According to the aqha rule book, the horses performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. A dedication to putting the american quarter horse first has led the aqha executive committee to make changes in aqha rules regarding equipment use at all aqhaapproved shows and approve a structure of fines and penalties that will be assessed to violators of these rules. These rules apply to western pleasure, trail, western horsemanship, ranch. As an owner of ahsa and aqha champion western pleasure horses in all my years, i would not own one today. Download aqha 2019 rulebook and enjoy it on your iphone, ipad, and ipod touch.
In the pattern class, 3yearolds will be shown in either a hackamore or snaffle. I dont know if well ever manage to get acey in a curb. In an effort to connect with and engage more paint enthusiasts, apha will launch several new classes april 1. In fact, according to the aqha rule book, any type of silver decor is frowned upon. In recent years, the american paint horse association apha, american quarter horse association aqha and national snaffle bit association nsba have refined the standard for the western pleasure show horse and how the class is to be judged. The discipline of western pleasure has arguably been the most debated subject in. What slope can be on a straightaway for a race track. These are simple reminders to try and clear up any confusion. Pleasure horse stallions, pleasure horses for sale and pleasure horse trainers and breeders. An american quarter horse possesses acceptable pedigree, color and,markings, and has been issued a registration cert. The rule book does say a hard hat with harness would be allowed, although i find it odd they call it that instead of helmet.
By lindsay grice the western pleasure class, while historically the most popular class in the stock horse breeds, comes with its share of criticism. Mqhya and aqha points will be counted from may 1 to april 30. Ranch horse pleasure highlights new apha classes debuting. Aqha news and information is a service of the american quarter horse association. Need tips on attire boots, jacket, helmet for showing aqha.
Ranch horse pleasure is an individually performed pattern class, and judges may choose from four official patterns or create their own that includes a combination. A judges perspective 2015 world show senior western pleasure. Qualified applicants were invited to test for their cards at the 2015 judge applicant school, which took place april 2729 in gainesville and denton, texas. One response to 2015 tom powers open 3yo western pleasure carol mceachen, on june 30th, 2015 at 12. Only seven 7 novice amateur and novice youth classes will be offered being. When is the last time we saw a horse moving like that in a western pleasure class that actually placed.
This breed has a kind and willing disposition, well balanced conformation, and agile speed. Ranch horse pleasure and limited youth and amateur working ranch horse classes are the newest aphaapproved events. Hes judged approximately 45 aqha shows and holds cards with aqha and abha. In this book, horse refers to all equine, including ponies, mules and donkeys.
All points gained in a novice class will go towards amateur and youth roms and other achievements. To download the aqha 2011 rules to your computer, go to itunes. It is hard to keep up with the ever changing rules and gohorseshow wanted to break them down in a simplified fashion. The rulebook represents corporation bylaws, rules and regulations of registration, rules and regulations of racing, rules and regulations of shows, amateur and youth division rules. Western pleasure western riding horsemanship trail reining.
All state and federal laws can override our rule book. Hunt seat equitation, hunter under saddle, western pleasure, western horsemanship, trail, showmanship and boxing. Ranch horse pleasure class rules offered as an all age class. There are many different avenues in which you can show your registered american paint horse. The horses performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines. The first sentence states that a good western pleasure horse has a freeflowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his confirmation. Australian quarter horse association aqha home aqha. The rules offer a vivid description of how the ideal western pleasure horse should look and perform. The aqha official handbook of rules and regulations is updated yearly after undergoing careful scrutiny by aqha. I am appalled at the way these horses are trained to move and that the judges are not taking a stand against them. The american quarter horse association is involved in several different disciplines so theres something here for everyone. To download the digital aqha 2011 rules tool, access the app store application on your device and search for aqha 2011 rules.
Aqha sanctioned shows canceled due to covid19 adequan polysulfated glycosaminoglycan as level 2 class sponsor at all aqha shows animal welfare. Aqha judges qualifying exam rulebook flashcards quizlet. And as an owner and rider of western pleasure horses since 1945, i thank tom for addressing this issue. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience to the table as a trainer, with multiple world championships in western pleasure and reining. Knowing that i judge and compete within the american quarter horse association aqha circuit, the subject of western pleasure often comes up with the dressage, hunter, and jumper riders in my clinics. I hear so much criticism about the western pleasure class i just wanted to say i really have a hard time seeing any negativity in the video. Aqha judge holly hover walks us through sydney scheckels showmanship finals pattern at the 2015 built ford tough aqhya world championship show and explains why she was worthy of. Aqha judge brent tincher explains why the firstand secondplace horses were the top senior western pleasure performers at the 2015 lucas. Aqha is continuing to monitor the status of the coronavirus covid19 pandemic and the potential effects on upcoming events and aqha business. In recent years, both the american quarter horse association and the american paint horse association have amended their rules for judging western pleasure. Purpose of the national snaffle bit association nsba is to promote and improve western pleasure horses and hunter under saddle horses. There are no eligibility restrictions show record, participation or money earned for the western pleasure or conformation classes. Western pleasure classes are placed on three main criteria with smaller criteria. Lip chains, belly bands and riding in a curb bit without a curb strap, wire, curbstrap with tacksrivets or solid metal curb straps no matter how padded, wire cavessons, wire or cable tiedowns, bumper bits, metal bosals no matter how padded, metal lounging hackamore, chambons, headstalls made of metal even if encased in a protective material, twisted rawhide, or rope 38 inch rope may be.
