Several qualifying methods exist for competitors seeking an invitation to the 2014 Nutrena East and SmartPak West AQHA Novice championship shows.

The qualifying period for the 2014 Novice Championships is July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014. Competitors may qualify through either national or state methods, and qualifiers may choose which of the two Novice Championships to attend.

To nationally qualify, an exhibitor must:

• Show at 20 shows in a Novice class; if a show does not offer the Novice class, contact the show manager or show secretary to add the class. Shows will be counted by show numbers on a one-horse, one-rider basis; for questions about how many show numbers a show will count for, competitors should ask the presiding show manager or secretary. As Novice halter classes are not commonplace, Novice-eligible halter exhibitors may compete in the corresponding youth or amateur halter class to count for their 20 shows.  –or–
• Place in the top 10 in a Novice class at an AQHA Regional Championship Show; the top-10 placing qualifies the rider on that horse only. If your Regional Championship does not offer the Novice class you are interested in, contact the show manager or show secretary to add the class. Again, since Novice halter classes are not commonly offered, a top-10 finish in the corresponding youth or amateur halter class at a Regional Championship will count for Novice-eligible halter exhibitors. If your region is one that is choosing not to conduct a Regional Championship, you may participate in a region that is offering one. For information on participating in another region, please contact AQHA and stay tuned towww.aqha.com/showing to see which regions will have a 2014 Regional Championship.

For competitors interested in qualifying through their state or province, AQHA affiliates will submit qualifying methods, which will be posted on www.aqha.com/novicechampionships. If an affiliate does not submit a qualifying method, AQHA members residing in that state or province must qualify through another affiliate or nationally qualify.

Competitors are advised to learn more about Novice eligibility at www.aqha.com/novice. Stay tuned to www.aqha.com/novicechampionships for updates regarding the Nutrena East and SmartPak West Novice championship shows.

“When hauling to shows this year, remember that a qualification in one class earns you the chance to enter any class for which you are eligible at the Novice Championships,” said AQHA Executive Director of Shows Patti Carter-Pratt.

“In addition to the Nutrena East and SmartPak West Novice championship shows, AQHA has added a Novice Championship that offers cattle events,” Carter-Pratt added. “The qualifying method for the 2014 Zoetis AQHA Cattle Novice Championship Show is also available online, as well as the list of classes to be held at that event.”

Information about the Zoetis Cattle Novice Championship can be found atwww.aqha.com/novicecattle. 

As a proud sponsor of the Nutrena East Novice Championship, Nutrena delivers optimum nutrition, exceptional health and world-class performance for your animals. Whether you keep animals around for fun, competition or work, you can trust Nutrena to provide the right nutritional solutions.

A proud sponsor of the SmartPak West Novice Championship, SmartPak is the official supplement feeding system and joint supplement supplier of AQHA. When you pack for the trail, show or race, make sure you include the patented SmartPak supplement feeding system. AQHA members can save 5 percent on all purchases at SmartPak. Learn more about SmartPak’s products and how to save today!

Additional event sponsors include AQHA Corporate Partners Merial, Adequan, Farnam, B&W Hitches, Professional’s Choice, Justin Boots, WeatherBeeta and Tractor Supply Co., plusSouth Point Arena and Equestrian Center.

AQHA 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.