AHA Qualifications 101

Does it seem like you need a road map to navigate the qualifications needed for AHA Regional and National Shows? If so, here are some quick points to remember as you head off to your show:

Qualifications are earned during the current show year up to the time of the Regional or National show and the entire previous calendar year. (i.e. for the 2015 show year the previous year starts Jan 1, 2014)
Qualifications are not "used up". As an example, you may use the same qualification for a Regional and a National Championship class. If you show at Regional(s) or National(s) they EXPIRE after the qualification period.
Qualifications must be obtained in the same section i.e. to qualify for Arabian Hunter Pleasure Open Championship - any Arabian Hunter Pleasure class will qualify. Note that additional rules for "Amateur" and "Amateur Owner" may preclude the use of some classes within the section. Click here.
The number of points a horse receives is based on the number of horses in the class the time the gate closed. Horses will earn one point for every horse in the class that they beat PLUS one for themselves. Points are awarded through 6th place. Click here.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) or Equine Canada (EC) "family" definition must be met to compete in an Amateur Owner classes.
If a horse is qualified for an Owner or Amateur class - ANY age Owner or Amateur can show the horse.
Amateur or Amateur Owner points can be used by a professional, but not the other way around.
If the ownership changes, the new owner can use all the qualifications the horse has, including the previous owner's qualifications.
For Amateur Owner classes, the ownership transfer must be pending in the AHA office or must be on file with AHA or the Canadian Registries. Qualifications will not count toward ownership classes until this requirement has been met.
In addition to qualification points, a first or second place at an AHA Recognized Show (excludes Arabian Community Shows) qualifies you for Regional classes.
Performance and halter qualifications follow the horse.
Equitation/Showmanship qualifications follow the exhibitor.
National qualifications for Equitation must be obtained through AHA Medal Classes (Medal or Medal Points). Qualifications for Equitation at Nationals may also be obtained through a Regional Top Five in that particular Equitation class. Note: Medal Classes DO NOT qualify you for a Regional Equitation class, only regular Equitation classes at AHA qualifying shows can be used to qualify you for Regional Equitation classes.
Top Tens from any show and Regional Top Five, Champion or Reserve Champion do not qualify a horse for any Regional Championship classes.
A Champion, Reserve Champion or a Top 5 placing from a Regional, East Coast or Pacific Slope or a Champion, Reserve Champion or Top 6 placing from an Eastern or Western Canadian Breeders are automatic qualifications for Nationals.
Qualifying for an Achievement Leveling class (Select/Choice/Elite) is a two part process. The horse must be qualified in that section and the rider must not exceed the number of points the level requires. Click here
Achievement Leveling points can be viewed for a rider under the member login on the AHA website. Click on the "Horse/Rider Points and Competition Records". Click on "Leveling Points" and either place a name or member number to view a record.