New Age Divisions Coming to Ranch Riding in 2021

AQHA Publicity

Beginning in 2021, AQHA shows will be able to offer additional age divisions in ranch riding: For horses 3 years of age and older, the class can be offered as Level 1, junior, senior or an all-age open-division class. For youth and amateur exhibitors, options include an all-age class for Level 1 youth, youth, 13-&-Under and 14-18 youth, Level 1 amateur, Level 1 Select amateur, Select amateur and amateur. The rule change is designed to enhance the showing experience by providing more opportunities for exhibitors in this ever-popular class.

Each year, AQHA members have the opportunity to submit rule-change proposals to be reviewed at the annual AQHA convention. In 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the AQHA Standing Committee meetings were held virtually, and the AQHA Executive Committee met via conference call to review the rule changes submitted by the AQHA Standing Committees. In April, AQHA announced the rule changes approved by the AQHA Executive Committee, which included this rule change to AQHA Rule SHW416.1 (ranch riding). However, at the time of the rule change, the rule was pending computer programming. That programming has been completed and the new age divisions will be available at AQHA-approved shows beginning in January 2021.

If you are interested in competing in one of the new age divisions for ranch riding at an upcoming show and the class isn’t on the show schedule, contact the show management of the AQHA-sanctioned event to inquire if it’s possible to add the new age divisions. Be sure to also consider requesting the new ranch trail class, now available as an option at approved shows as well.

Learn more about AQHA’s official rules and regulations at www.aqha.com/handbook.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.