry forms for the Nutrena AQHA Level 1 Championships can be found online at www.aqha.com/level1championships.
2. You can compete against exhibitors the same age as you. Level 1 showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, trail and western riding are divided into 13-&-Under, 14-18, amateur and Select. View the full class list.
3. Compete against exhibitors with the same experience as you. The Nutrena Level 1s also offer Rookie classes, which are perfect for beginning competitors. (If you’re looking to try a new class, enter the Rookie level!) New for 2020, AQHA Rookie eligibility is based off the previous year’s points and earnings, similar to Level 1 eligibility for these shows. Read more about Rookie eligibility. AQHA walk-trot classes are also offered at the 2020 Nutrena AQHA Level 1 Championships.
4. Take home amazing prizes from generous AQHA corporate partners and show sponsors. Get excited: There are trophies and belt buckles up for grabs, plus much more.
5. Win money! Yes, you can enter the jackpot for your class, win big and head home with your share of more than $100,000 in cash and prizes.
6. Add another accolade to your horse’s record. “Level 1 Champion” looks mighty attractive on an AQHA record. Experience the thrill of competing at the championship level. It’s a feeling unlike any you can recreate at home. You’re going to have to come to Oklahoma City, Las Vegas or Wilmington, Ohio, to enjoy it!
7. Meet new people. Each Level 1 Championships offers a free exhibitor party to mix and mingle with your fellow competitors.
8. Get insider tips at free clinics. At the Ride the Pattern clinics, not only will you see the pattern performed, but an AQHA Professional Horseman will provide tips for how to ride the pattern and offer insight from the judges’ perspective. Professionals will also be available to answer your questions. The tentative schedules for clinic times will be available at www.aqha.com/level1championships.
9. Pick and choose. A la carte pricing allows you to pay for just the classes you enter, making the show more affordable for many competitors.
10. Try a Rookie over-fence class. Exhibitors also have the opportunity to strut their stuff in a full slate of Rookie over-fence classes at the Nutrena Central, West and East shows.

Have we persuaded you to enter one of these shows? When you’re ready to enter online, get more info about a particular show or check hotel accommodations, here are the links you need:

Nutrena Central AQHA Level 1 Championships
Nutrena West AQHA Level 1 Championships
Nutrena East AQHA Level 1 Championships

The option to enter by mail, fax or email still remains.

The AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships is held in conjunction with the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships June 23-28, in Guthrie, Oklahoma. More details about entering the Cattle Level 1 Championships will be available soon!

You can also use www.aqha.com/level1championships, where we have all the shows rounded up in one handy place.