OQHA - Ontario Quarter Horse Association

FAQ's


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Frequently Asked Questions


	Q - What is the Ontario Quarter Horse Association and what does it do?
	A - Promote the American Quarter Horse. The objectives and purposes of the Ontario Quarter Horse Association; are to promote the American Quarter Horse breed through educational and sporting activities.To encourage public interest in the Quarter Horse through public showings, sport, and pleasure. To develop leadership and community interest and participation among amateur, youth and the general membership. To encourage high moral character, sportsmanship, animal welfare, and keen competition amongst its members.

	Q - What documentation is required in order for me to be able to show at OQHA approved show?
	A - Memberships & Horse Registration. To compete at any of our AQHA approved horse shows, your horse must be a registered American Quarter Horse, the original registration papers of your horse must be presented to our show secretary at the time you make your entries. Both the owner and the exhibitor must be members of the American Quarter Horse Association, or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, these membership cards must also be presented at our show office in order to make you eligible to compete. For more information on how to become an AQHA member please visit the AQHA web site. Being a member of the Ontario Quarter Horse Association is not a mandatory requirement for you to be eligible to show, however becoming a member gives you special privileges. You may also wish to take out a membership for the promotional club who is hosting the shows, in order to qualify for their year end awards. Areas 1, 2, 3 have closed memberships meaning you have to live within their geographic area in order to be a member. Area boundaries can be found in the ABOUT US section of the website. Area 5 or the Eastern Ontario Quarter Horse Association has an open membership and is the only exception to the rule.

	Q - What Rules do you follow?
	A - All OQHA approved shows are also AQHA approved thus they follow the rules put out annually by the American Quarter Horse Association in the AQHA Handbook of Rules & Regulations. AQHA members can download a copy of the rule book at www.aqha.com or you can also request that the book be mailed to you through the web site.

	Q - Do OQHA approved shows offer classes for people just beginning to show?
	A - AQHA Novice Youth & Novice Amateur Classes The Ontario Quarter Horse Association realizes that everyone needs to start some where. You’ll find that Ontario show’s offer a great environment for both learning and developing new friendships, within the sport. Camaraderie amongst competitors is high and normally you’ll meet many others who like you, are just starting out. Many OQHA approved shows offer a full slate of Novice classes. There are three All Novice Shows held in Ontario each year, one hosted by OQHA, one hosted by the Area 3 Promotional Club (Central Ontario) and the other by EOQHA. These all novice shows offer clinics and demonstrations by members of AQHAs Professional Horsemen's Association. The AQHA Novice Program was established to introduce new and potential exhibitors to AQHA-approved shows and allow them to compete with others with similar skills in the youth and amateur divisions. With the development of the permit, novice youth and novice amateur AQHA and AQHYA Members are now eligible to exhibit any registered American Quarter Horse at AQHA-approved shows without the obligation or expense of owning the horse. Novice youth and novice amateur Members may be issued five permits allowing them to compete in one AQHA-approved show per permit with an American Quarter Horse not owned by them. The permits are absolutely free – it costs nothing but a phone call to receive them. For an application, call the Amateur Department at (806) 376-4888, extension 403. AQHA also has two free publications, which may be helpful in understanding AQHA shows. “Your First Show” and “Showtime", A Guide to Showing American Quarter Horses” will give you a lot of information about entering a show, what to bring, divisions, classes and awards. A recently completed video entitled “Show Me” takes viewers through their first show and explains how fun and easy an American Quarter Horse show can be. The video also is free. Call AQHA at 1- 806-376-4811 to receive copies of these materials. .

	Q - I see OQHA approves different types of shows, what are these and what are their differences?
	A - Split Combined, Special Events, & Novices Shows. SPLIT COMBINED (S/C) Another efficient way for exhibitors to rack up more points is to attend a split/combined show. Any two consecutive shows (like a Saturday and Sunday show) can be combined into one show and split over two days. There are two judges and two sets of points and the class is held only once - a real bonus for exhibitors who are trying to qualify for the World Shows or earn year-end awards. Expect to pay two entry fees which is the norm for most split/combined shows. SPECIAL EVENTS (SpEv) Want to meet more people who show in the same event as you? A special event just might be the ticket. Special events-as the name implies-may feature two single events like team penning and cutting, barrel racing and pole bending or roping events like team roping and calf roping. The serious and the casual competitor attend these special events. A single set of points is awarded at each special event. ALL-NOVICE SHOWS (All Nov) Have some fun showing while getting your feet wet at all-novice shows. These events are specially-designed for exhibitors who have not yet earned 40 novice points or 10 performance points which means that you'll compete with people of similar skill levels. All-novice shows are hosted by AQHA state and provincial affiliates, and are usually held as stand alone events or can be held during an open (non-AQHA approved) show.

