We lined up 10 compelling reasons you won’t want to miss the AQHA Level 1 Championships this spring.

The American Quarter Horse Association is excited to announce the entry forms for the 2018 AQHA Level 1 Championships are now online. If you’ve been kicking around the thought of entering the 2018 AQHA Level 1 Championships, the good news is you still have time.

Entries are due:

• March 15 for the AQHA Central Level 1 Championships; the show is April 10-14 in Oklahoma City
• March 15 for the AQHA West Level 1 Championships; the show is April 18-22 in Las Vegas
• April 1 for the Nutrena East AQHA Level 1 Championships; the show is May 2-6 in Wilmington, Ohio.
• April 20 for the AQHA Level 1 Cattle Championships; the show is June 13-17 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and is held in conjunction with the 2018 Zoetis AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and Zoetis AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals.

In case you still need convincing, here’s why you should enter:

1. There’s no qualifying; you need only be eligible to enter! The entry forms for the AQHA Level 1 championships can be found online at www.aqha.com/level1championships.
2. You can compete against exhibitors the same age as you. Level 1 showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, trail and western riding are divided into 13-&-Under, 14-18, amateur and Select. View the full class list.
3. Compete against exhibitors with the same experience as you. The Level 1 Championships also offer Rookie classes, sponsored by B&W Trailer Hitches, which are perfect for beginning competitors. (If you’re looking to try a new class, try it in the Rookie level!) New this year, AQHA walk-trot classes are making their debut at the 2018 AQHA West, AQHA Central and Nutrena East Level 1 Championships. Read more about the walk-trot classes.
4. Take home amazing prizes from generous AQHA corporate partners and show sponsors. Get excited: There are trophies up for grabs, plus much more.
5. Win money! Yes, you can enter the jackpot for your class, win big and head home with money in your pocket.
6. Add another accolade to your horse’s record. “Level 1 champion” looks mighty attractive on an AQHA record, just sayin’. Experience the thrill of competing at the championship level. It’s a feeling unlike any you can recreate at home. You’re going to have to come to Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Wilmington, Ohio, or Guthrie, Oklahoma, to enjoy it!
7. Meet new people. Each Level 1 Championships offers a free exhibitors party to mingle over hors d’oeuvres and beverages with your fellow competitors.
8. Get insider tips at free clinics. At the Ride the Pattern clinics, not only will you see the pattern performed, but an AQHA Professional Horseman will provide tips for how to ride the pattern and offer insight about what the judges will be looking for. They’re also there to answer your questions. The tentative schedules for clinic times will be available at www.aqha.com/level1championships.
9. Pick and choose. New à la carte pricing allows you to pay for just the classes you enter, making the show more affordable for many competitors.
10. Be part of the exclusive club sporting a Level 1 Championships digital exhibitor badge. Whether you’re headed to a Level 1 Championships in Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Wilmington, Ohio, or Guthrie, Oklahoma, post these digital badges on social media to tell your friends and family where you’re headed –  AQHA Central, AQHA West, Nutrena East or AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships.

Have we persuaded you to enter one of these shows? When you’re ready to download an entry form, get more info about a particular show or check hotel accommodations, here are the links you need:

• AQHA Central Level 1 Championships
• AQHA West Level 1 Championships
• Nutrena East AQHA Level 1 Championships
• AQHA Level 1 Cattle Championships

You can also use www.aqha.com/level1championships, where we have all the shows rounded up in one handy place.