STARTING A REGIONAL CLUB

Are you interested in enjoying your horse in an entirely different type of competition that encourage fun, friendly, and family-oriented events?

Do you enjoy participating in fun activities and learning experiences that promote well broke, reliable working horses? Would you like to share with other members a love for that true equine athlete? Then maybe you should consider starting a ARHA regional club in your area. Any ARHA member or group having interest in the American Ranch Horse Association, may register a club with ARHA, fill out and return the "Regional Club Application".

Regional ARHA charters are local clubs across the nation that are officially recognized as representatives of the American Ranch Horse Association. These independent organizations are formed for the common purpose of providing a local and convenient place to show, and to provide social and recreational activities for members and their horses. ARHA provides the rules and standards, keeps the records, point systems for the clubs, performance records for individual horses, and sponsors a national recognition awards program.

Most clubs are non-profit organizations run by a staff of volunteer members. If you cannot find a charter in your area, you might consider starting a Club and/or holding ARHA Approved Shows. One way to determine interest in your area would be to sponsor ARHA approved classes at your local fair, or in combination with an open or breed show. These combined events would be required to follow the same rules and procedures for approval, judging and results submissions as any other ARHA approved show, but would have the benefit of sharing expenses and staff with another group or organization.

Please feel free to contact the ARHA office if you have any questions!
 

REGIONAL CLUB REQUIREMENTS

Regional clubs must have and maintain a minimum of ten (10) members in good standing with ARHA.

Regional clubs must be formed and maintain only for the purpose of promoting Ranch Type Horses through the ideals of ARHA including good horsemanship and sportsmanship.
In order to retain the designation of ARHA Regional club, each club must:

1. Provide ARHA with a copy of By-Laws.
2. Hold annual election of officers (preferably between November -March)
3. Provide a complete a current list of members, including addresses, no later than
   April 1 of each calendar year.
4. Provide ARHA with show results from all approved shows or events as required.
5. Conduct all affairs in compliance with Club by-laws

In no case shall a club be formed that infringes on or that might create an adverse effect on an existing regional club, as well as the rules and regulations of ARHA as outlined in the American Ranch Horse Association Hand Book. Each Regional club is responsible for the affairs of its own club and ARHA will not be held liable or accountable for internal differences.

Once a Regional Club is granted a charter, it is automatically renewed yearly provided that the club continues to meet specific requirements and demonstrates a minimal level of activity.

Specific requirements and activity levels shall include but are not limited to the following:

1. Maintain a minimum membership of ten (10) members who are members of ARHA.
2. Submit a list of members and a copy of club by-laws by April of each year.
3. Sponsor a minimum of one (1) ARHA approved horse show each year.

Failure to meet specific requirements and minimal activity levels necessary for maintaining a regional club charter may result in the revocation of club charter by Executive Committee.

Each Regional club charter, upon written request, will receive one (1) trophy annually from ARHA for presentation at an approved ARHA approved show or event for its overall versatility horse.