In late July, the  American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee approved the AQHA competition leveling plan, which was developed and recommended by the AQHA Blue-Ribbon Task Force. Full implementation of the plan will take place in 2013.

Leveling program changes include more and different divisions, including new Rookie and Intermediate showing levels; more and different awards; and two novice championship shows.

Leveling involves these new divisions:

• Rookie (based on the exhibitor and horse’s experience/points combined)

• Novice (based on the exhibitor’s experience)

• Green (based on the horse’s experience)

• Intermediate (based on the exhibitor’s experience)

• Progressive (based on the horse’s experience)

• Open

This year, AQHA tested Rookie classes at 10 AQHA-approved shows to much success. In 2012, the Rookie horse and exhibitor level will officially be implemented, and Rookie classes within shows will be another option for show committees to consider when planning their 2012 schedules. Rookie classes can be offered in open, amateur and youth.

Two other new levels are based just on the rider or just on the horse. The Intermediate level will be tabulated on exhibitor points, while the Progressive level will be based on a horse’s points. These levels will be implemented in 2013. Throughout 2012, AQHA will be testing the leveling program by running scenarios on shows that have been held and in some instances, testing both exhibitor and horse leveling at various shows. Testing allows the show department to make any needed modifications before full implementation.

The overall goal of the new show leveling program is to get more new people involved in showing their American Quarter Horses and drive the showing market in a strong direction. If you have questions about the show leveling program, contact the AQHA competition department at (806) 376-4811.

AQHA is scheduling show manager workshops throughout the fall and into 2012. A show management workshop was held in Amarillo, Texas, on September 1. Another workshop is slated for October 15 in Columbus, Ohio, in conjunction with the All American Quarter Horse Congress. A third workshop will take place in Dallas in mid-December. Dates for 2012 workshops will be announced by October 15. To sign up for one of the workshops, visit http://www.aqha.com/Showing/Content-Pages/Resources/Show-Managers/Seminars.aspx.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, Journal Plus, Q-Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit  www.aqha.com/magazines.