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Amateur > Amateur Program

AMHA

Amateur Program

AMHA Amateurs are the "heart" of AMHA, present and future. What better way to live a dream than work and show your own Miniature Horse?

To compete in the Amateur Division, an AMHA Amateur must no longer be eligible for youth competition and have not shown, trained or assisted in training a horse for remuneration either directly or indirectly during the previous five calendar years. Available Amateur classes range from halter to a variety of performance classes.

 

 For more information, Contact AMHA today at 817-783-5600!

Images are courtesy of AMHA members!

AMATEUR LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2

The AMHA Amateur Division is split into two levels. Level 1 Amateurs must qualify by definition under existing AMHA rules. When a Level 1 Amateur has competed in Amateur classes for more than two calendar years, or has accumulated more than 50 Lifetime Honor roll points (whichever come later), he/she will automatically advance to Level 2. If a Level 1 Amateur chooses to prematurely move into Level 2, entitlement to show at Level 1 is relinquished. Levels are considered separately for Halter and Performance Classes.

AMATEUR LEVEL 1

Amateur Level 1 is ideal for people beginning to learn from trainers and other Amateurs. When the Level 1 Amateur gains confidence and experience, he/she may decide to move "up" to AOTE and put into effect all the things that were learned in Level 1. Level 1 allows a beginner to hire or ask anyone for help. Once the lessons are learned, an Amateur Level 1 may decide to commit to the special "AOTE" Amateur option.

AMATEUR ELIGIBILITY

To compete in the Amateur Division, an AMHA Amateur must no longer be eligible for youth competition and have not shown, trained or assisted in training a horse for remuneration either directly or indirectly during the previous five calendar years. Available Amateur classes range from halter to a variety of performance classes. Requirements in the current Official AMHA Rulebook, except as a Youth, during the past five calendar years. 

 

Also... Miniature horses shown by an AMHA Amateur must be owned or leased by the Amateur individually, jointly with a family member or solely in corporation, ranch or farm. AMHA records and Certificate of Registration are required to verify ownership at the time of competition. An Amateur leasing a horse for purposes of showing in the Amateur Division must have a record of lease on file at AMHA. All Amateurs are responsible for knowing the Division rules. 

FORMER PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE REQUESTING AMATEUR STATUS

All past professionals must wait five years to apply for Amateur Card, must be an AMHA member, and declare in writing six months prior to applying for Amateur Card to the AMHA Office. An advertisement will be placed in either AMHA e-news and/or AMHA website. Any protest by AMHA members may be made any time during these six months, in writing with a $100 fee. The protest will be reviewed by the Show Rules Committee with the AMHA BOD as the Appeal level (AM-010 Requirements).

  • Tiffany Porter, Auburn, WA - stopped training November 1, 2021, eligible for Amateur Card November 1, 2026

  • Cherie Smith Jensen, Dallas, OR - stopped training November 28, 2023, eligible for Amateur Card November 28, 2028

  • Carol Alanda Cooper, Warwickshire, UK - stopped judging and training December 31, 2021, eligible for Amateur Card January 1, 2027

SUPER AMATEUR AWARD

AMHA's Super Amateur Award is presented at each of the Regional Championship Shows and during the World Shows. Amateur members who sign up to compete for this award pick five classes to accumulate points from, with the competitor with the most points winning this prestigious award. The Super Amateur Forms will be available at the Regional and World show office.

SUPER AOTE PROGRAM

AMHA's Super AOTE Award is presented at each of the Regional Championship Shows and during the World Show. Amateur members who sign up to compete for this award pick five clases to accumulate points from, with the competitor with the most points winning this prestigious award. The Super AOTE Forms will be available at the Regional and World Show office. 

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