The rulebook also answers all your questions regarding aqha rules, show patterns, horse markings, equipment guidelines and much more. Shes usually really easy to bridle opens her mouth and reaches for the bit but if she even sees a curb, she clenches her teeth and can be very stubborn about taking it. Whether youre interested in barrel racing, halter, western pleasure or racing, apha offers many different programs for you around the world. Ec photo of the day not social distancing april 10. Km suddenly so easy and casey willis win 2yearold western pleasure at the 2015 lucas oil aqha world championship show. But thats a different discussion for another thread. International international competitions aqha representatives due lodgements important dates click here for more information covid 19 update notice from the aqha board of directors.
The official handbook of rules and regulations of the american quarter horse association. Richard has judged abroad in denmark and for several major regional aqha shows, including the 2015 fort worth stock show. Western horsemanship and western pleasure duration. Walktrot trail walkjog trail walkjog or walkjoglope western horsemanship walkjog or walkjoglope. Please refer to specific breed or show handbooks for their rules and guidelines. What western pleasure horses looked like 23 years ago. Western pleasure is a western style competition at horse shows that evaluates horses on manners and suitability of the horse for a relaxed but collected gait cadence and relatively slow speed of gait, along with calm and responsive disposition. Any aqhaapproved bit will be optional in the western pleasure class. Showmanship, trail, western pleasure hunter under saddle, hunt seat.
The horse is to appear to be a pleasure to ride and very comfortable, while being very smooth. A digital, mobilefriendly version of the 2015 official apha rule book is available, with ranch horse pleasure rules beginning on page 266. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Training and showing to win hardcover april 1, 1996. Challenge rules and condition book regional challenge bonus challenge. And so, if you have a horse that doesnt quite meet the western pleasure. As stated in the show rules of the american quarter horse association aqha, maximum credit should. According to the american paint horse association rule book, in judging western pleasure, credit is to be given to the horse. Continue this article at one response to aqha official rule book goes digital. The changes emphasize correct gaits that show balance and selfcarriage, plus no interrupted strides as a result of excessive slowness. The rulebook represents corporation bylaws, rules and regulations of registration, rules and regulations of racing, rules and regulations of shows, amateur and youth division rules and regulations. For example, the nsba, aqha, and apha have all adopted similar rules. Horses cannot have been shown astride in any western riding, trail or in any similar pleasure versatility challenge event prior to the lucas oil aqha world. Always refer to the most recent rulebook for the most uptodate rules.
New classes, fewer requirements for show approval and some adjustments to reg. By resolution of the board, these regulations and rules shall become effective on and from 1st august 2018, and therefore all regulations and rules heretofore in force are hereby repealed. A digital, mobilefriendly version of the 2015 official apha rule book is available, with ranch horse pleasure rules beginning on page 266 ranch horse pleasure is an individually performed pattern class, and judges may choose from four official patterns or create their own that includes a combination of required maneuvers. The purpose of ranch horse pleasure horse should reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working horse. The rulebook app is the best companion when attending shows, races and performance events. Anything less she wont listen, anything more she is even worse off then having less than a twisted snaffle. The postmark deadline for submission of proposed rule book revisions is found in the front of the rule book in the deadlines and tentative meetings schedule. He can also utilize horses of various backgrounds with much success from the retired western pleasure horses, to world level reiners. Our priority is to protect the health and welfare of our members, staff and american quarter horses worldwide. What are the aqha rules on western bits for pleasure horses. Amateur permit for those members of the association, who are no longer eligible to exhibit in youth classes, who are not professionals in the horse industry and who ride their horses for the pleasure of competing against other members who are also not professional.
712 1164 710 478 1214 657 368 784 858 1606 1309 678 17 715 1549 317 1385 342 52 1272 428 703 623 1366 1182 1251 1182 729 1410 290 753 228 662 1054