EC Asks the Exhibitor: AQHA L1 FAQs
First time AQHA L1 Championship Exhibitors Share Their Most Common Questions
By Amber Daniel and Delores Kuhlwein
For many exhibitors, the AQHA L1 Championships will be their first high-caliber show, and questions always accompany such an endeavor.
The good news is that not only are there answers, but most everyone new to a show of this level has many of the same questions! “There’s a real sense of camaraderie at the L1 Championships, and if people have questions, everyone is so nice,” says Amateur Amber Daniel, who says not to hesitate to stop and ask anyone for guidance.
Amber spoke to some first-time Level 1 Championship exhibitors to see what was on their minds:
In the East:
Aleah Arthur , photo credit: Abby Edwards Photography
AQHA Level 1 East competitor Aleah Arthur is excited to show at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington and plans to show her horse Iron Ride, aka “Ed,” in Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, and Horsemanship. Her goal for this show is to have fun and learn a lot, as this is her first “bigger” show with Ed.
Patty Picard
AQHA Level 1 East competitor Patty Picard hopes to have a fun time, clean rides, and to please the judges as well as her coach, with her horse Pretty Details, aka “Stevie.” Patty is stepping in the irons after her daughter showed at the very first Level 1 Championship Show. Watch for them in both Rookie and L1 Hunter Under Saddle.
In the West:
Keegan Burt, Photo credit: HD2 Sports
AQHA Level 1 West competitor Keegan Burt is showing her horse Tee Jays Stylish Kid, aka “Remy.” She is looking forward to showing at the beautiful Scottsdale facility in Showmanship, Horsemanship, English Equitation, and Hunter Under Saddle. Her goal is to have good, clean patterns and good classes.
Allie Aronsen PC Cody Parmenter
AQHA Level 1 West competitor Allie Aronsen has the goal to personally improve as well as have fun showing her horse No SneakinUpOnWilly, aka “Willis.” She is planning on showing in Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail, Pleasure and Halter. She is eager to show at WestWorld and spend time with her barn mates.
FAQ
Is there a live stream I can share with my family?
They are listed by arena here:
East: https://www.aqha.com/east
West: https://www.aqha.com/west
How do I order shavings?
East: Each stall comes with 5 bags of bedding included with the reservation. Additional feed & bedding can be purchased at the show office upon arrival.
West: Order by calling WestWorld: 480-312-6814
Are there facility maps available?
East: https://www.aqha.com/documents/82601/274960471/2023+L1+East+-+WEC+Overview+Map.pdf
West: https://www.westworldaz.com/facility
What vendors will be at the show?
West: Coming soon
Where can I send packages?
East:
World Equestrian Center
Level 1 Championships: Your Name (Your Contact Number) 4095 OH 730
Wilmington, OH 45177
West:
WestWorld of Scottsdale
Level 1 Championships: Your Name (Your Contact Number)
16601 N Pima Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
How soon should you go up to the pen before your class?
The Exhibitor Handbook states that: “Exhibitors must have their horses in place in the make-up arena 15 minutes before the class in which they are entered begins.”
What is the review process and how does it affect me?
A monitoring system involving penalty reviews will be implemented to provide the exhibitors with a fair and accurate score or time. All penalty reviews will take place during the next drag, break, or at the end of the class. No scores or times are official until penalty reviews are completed and score sheets are verified.
This can sometimes cause a delay in railwork/finals callbacks or placings.
What is “Ride The Pattern?”
AQHA Professional Horsemen donate their time to demonstrate the pattern and answer questions during the Ride the Pattern clinics. This is a great opportunity to see how the patterns will be set and what the judges will be looking for. These clinics are open to everyone and can be found on the show schedule.
Find the show schedules here:
East: https://www.aqha.com/east
West: https://www.aqha.com/west
Click on “Resources” for the schedule, stalls, handbook, patterns, and more.
What do you do in your free time?
East: https://worldequestriancenter.com/wilmington-oh/stay/things-to-do-in-wilmington-oh/
West: https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/events/weekly-art-walk/
https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/events/scottsdale-wine-trail/
Still have more questions?
You can find all show information on the AQHA website:
East: https://www.aqha.com/east
West: https://www.aqha.com/west
Click on “Resources” for the schedule, stalls, handbook, patterns, and more.
If you are attending the AQHA L1 Championships West and would like more information on the Pinnacle Circuit, which is held in conjunction with the L1 Championships, click here: https://pinnaclecircuit.com/
Thank you to Amber Daniel for this great idea and for all the research and , based on her experience when she was a first-time L1 Exhibitor!
Good luck to Amber in L1 Amateur All Around events this year with All But Sudden, aka “Stevie.” Photo credit: CeeCees Photography.
