Amateur Programs

The Membership Application is available for downloading.

Amateur Eligibility

All competitors in this division must annually file a Statement of Amateur Status and application for an Amateur Card with ARHA  before entering any Amateur class. " When an Amateur's status changes from Amateur to  Professional " ARHA must be notified in writing fourteen (14) days of said change and Amateur activities shall cease immediately".  Failure to comply with any of the amateur eligibility rules or any general association rules as listed in the ARHA rule book could result in disciplinary action.

To be eligible to qualify for an Amateur Division Card the Amateur must meet the following criteria

Exhibitors in this division must be 19 years of age or older, and not eligible for youth classes, and has not engaged in any activities during the past five calendar years which would make them ineligible for amateur status. Age as of January 1 of show year is age for the entire year
1. Has not received remuneration for riding, showing in conformation, training, and   schooling, driving or conditioning/fitting an equine.  
2. Given riding instruction in equitation or horse training for horse or rider.  
3. Conducted any clinics or seminars related to questions #1 or #2.    
4. Used his/her name, photograph or other form of personal association as a horseman connected with any advertisement, video, book, and/or written articles sold pertaining to #1, #2, or #3  
5. Does not hold any judge's card with any other equine association.
6. Has not judged any open, or 4-H show for remuneration, or for barter, directly or indirectly.

Amateur Ownership

OWNERSHIP - Horses shown in this division do not have to be owned by the exhibitor.
                          However, the owner of the must be a current member of ARHA.

Amateur Rookie of the Year

The Rookie Of The Year Award is for those amateur exhibitors who have never earned ANY breed  association points (open, amateur, novice amateur, youth) at any time prior to the year of the award.  All you have to do is check the box for Rookie of the Year on your amateur application when you submit it.

Have a question about Amateur Membership? Send e-mail to Amateur Questions