2022 Brings Big Changes to Performance Halter
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154 – March/April, 2022
By Rachel Kooiker
Since its inception in 2007, AQHA’s Performance Halter classes have steadily gained in popularity and are now some of the largest classes at shows across the United States. The classes originate from the concept of form-to-function, and, as a division, Performance Halter was intentionally designed to reward performance horses that are both conformationally correct and structurally sound. In other words, the class is meant to reward athletic horses that exemplify the breed standard.
However, Performance Halter is a division that has also been a topic of much discussion over the past few years, especially because it’s held at the AQHA World Show. As a result of much consideration, for 2022, AQHA will be making changes so that a horse can also be eligible to compete in Performance Halter by showing in a corresponding performance class at the same show. Read on for a thorough review of the rule change and some opinions from top industry trainers, breeders, and competitors.
The Context
Years ago, many all-around horses were able to be competitive in both riding and Halter classes; but, as the events have become more specialized, they developed into two separate entities. Simultaneously, as performance divisions have also grown to become more specialized, earning points has become more competitive. In order to address the interest in rewarding conformationally correct horses that perform under saddle, AQHA developed and introduced the Performance Halter class, and with it, specialized criteria to be eligible for the event.
Before 2022, AQHA’s primary requirement for Performance Halter eligibility was that a horse needed to have a Register of Merit (ROM) in approved performance classes. As Performance Halter classes have grown in popularity, many fans of the class began to notice that the requirements, while well-intentioned, might result in some horses becoming eligible even though they may not be currently competing under saddle. Another unexpected result is that some horses (especially younger, less experienced horses) might be precluded from competition, because they haven’t been showing long enough to earn a ROM.
For 2022, current AQHA Performance Halter eligibility rules (SHW365.3) will apply, meaning that horses which are competing in a performance class at the same show may also be shown in Performance Halter. To summarize, a horse that is eligible by having a racing or performance ROM will still be eligible, but the rule now also makes horses eligible that do not have a ROM but show under saddle (in a loping performance class) at the same show in which they compete in Performance Halter.
For exhibitors and show managers alike, it’s important to read the rule as written to guide participation in AQHA events, so be sure to refer to AQHA’s documentation and current rulebook.
The Reviews Are In
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154 – March/April, 2022
