Darwin Quarter Horse Association Inc

DQHA Classes:

 

• Beginner: Beginner refers to the rider not the horse. All competitors in this class will only be required to do ridden events at a walk and jog only and are not eligible to enter Beginner A events. Any legal style of bit is permitted and all competitors are to use two hands on the reins when riding either a Junior or Senior horse in this class. All competitors must be suitably attired in Western wear. Western saddle and equipment is recommended.

• Intermediate: Intermediate refers to the rider not the horse. Competitors in this class must be able to lope in any of the ridden events and are not eligible to enter Beginner B events. Any legal style of bit is permitted and all competitors are to use two hands on the reins when riding either a Junior or Senior horse in this class. All competitors should be suitably attired in Western wear. Western saddle and equipment is recommended.

• Seniors: Open to competitors aged between 19yrs and 49yrs. All Junior and Senior horses in this class must be ridden according to AQHA rules/regulations for the age of the horse and equipment to be used. All competitors must be suitably attired in Western Wear.

• Masters: Open to competitors aged 50yrs and over. All Junior and Senior horses in this class must be ridden according to AQHA rules/regulations for the age of the horse and equipment to be used. All competitors must be suitably attired in Western Wear.

 

AQHA Approved Classes:

 

• Lead-Line: Open to competitors Lead-line 3-6yrs/under. A lead at least 1.8 metres long must be attached to a halter that is under the bridle so that while the rider is on the rail the horse is controlled by the adult. The rider will be judged on their basic position in the saddle, hand positions, leg position, seat position and back position. The horse must be led and controlled by an adult who is over eighteen years of age. If the judge asks the rider to back the horse in line up, the adult is not to aid the rider. The adult should only keep the horse under control. A saddle with suitable stirrup length must be used. Both competitors and handlers should be suitably attired for the event according to the rule book.

• Youth: Open to competitors aged 7-18yrs. All Junior and Senior horses in this class must be ridden according to AQHA rules/regulations for the age of the horse and equipment to be used. All competitors must be suitably attired in Western Wear.

• Junior Horse: Open to horses aged between 2yrs and 5yrs as of August 1st annually. To be ridden in a snaffle bit with two hands or a curb bit and chain with one hand. AQHA rules/regulations apply regarding the choice of this and all other equipment to be used. All competitors must be suitably attired in Western Wear.

• Senior Horse: Open to horses aged 6yrs and over as of August 1st annually. To be ridden in any legal style of curb bit and chain with one hand. AQHA rules/regulations apply to this and all other equipment to be used. All competitors must be suitably attired in Western Wear.

• Open: The Open events are held in classes that don’t have a Junior or Senior horse category eg: Western Horsemanship, Western Riding and Hunter Under Saddle, and are open to any aged horse. If you have a Junior horse (five years old and under) they must be shown in either a hackamore, bosal or snaffle bit. If you have a Senior horse (six years and over) they must be shown in a bit and ridden one-handed.

• Amateur: An Amateur is a member who does not receive money or remuneration for horse related activities, that is, he or she is not a 'professional horse-person'. There are exceptions such as Veterinarians, Stud Owners/Managers and Farriers etc. The horse or horses used by an amateur participant must be owned or leased and registered wholly or in part by the participant and their name must appear on the horse's registration certificate. The member must possess a current breed specific Amateur card.  

• Select Amateur: If a person has attained the age of fifty (50) years and provides proof of age, which must be in the form of a copy of a drivers licence or birth certificate, then their Amateur Permit will be endorsed as to allow them to compete in Select Amateur classes.

• Two Year Olds:

• A two (2) year old horse cannot be shown under saddle in any AQHA approved show or program or at any AQHA sanctioned event, prior to 31 March of its two (2) year old year and must have reached a minimum age of twenty-four (24) months;

• Only the following performance classes can be offered for two (2) year olds: Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Trail, Led Trail and Lunge Line;

• Any horse competing in two (2) year old Led Trail or two (2) year old Lunge line at a show, is not eligible to compete in any ridden classes at that show;

• The two (2) year old can only compete in either the two (2) year old or junior horse categories, not in both;

• A two (2) year old can only compete in a maximum of three (3) ridden classes at a show and is restricted to Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle and Trail.