	Q - What defines an AQHA Professional Horseman and are there any in Ontario?
	A - AQHA Professional Horsemen are qualified trainers. They can help you and your horse establish a productive relationship with one another. These AQHA member trainers can also help if you are considering entering your horse in competitions. 4aHORSE can help you find a trainer specific to your needs, from general training assistance to professionals specializing in specific disciplines. To start your search , you can simply log on to www.aqha.com, and go to the "4aHORSE" tab, that will bring you to a selection menu where you can then select the appropriate category. If you have questions or need additional information call the American Quarter Horse Association, toll free (877) 424-6773. Ontario AQHA Professional Horsemen Donna Barton ~ Campbellville, ON email (416) 230-5015 Patti Carter-Pratt~ St George, ON email ( 519) 448-4424 Scott Carmichael ~Fenwick, ON email (905) 687-3023 Lindsay Grice ~ Orangeville, ON email (519) 938-8815 Jodi Mallette ~ Orangeville, ON email (416) 315-0025 Vonda O'donnell ~ Delaware, ON email (519) 652-1858 Kathy & Dan Patterson ~ Bornholm, ON email ( 519) 345-2861 Bill Rinzema ~ Keene, ON email (705) 295-4601 Brian Robinson ~ Brownsville, ON email (519) 877-0396 Kelly Solowka ~ Caledon, ON email (905) 880-1613 Katherine Wilcox-Chapman ~ Guelph, ON email (519) 823-8028 Joe Carter ~ St. George, ON email (519) 448-1127 Doug Pratt ~ St. George, ON email (856) 229-5515 Kelly Simpson ~ Orillia, ON email (705) 325-2018 Suzanne Pickard ~ Newburry, ON email (519) 695-6353 Andrew Dewar ~ Dunsford, ON email (705) 340-3920 Blair Woodley ~ Chelmsford, ON email (705) 855-0050 Donna Barton ~ Campbelleville, ON email (416) 230-5015

	For more information on showing at AQHA appproved shows please visit the American Quarter Horse Association web site at: www.aqha.com


	AQHA Class Descriptions

	Halter Halter competition is used as a measure of judging the conformation of the Quarter Horse as a breed. Halter classes are divided by age, and gender. Horses are evaluated for balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics, and degree of muscling. Emphasis is placed on balance, which is the most desirable characteristic. Shown with a leather halter, horses are traveled before the judges so soundness can be evaluated.

	Performance Halter Beginning in 2007, AQHA competitors can compete in performance halter classes, which will be offered in open, amateur and youth. The class will be open to horses of all ages with separate classes for stallions, mares and geldings in open and amateur. Youth will show mares and geldings. A horse may not show in the age division halter class and the performance halter class at the same show in a particular division. A performance Register of Merit is required before a horse is eligible to compete in performance halter. A performance ROM is awarded to a horse that wins at least 10 points in one or more AQHA-approved performance classes in a particular division (open, amateur and youth). For example, a horse must have a performance youth ROM before showing in a youth performance halter class. A racing ROM makes a racehorse eligible for performance halter in only the open division.

	Showmanship at Halter Showmanship at halter, a class for youth and amateur exhibitor’s only, is designed to judge the exhibitor’s ability to fit and show a horse at halter. Exhibitors perform a routine similar to showing in a halter class. However, instead of the horse being judged, the exhibitor is evaluated for his/her showmanship skills. Judges evaluate the grooming and fitting of the horse and the expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse to the best of his/her ability.

	Western Horsemanship Designed to test the horsemanship abilities of Youth and Amateur riders using western tack. Divided into two sections, riders first follow a prescribed pattern of maneuvers at a walk, trot or lope. Finalists ride as a group around the perimeter of the arena. Judging focuses on the rider's body position, seat in the saddle and ability to control the horse.

	Western Pleasure Western Pleasure is one of the most popular AQHA show events. A top western pleasure horse should be, as the name implies, a pleasure to ride. Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling around the perimeter of the arena in both directions, at a walk, jog, and lope. A pleasure horse has a free flowing stride of reasonable length in balance with it’s conformation. Riders are to show the horse reining with one hand unless said horse is 5 years of age or under when they are permitted to be shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore.

	Western Riding This class judges the ability if a horse to change leads precisely, easily and simultaneously, using both hind and front legs. Contestants enter the arena and follow one of four patterns consisting of a log and a series of pylons. The horse and rider must also change gaits- from a walk to a jog to a lope- through out the course. Judges look for a horse that responds promptly to the rider’s commands, is well- mannered and has grace and good disposition.

	Trail The maneuverability of a horse through an obstacle course is judged in trail competition. The course is designed with numerous obstacles, testing the skill of the horse to handle certain situations that might occur on an outdoor trail ride. It is mandatory for the rider to open and pass though and close a gate, maneuver the horse while walking, jogging, or lopping through a series of logs, and backing the horse through a desired space. Other obstacles may include, crossing a small pond or ditch, taking items out of a mail box and putting them back, crossing a wooden bridge, or putting on and tacking off a rain slicker. Scoring is based on the horse’s willingness, ease, and grace in negotiating the course.

