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For those horsemen who choose to test their abilities by submitting to the scrutiny of a judge in the show ring, there are various levels of competition available. If they happen to own one of the 328,724 registered American Quarter Horses, one of their options is to compete in approved AQHA shows. These shows have long been known for their high level of excellence, especially in the Amateur and Open divisions.
In an effort to introduce new and potential exhibitors to AQHA-approved shows and allow them to compete with others with similar skills, AQHA has developed the Novice Program for both the Youth and Amateur divisions. The Novice program has been quite successful, allowing competitors to earn up to 40 points in classes in the Novice Division. However, there is still a notable
gap? whether real or perceived? between Open Horse Show or first-time competitors and the approved AQHA-Novice level.
Level of training is a definite factor; many competitors work with professional trainers and have "finely tuned" horses. Rising to the occasion also comes into play. Riders who regularly attend and compete at AQHA
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| Ashley Johnsen and Big Step Barry began showing AQHA Novice Youth this year, under the instruction of professional trainer Lynda Danielson. Photo by Mona Scherf |
shows see what top level horses and riders look like, and they strive to emulate them. Then there's that mental struggle. "Am I really good enough?" "Is my horse ready?" "What if I'm not with a trainer?" "Is my equipment up to par?" "What will the other riders be like?"
Closing this gap is the goal of one of AQHA's newest programs. Starting this year, they are sanctioning two approved shows per state with classes that are exclusively for Novice Youth and Novice Amateur Competitors. Each show must also offer a clinic by an approved instructor, that will be free of charge for all exhibitors and attendees. These Novice shows may be part of an open show, or they may offer open classes for "non-Quarter Horses," and the instruction will be available to everyone.
One such event was held recently in Northern Illinois. Presented by Fox Valley Saddle Association, Illinois Quarter Horse Association and Land of Lincoln Quarter Horse Association, the Northern Illinois Novice Quarter Horse Show and Clinic was held on August 12 at Fox Valley Saddle Association grounds, in Elgin, IL. The event, which was very well attended, offered attendees an opportunity to enhance their skills and show at an AQHA approved show.
The morning started out with a very informative clinic given by Debbie Cuvelier, of Dixon, IL. She worked with classes of 7-8 students covering the topics of: showmanship, horsemanship, and equitation. The students, as well as those watching in the stands, came away with many tips about how to sharpen up their performances in those classes. Cuvelier, a trainer and an AQHA approved judge, also gave some interesting insights into what the judge sees and looks for in various classes, and how they score them.
At one of the breaks between clinic classes, Marcia Freeman of Freeman Quarter Horses, gave a presentation on how to buy, and work with tail extensions. Displaying several examples, she discussed how to measure for an extension, how to care for the tail, and she demonstrated one method of installation. Freeman makes and sells tail extensions, and she explained how they are made and what AQHA guidelines are for their use. Kristin Luedke of Double JR Quarter Horses then showed another tail design that she makes, and demonstrated her method of attaching it. This demonstration and discussion proved to be a vital tip for many of the attendees, as they discovered that tail extensions are regarded as "standard equipment" now for most AQHA competitors. Even if a horse has a naturally long tail, most do not have the thickness near the bottom that the extension provides. The long, sweeping tail is currently the desired look for the competitive Quarter Horse.
After the morning's educational portion, riders changed into their show attire and tack, and got ready to try out what they learned. The show management was prepared to sign riders up for AQHA memberships as well as issuing Novice cards to Quarter Horse exhibitors who didn't already have them. Judge Lance Treptow, of Omro, WI, officiated over Novice Youth and Novice Amateur Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Showmanship, Reining, Equitation, Horsemanship and Trail. There were also a few open classes offered for non-Quarter Horses. Even with its limited clhe show pulled 107 AQHA entries; 135 counting the open classes.
Chuck Bowman, the Regional Representative of AQHA, was also on hand to oversee the event and answer any questions. He also brought along a complete set of AQHA literature available to anyone interested. When asked about this particular clinic, he commented that it was very well organized and the attendance was very good. Although this is only the first year of implementing this program, he felt that it has been very well accepted and that he hopes more states will take advantage of this opportunity next year. To encourage AQHA affiliates to hold all-novice shows, the Association may help pay for the mailing of show bills to novice members in the area and also provides $400 to offset expenses. Bowman also explained another opportunity available that is available to the entry-level exhibitor. The Novice Permit allows a novice to exhibit any registered American Quarter Horse at an AQHA-approved show without the obligation or expense of owning the horse. The exhibitor cannot have earned a combined total of 10 or more performance points in another division, or more than 40 novice points. The exhibitor may be issued up to five permits allowing him/her to compete in one AQHA-approved show per permit with a horse not owned by the exhibitor. The permits are free of charge and need only be requested. This affords the novice an opportunity to try out competition on a horse that may have a higher level of training and experience than their own. It's also a great way to "test drive" a potential new purchase.
The sponsoring organizations of this show and clinic are already making plans for a similar event for 2001. For more information, contact AQHA at 806/376-4811 or see www.aqha.com
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