If competition is what you crave, you should check out APHA’s Amateur program.

Three divisions help you compete at a level comfortable to your skill level:

• AMATEUR for seasoned competitors who are not professionals.
• NOVICE AMATEUR a more introductory level; it is possible to be Novice in some categories and Amateur in others based on points/earnings/
  championships.
• WALK-TROT new in 2011, offers an additional level for more people to participate at a level that is comfortable to them. Please see Rule AM-300 in the 2012 APHA Rule Book to familiarize yourself about these classes. Please note that shows are not required to hold APHA-approved Walk-Trot classes.

Please familiarize yourself with the Amateur Rules for eligibility, ownership, and competition in the 2012 APHA Rule Book.

Learn more about the Amateur/Novice Amateur/Walk-Trot program.

I’m ready to show
The Amateur/Novice Amateur/Walk-Trot applications are available online. Once you’ve completed the form, you can return it by fax, by scanning and emailing it to amateur@apha.com, or by putting it into the mail.

If you’re new to the APHA Amateur program, fill out the full Amateur/Novice Amateur/Walk-Trot form.

If you need to renew your APHA Amateur/Novice Amateur/Walk-Trot card, fill out the 2012 renewal form.

Off to college, but still want to show?
APHA allows students to show a horse from their college’s equine program in the Association’s Amateur and Novice Amateur divisions. So, if you sold your horse before going off to college; passed him on to a younger sibling; or are just too far away from his pasture now, this program gives you an opportunity to continue to show. For those new to Paint shows, it provides a great chance to begin your showing career.

The first criterion required for students to take advantage of this opportunity is to qualify for Amateur or Novice Amateur status. Then they must submit an application that includes a signature from the college’s equestrian team coach or equine program instructor, a list of the horses on which the student wishes to compete, verification of the student’s enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a photocopy of their student identification. For APHA purposes, the spring semester is designated from January 1 – June 30, with the remainder of the year denoted as the fall semester.

Application to Show a College- or University- Owned Horse