AQHA questions?

Question

I have a 2 year old filly that I would like to show in AQHA but I don't know anything about showing. What do you do? She is only 2 so I would like to prepare her for showing at 3. What is western pleasure? Don't hold back tell me everything!

Answer 1

First of all I'd go and watch an AQHA show first.  They typically have top trainers there, chasing points and watch their horses, see how they are going then get your youngster going the same way when you get home.

Showing AQHA is a lot of BLING, but NOT clash.  You need to have a NICE set of show clothes, a NICE saddle and bridle.  You can show in the snaffle classes for Junior horse and I would limit it to one to two classes for your first show.

IF you are a Junior rider (17 and under) then AQHA has a GREAT youth program as well.

Oh don't forget to bring your horse's papers with you.

Sovereign7, did I miss anything?  :)

Answer 2

WP at AQHA breed shows is a highly competitive class with horses that may have qualified for the AQHA world show....I would strongly suggest that you get yourself to the nearest AQHA WP trainer, have that person evaluate your horse to determine whether or not your horse will be competitive in the AQHA  show pen.  I would rather tell you this straight up than deceive you into thinking you'll walk in and win every class you're in.   It's really tough out there.  

IF that trainer feels your horse may not be competitive enough for AQHA breed shows then there are always open WP classes (not breed specific) at AHSA shows and your horse may be very competitive there.  Much depends on how serious you might be about winning.....and how hard you are willing to work to obtain your goals...

First things first, have your horse evaluated for conformation and movement and go on from there....good luck to you...WP is a lot of work but can be very rewarding!!  It will help you immensily to have a trainer to oversee your training sessions and to mentor you at the shows.  You'll also receive coaching in how to dress, how to groom your horse for these breed shows,  what equipment to purchase, and generally what to expect at a breed show or any show.....I had many mentors along the way in my show career and I am forever indebted to them for their support and knowledge...saved me a lot of grief.   Many are still good friends of mine.  

Here's a link to a AQHA WP ...you tube.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SmFgISrdU5g&f...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jKCVs8oDAUc

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gMHZrnwi_fI&f...

Rosie:  Hi, you're right on the money....no joking around when it comes to showing AQHA !!  Spensive hobby!!!

Answer 3

well since she is only 2 i am assuming that she is not full broke yet.. am i correct? anyway if she is not and you are still or in the proccess of breaking hear make sure that you start with ground manners and dont stop with them until you have everything mastered then move onto work under the saddle. i know AQHA have halter shows and ground manners plays a HUGE part in shuch show classes. western pleasure is a class in a horse show that shows the ability of a horse to not only work but behave in a fashionable mannor and walk, jog, and lope and preform in a willing mannor. in shows there are classes depending on what level of show it is each class you participate in could cost you anywhere from $10 to $100 dollars. there are many many many classes you can participate in depending on your discipline. when you register at the horse show they will need to see you horses latest coggings record witch you can recieve from the vet. for different disciplines judges look for different attire-- as in western anything FLASHY that says LOOK AT ME!!! - that also applies to you tack. or as in hunter it very formal and you would want to go with a classic look such as grey breeches black hunt coat,black velvet helmet, white long sleeve show shirt and such. when showing you should have a pair of show cloths with matching tack(for western) that is not used in every day training but used only for shows. well hope i helped-- Happy Horse Showing!! oh yes like rosi sed dont forget your papers. and the more horse shows you place at the top in the more points your horse has witch make her worth more.

Answer 4

western pleasure is a class where you put your horse through the gates when asked. There is a walk/trot version if you don't want to canter.  But if you enter a walk/trot class you can't enter any other classes that involve cantering.  I do English pleasure which is basically the same, only a different style of riding.  You could possibly even enter a showmanship class. This class you lead you horse around with a show halter and lead rope.  You are given a pattern and you have to memorize it.  Then when it is your turn in the ring you go in and do the pattern. I never did that class because I didn't have the equipment for it.  Showing is a lot of fun, however it can get expensive.  You need separate tack for competing and for regular riding.  That would mean (for one horse) two saddles, bridles etc...  I would think that the best way to start training her for shows would to have her get used to the surroundings.  First, make sure you can trailer her o.k.  Then go to a local tack shop or farm and see if they know of any up coming competitions. (it shouldn't matter what type of show, western, jumping etc.) Then take your horse to the show.  At a one day show you have the option to rent a stall, or show out of your trailer ( this just means your trailer is your stall and or your horse is tied up a lot of the time.) Showing out of the trailer may not be the best option, because your horse isn't used to there surroundings.  If you plan on taking saddles and stuff, you should probably even rent an extra stall next door to put all of your stuff in.  other wise you could be walking a mile just to get a brush.  I would actually bring your horse to a couple shows until you see her relax.  And don't forget to use these shows as a training experience.  While at the show, you don't have to leave your horse there alone.  You can continue on with your every day training.  There should be a warm up arena to do this in.  Also watch your stuff.  the quarter horse shows are known for theft.  you are probably better off training at a local show or a 4-h show for starters. Depending on your horses color; Palomino for example; you can show your horse in a separate show just for that.  I did a lot in the palomino circuit.  I did only a few in the Quarter horse circuit.    Hope this helps.  :)

Answer 5

Rosi is the expert on AQHA, but I have opinions.  Unless you are in the business of training or breeding, where your livelihood depends on how your horses do in the arena, I would avoid showing AQHA.  There is no reason to put yourself through the expense and disappointment you are bound to encounter if it's not a business for you.  Am I right, Rosi??????

I realized years ago that AQHA shows were a good place to go to check out the latest trends and fashions, but unless you're a serious competitor in the business of horses, stay with open shows.

Also Sovereign...another AQHA expert.