To compete at the Regional or National level, a horse must be qualified.
There are different rules that apply depending on the age of the horse and the particular class in which it will be shown. Riders who show in equitation or showmanship have specific rider qualifications that must be met.
For additional information, reference the full qualification chart or our Competitions Department can help answer your questions by emailing competitions@arabianhorses.org.
For complete qualification rules please refer to the AHA Handbook Chapter 14
IMPORTANT
Qualifications have been waived for the 2025 & 2026 competition year for both Regional and National Championship Shows in:
- Herd Work
- Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences ATR
- Limited Reined Cow (Box)
- Sport Horse Showmanship
- Trail In-Hand
- VRH Ranch Horse Cow Work
- Western Dressage Hack
- Western Dressage Suitablity
The following rule is now in effect via a USEF Presidential Modification:
AR110 Abbreviations of Class Specifications/Junior Exhibitor/Amateur Requirements/Ages
- Achievement Leveling Program
g. …Any Amateur who has been a Professional (as defined in GR1306) may not compete in any division in the Amateur Select/Choice/Primetime levels or the Open Select/Choice Levels; and the Non-Pro Rookie/Limited/Intermediate/Primetime and Open Limited/Intermediate levels in Reining regardless of their leveling point status. These amateurs may only compete in the Elite Amateur or Open in all current leveling seats and Non-Pro and Open in Reining. Professionals moving to Amateur status must contact the Arabian Horse Association office to have their leveling record recorded as an Elite/Non-Pro rider.
- Qualification Rules and Categories - Updated 3/19/25
- Participation Qualification Q & A
Leveling Sections Defined and Leveling Points Chart
Qualifications Made Easy
Qualification Flow Chart for Regional & National Equitation
Performance Halter Qualifications
Horse/Riders Points and Competition Records
Co-Ownership Rule
