Regional Experience

Regional Experience

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my horse be shown in more than one region by a trainer or family member?
In open, the owner and exhibitor must be from the same region and the horse can only be shown in one region per year. In youth and amateur, as long as membership, ownership and residency rules are met, the horse can be shown in more than one region. For example, if you (an amateur) and your trainer (a professional) live in Texas (Region 8), you can show your horse in amateur competition in Region 8 and your trainer may show your horse in open competition in Region 8. You then may ship your horse to any other region where an eligible family member resides to show your horse in amateur or youth only. See Rule 403 and 404 in the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations for complete ownership and eligibility requirements. Proof of residency may also be required.

I placed in the Top 10 at the 2004 AQHA World Championship Show in Western Pleasure. Am I eligible to show at a 2005 Regional Experience?

Yes, you are eligible to show at the Regional Experience in any class except western pleasure. If an exhibitor finishes in the Top 10 at the previous year’s FedEx Open, MBNA Amateur, Bayer Select or AQHYA World Championship Show, neither the exhibitor nor the horse are eligible to enter that class at a Regional Experience but may enter all other classes.

If I placed in the Top 10 in a class at the Bayer Select World Championships, can I show in that class as an Amateur at a Regional Experience?

No. Amateur and Select are considered the same division. Therefore, if a competitor placed in the top 10 in Western Pleasure at the Bayer Select, he or she would not be eligible to compete in Amateur Western Pleasure nor Select Western Pleasure at a Regional Experience.

I have a halter horse that placed Top 10 at a World Show last year. Is he eligible for the Regional Experience?

No. Halter horses that placed in the Top 10 are ineligible to show at a Regional Experience. In halter, a 2-year-old that placed in the top 10 could not be shown as a 2-year-old later that same year at a Regional Experience or in the 3-year-old class the following year at a Regional Experience.

I placed in the Top 10 in Jr. Trail at the 2004 World Show and my horse will move up to Sr. Trail in 2005. Can I show that horse in Sr. Trail at a 2005 Regional Experience?

No. In performance classes, a junior horse that places in the Top 10 cannot be shown in the same class after advancing to senior the following year.

I placed in the Top 10 in Hunter Under Saddle at the Youth World Show in 2004. In 2005, I will advance to amateur competition. Can I show Hunter Under Saddle at a 2005 Regional Experience in amateur?

Yes. Members who graduate out of youth and are now exhibiting in amateur are an exception. If a youth placed in the Top 10 in the preceding calendar year at the Youth World Show and graduated out of youth to amateur, that exhibitor can compete as an amateur in that same class at a Regional Experience.

Can I apply for a Novice Permit at one or more than one Regional Experience?

No. Permits for novice amateur, novice youth or amateurs showing a non-family owned horse will not be accepted, under any circumstance, at any Regional Show Experience.

I live in New York but I am a member and I show with the New Jersey affiliate (NJQHA). Do I need to also be a member of New York’s affiliate (ESQHA) to compete in a Regional Experience?

No, you are definitely encouraged to join the affiliate in your place of residence, but you are not required to be a member of your affiliate (state or provincial) to participate in a Regional Experience. Although, proof of residency may be required to verify you are a resident of that region.

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