Spring Show Checklist
Photo courtesy of Cody Parmenter.
AQHA Publicity
Spring is in the air, meaning show season is almost upon us! While you are scheduling shows to attend, we compiled a checklist of key to-do’s to get you and your horse ready for horse-show season:
- Plan your show season. The AQHA online show calendar is a great tool for finding shows near you. Search by month and state to map out your show season.
- Find your level. You and your horse can compete with other horse/rider teams of a similar skill level. Note: If you are planning on showing in Level 1 classes, make sure you fill out a Level 1 application.
- Brush up on qualifying methods. If it’s your goal to go for gold at an AQHA world championship show later this year, you’ll need to make sure you’re on track to qualify.
- Get the 2018 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations. You can download a PDF version of the 2018 Handbook or request a print version.
- Locate your American Quarter Horse’s registration papers. If you’ve misplaced your horse’s certificate of registration, no worries, AQHA has you covered! You can file for a duplicate AQHA certificate, which can be sent to you by mail.
- Practice patterns. Check out the AQHA Horse Show Patterns Pinterest board for patterns to practice at home, or download one of three e-books: 30 Ranch Riding Patterns, 40 Horsemanship Patterns and 40 Showmanship Patterns. For expert advice on riding patterns, subscribe to The American Quarter Horse Journal and gain free access to the Practice These Patterns e-book. AQHA Professional Horsemen break down three patterns – showmanship, horsemanship and hunt seat equitation – and provide step-by-step instructions, plus insightful tips for how to excel in those classes.
- Prepare your arsenal of show tack. Dust off, clean and polish your show tack and double check the AQHA Rulebook to make sure everything is legal.
- Get your horse current on vaccinations. Shows are a breeding ground for disease transfer. Practicing good biosecurity also helps.
- Do your homework. AQHA Daily and the AQHA Pinterest boards are great resources for learning new training and showing tips, and everything in between!
From all of us at AQHA, best of luck in 2018!