	Reining To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but to control his every movement. In reining, a rider is required to negotiate one of 11 AQHA- approved patterns, which includes prescribed maneuvers of stops, spins, rollbacks, lead changes, and circles at a lope. The horse should be willfully guided with little or no resistance. The horse is judged on movements, mastery of pattern and attitude, and is scored 0 – infinity, with a score of 70 denoting the average.

	Barrel Racing Barrel racing is one of the most exciting speed events in all Quarter Horse competition. Exhibitors race against the clock, following a course consisting of three barrels is a triangular “cloverleaf” pattern. Time starts when the horse’s nose crosses the starting line. Contestants must choose either the right or left barrel, circle it, and go on to the next barrel, competing the course after circling the third barrel at the top, and racing back to cross the finish line. Barrels are permitted to be touched but if knocked down during the course of the run, a five second penalty per barrel is added. The rider’s hat must be on the rider’s head when they start the course and if it at anytime is lost during the course of the run a five second penalty is added to the total time.

	Pole Bending A timed event in which the speed and agility of the horse are tested as horse and rider weave through a course of six poles spaced 21 feet apart, twice circling end poles before turning and racing to the finish line. The pattern must be followed exactly. A five-second penalty is added for each pole knocked down.

	Working Cow Horse Combines reining ability and cow sense. This event tests the American Quarter Horse's skills that are applicable to ranch work. The competition consists of two parts; prescribed reined work and actual cow work. Judging is based on good manners, smoothness, cow sense and ease of reining. During the cow working part, one cow is turned into the arena. The horse is required to hold the cow on the end of the arena, make at least one turn each direction along the fence, and circle the cow both directions.

	Cutting Pits an American Quarter Horse against a cow in a battle of wills. Horse and rider must move quietly into a herd of cattle, cut one cow from the herd, drive it to the center of the arena and "hold" it away from the herd. The horse is scored on its ability to keep the cow from returning to the herd, cow sense, attentiveness and courage. The is a 21/2 minute time limit.

	Hunt Seat Equitation Tests an Amateur or Youth's ability to ride-not the performance of the horse. As in western horsemanship, contestants work on a predetermined pattern consisting of maneuvers such as changing gaits, traveling in a figure-8 pattern, and backing up as well as posting on correct diagonal, counter-cantering. Top riders return to be judged as they travel the perimeter of the arena performing gait changes at the judges discretion. Emphasis is placed on ability to sit correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse on a precise pattern.

	Hunter Under Saddle Hunter under saddle is the preliminary class for English riding disciplines, and judges evaluate the way of going of a hunter-type horse on the flat at a walk, trot, and canter. Exhibitors in this event must wear traditional English attire consisting of a hunt coat, breeches, high English boots, and hunting cap. Horses circle the perimeter of an arena, performing each gait called at the judge’s discretion. Particular attention is paid to the smoothness of gait, free flowing stride and willingness to perform.

	Hunter Hack Hunter hack is the transitional English class between hunter under saddle and working hunter, and requires a horse to move freely and easily while jumping small fences. Horses are required to jump two fences ranging from heights from 2’3” to 3’. After completing the jumps, the horses are shown at a walk, trot, and canter along the rail. Horses are judged on manners, way of going, and style over fences.

	Equitation Over Fences Designed for Amateur and Youth competitors, this event tests the rider's seat, hands and ability to control and show an American Quarter Horse over fences. The course consists of at least four obstacles with a minimum of six jumps required. Jumping faults of the horse are not to be considered unless it is the result of the rider's ability.

	Jumping Jumping is a true test of a horse's athletic ability to perform over fences. Jumping consists of at least four obstacles and a minimum of eight jumps. Scores are based on time and penalty faults. Faults are assessed when a horse refuses to jump, knocks down an obstacle, or causes an obstacle to be knocked down. Horses completing the course without faults return to compete in a timed "jump-off" to determine final placings.

	Working Hunter An English event which demonstrates the gracefulness of the American Quarter Horse as it maneuvers a course consisting of at least four obstacles but must jump a minimum of eight fences. Manners, style of jumping, flow of strides, balance and keeping an even hunter pace are factors in the Judges' scoring.

	Pleasure Driving Pleasure Driving is an event that exhibits the horse’s diversity. Horses are harnessed to a two-wheeled cart and exhibited at the walk, park gait, and road gait in both directions of the ring. They are on the rail as if they are out on a “Sunday drive”. Exhibitors dress accordingly, with ladies wearing formal dresses and men wearing suits. Judges look for horses that are a pleasure to drive. A pleasure driving horse should carry itself in a natural, balanced position with a relaxed head and neck. Its poll should be level with, or slightly above the height of the withers. Maximum credit will be given to the horse that moves straight, with free movement, manners and bright expression.