It’s time to start prepping for the 2014 Merial AQHA Regional Championships that start in June in Jackson, Mississippi.

Four regions are playing host to regional championships, a fast track to qualifying for the AQHA Level 1 (Novice) Championships.

“We hope to see new exhibitors at these shows,” said Charlie Hemphill, AQHA senior director of shows and new events. “The regional championships are the best way for exhibitors to get their feet wet in AQHA shows, and Level 1 (formerly Novice) exhibitors who place in the top 10 will automatically be eligible to move on and test their skills at the Novice Championships.”

This year’s regional championships are not limited by geography. Any exhibitor can show in any region without applying for a hardship exemption, Hemphill said, but exhibitors can only show in one regional championship each.

Merial AQHA Regional Championship Tentative Dates and Locations

• June 6-8 – Region Nine in Jackson, Mississippi
• June 19-22 – Region Eight in Park City, Kansas
• July 15-20 – Region Six in Springfield, Massachusetts
• September 18-21 – Region Two in Rapid City, South Dakota

Level 1 exhibitors placing in the top 10 in Level 1 at Region Eight or Region Nine will qualify for the 2014 Level 1 (Novice) Championships. Level 1 exhibitors placing in the top 10 in Level 1 at Region Two and Region Six will qualify for the 2015 Level 1 (Novice) Championships

“We have some great prizes from our AQHA corporate partners for selected classes, and each region is making its own decision on additional prizes,” Hemphill said.

AQHA will provide a Montana Silversmiths buckle for first place, a Professional’s Choice saddle pad for second place and a WeatherBeeta blanket for third place in eight core classes.

“We’re also providing four beautiful Montana Silversmiths belt buckles for the Farnam All-Around Award at each show,” he added. “We hope to see new faces in the show ring enjoying all the fun of AQHA competition with their American Quarter Horses.”

To see the show schedules and find out more about each regional championship, go online towww.aqha.com/regionalchampionships.

News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter, watch the AQHA Newscast and visitwww.aqha.com/news.