Amateur Division
Amateur Information

Our Amateur section provides information about

• Updated Amateur Division Constitution NEW

• AQHA Amateur Division Website NEW

• Requirements For Amateurs
• How to become an Amateur
• From The Beginning
• The Events
• Amateur Division Teams Challenge
• The Rewards

• Our current amateurs: weekly updated list

• How to become A Select Amateur: Amateurs that are 50 yrs & over

• Amateur Sponsorship

Requirements For Amateurs

An Amateur must possess a current Amateur Endorsement as issued by the AQHA in addition to being a financial member of the AQHA.

An Amateur Endorsement application must be completed and submitted every year.

The Amateur has to be 19 years of age or older on August 1st 2007, and have not within the previous three years:

a) Exhibited a horse owned by someone other than
    the Amateur or the Amateur's immediate family
    member* for remuneration**.
b) Trained a horse owned by someone other than the
    Amateur or the Amateur's immediate family
    member* for remuneration**.
c) Assisted in training a horse owned by someone
    other than the Amateur or the Amateur's
    immediate family member* for
    remuneration**.
d) Instructed a person in riding, driving, training, or
    showing a horse either directly or indirectly for
    remuneration**.

* "Immediate family member" means the Amteur's spouse, child, stepchild, legal ward, father, mother, step-parent, sister, brother, grandparent, grandchild or legal guardian.
** "Remuneration" means payment of money or other consideration for a service or benefit. Under AQHA rules, prize money is not to be considered remuneration, but payment of entry fees, expenses etc, by any person other than the contestant or the contestant's family member as stated above is considered remuneration.

PLEASE NOTE:
Youth members CANNOT apply for an Amateur Endorsement.

Select Amateur is a class for Amateurs that are 50 yrs & over. Click here to find out more!

How To Become An Amateur

This procedure outlines how to become a Amateur of the Australian Quarter Horse Association.

Step 1: Refer to the the Requirements above to check your eligibility.

Step 2: Complete and sign an Application for Amateurs:
             a) If you did not have Amateur Endorsement in 2006/07 but wish to apply for in
                 2007/08, please renew your Membership Online.
             b) If you are unable to renew online, please download an Application for
                 Amateur Endorsement.

Step 3: Check the current fee here.
             Please note that the AQHA Membership year runs from August 1 - July 31.

Step 4: If you are unable to renew online send the fully completed Application to
             Australian Quarter Horse Association
             PO Box 979
             Tamworth, NSW 2340

From the Beginning

At the 1997 AQHA National Show a meeting was convened for Amateurs. At this meeting a group of interested amateurs volunteered and later formed the committee of the Amateur Division of the AQHA.

The Amateur Division is very committed to working towards servicing the needs of all Amateurs by organising and subsidising such things as Training Clinics, Video Library and Sponsorship of Amateur Events.

In conjunction with the AQHA Board the Amateur Division is liaising with members nationwide to promote incentives aimed at encouraging and supporting both new and current members.

The AQHA's monthly Quarter Horse Magazine has an Amateurs section with up-to-date news and information from the Amateur Division.

The Events

Norm Wakeham with JVQ TOUCH ME TEASE ME Q-57450 Being an Amateur gives the person an extra benefit of competing in classes provided strictly for them, as well as being able to compete in open classes.

Amateurs can compete in a wide range of events including:

Halter
Showmanship
Hunt Seat Equitation
Hunter Under Saddle
Hunter Hack
Western Horsemanship
Western Pleasure
Trail
Western Riding
Reining
Dressage

PLEASE NOTE: The AQHA Rules and Regulations state that Amateurs riding in Open classes can only ride their own horses or horses owned by their immediate family members.

Photo description: Norm Wakeham with JVQ TOUCH ME TEASE ME Q-57450, GRAND CHAMPION AMATEUR MARE/FILLY Q7. Photo: Karalinga Photography.

AMATEUR DIVISION TEAMS CHALLENGE

REBECCA CREIGHTON with TRADIE BABE Q-25770 Every year at the AQHA Nationals, there is an Amateur Teams Challenge. this event is held to promote team spirit and sportsmanship among amateurs. The challenge is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and have a lot of fun. The teams challenge is a freestyle event and all you need is a team of four riders, a theme and a lot of imagination. This event is kindly sponsored each year with the winning team taking home a beautifully embroidered rug for each team member and the team manager. So put your thinking caps on and start planning your team!

If you can't put a team together contact a member of the amateur committee who will be able to put you in contact with other amateurs in your area.

Photo description: REBECCA CREIGHTON with TRADIE BABE Q-25770 at Q7. Photo: Karalinga Photography.

The Rewards

The AQHA records all points earned by registered Amateurs at all approved shows. This enables Amateurs to qualify for certificates of achievement including Register of Merits, Superior Awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold Century Awards as well as AQHA Amateur Champions. These awards can be earned in each separate event.
Photo description: Q7 Buckle Photo: Karalinga Photography

The highest points earner in each event and in each State and Nationwide is then named The End of Year High Point and Runner-Up of that event for that current year. These awards are keenly contested and are presented at End of Year Presentation Nights.

Many affiliated clubs all around Australia also have separate High Point Awards for each show and at the end of each year.

To find out more, please email us.