How do I know if I am eligible to show Level 1?

Most Level 1 eligibility is based on a class-by-class basis. So, if you are new to showing AQHA or have not shown at an AQHA show in a while, ask yourself the following questions to see if you are Level 1 eligible:

  • Have you ever been a judge or professional horseman or horsewoman? This affects all Level 1 eligibility.
  • Have you won a world, reserve world, national or reserve national championship title with AQHA or any other association of 7,500 members or more?
  • Have you placed in the top three at an AQHA world championship show in the class you are interested in showing in?
  • Have you won a total of $5,000 or more with AQHA or any other association in the class you are interested in showing?
  • In the past 10 years, have you won a Superior award in a specific class with AQHA or any equine organization or association with 7,500 members or more?
  • Have you competed on an NCEA equestrian team on a scholarship or ridden as a starting exhibitor? This affects Level 1 eligibility by discipline, Western and English, rather than by individual class. You can return to Level 1 eligibility by discipline 10 years after your final year of competition on an NCEA team.
  • Have you previously pointed out of the class you are interested in showing in?
    • If you answered yes to this question, how long has it been since you pointed out?
    • If it has been more than 10 consecutive years since you pointed out and you have not earned any points in the class, you are Level 1 eligible again.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are not eligible to show Level 1 in the specific class(es) affected.

See Page 6 of the Leveling Made Easy brochure.