Regional Shows

AMHA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM

Each year, the American Morgan Horse Association selects one USEF Class "A" Morgan show from each region to be its AMHA Regional Championship Show. Due to the requirements Regional Shows must meet, they gain prestige and importance among Morgan owners and exhibitors. It is at these shows that the best horses from all parts of the region and surrounding areas compete for regional titles and the opportunity to qualify for the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show.

The benefits and requirements of being part of the AMHA Regional Shows program are outlined below. We have also included some recommendations to help you offer a quality show for both exhibitors and spectators. 

BENEFITS

1. Horses that place 1st-8th qualify for the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show.
2. The Grand Champion Stallion, Gelding, and Mare receive the distinctive AMHA In Hand Championship Plaque.
3. English Pleasure Champion, Western Pleasure Champion, Hunter Pleasure Champion, Classic Pleasure Champion, Pleasure Driving Champion, Classic Pleasure Driving Champion, Park Saddle Champion, and Park Harness Champion receive distinctive AMHA Championship Plaques.
4. Each year the AMHA also provides a plaque to the winning entry in one of the amateur classes. This prize is referred to as, "The Year of the [Class Name] Horse". 2008 is "The Year of the Amateur Park Saddle Horse".
5. AMHA Regional Shows receive free advance publicity in The Morgan Horse magazine.
6. Regional Shows are automatically listed in the Annual AMHA Membership Directory.
7. Regional Shows are recognized with expanded editorial coverage.
8. Each show is attended by an AMHA representative.
9. Regional Shows retain $5 of every $20 AMHA non-member fee collected.
10. Shows have access to free promotional materials from AMHA.
11. There is a reciprocal agreement between regional shows and Grand National concerning unpaid ads and sponsorships.

REGIONAL SHOW REQUIREMENTS

1. Application for Regional Show status must be submitted on the official AMHA form by October 25 th prior to the year the show is to be held. If no applications are received from any show in a region prior to the October 25 th deadline, no show will be given recognized status for that region.
2. A prize list and program from the most recent show must be submitted with the application.
3. A standard AMHA advertisement must be included in the show program, crediting AMHA's contributions to the show. A copy of the program must be sent to AMHA following the show.
4. Medal classes must be applied for on the official AMHA form, which is enclosed.
5. When more than one show in a region applies for Regional Show status and meets all requirements, the new applicant(s) must have had 5% more Morgan horses showing (not entered) for two consecutive years.
6. The show must be held for a minimum of three calendar days.
7. The show must be an USEF class "A" approved show and exhibitors fulfill USEF requirements.
8. Open classes for non-Morgan horses may be held. AMHA Regional Championship Horse Shows may be multi-breed shows. (Effective 2008 show season)
9. The Show must abide by the reciprocal agreement between regional shows and Grand National concerning unpaid sponsorships.
10. The Show must apply for AMHA Member Show Status. AMHA Member shows take part in the Judges Employment Program and submit Judges Employment Performance References to AMHA.
11. A USEF/AMHA Rules Forum must be held with the time and place included in the prize list, program, and schedule. (Effective 2008 show season)
12. THE FOLLOWING CLASSES MUST BE OFFERED:

A. Full In-Hand Division to include classes for Stallions, Mares, Geldings in each age group: weanling, yearling, two-, three- and four-year old, and five & over. Qualifying and championship classes for Stallions, Mares, and Geldings must also be offered.
B. Qualifying and championship classes in English Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Classic Pleasure, Pleasure Driving, Classic Pleasure Driving, Park Saddle, Park Harness, and Western Pleasure.
C. Classes designated as Open (by sex, over/under, limit, novice, and maiden), Junior Horse, Amateur, Ladies and Junior Exhibitor in each of the following categories: English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Pleasure Driving, Park Saddle, and Park Harness. Classes which do not require qualification for the Grand National do not need to be offered.
D. Classes designated as Junior and Open in Classic Pleasure Saddle and Classic Pleasure Driving.
E. Classes designated as Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving.
F. Equitation classes.
G. Five of six AMHA Medal Classes: Saddle Seat, Western Seat, Reining Seat, Hunt Seat on the Flat, Hunt Seat Over Fences, and Dressage Seat.
H. Carriage Classes: At least one Obstacle Driving and one Pleasure Driving class that follow the USEF rules.

13. AWARDS

A. All classes must be tied through 8 th place.
B. Championship ribbons must be tri-color and appropriate in type and size.
C. The AMHA Championship Award and Championship pins must be presented at the same time as the Championship ribbons.

14. PRIZE LIST

A. Inclusion of a statement that horses must be made available for inspection by an official designated by AMHA.
B. USEF/AMHA Rules Forum time and place must be included in the schedule.
C. Classes may not be designated as "World", "International", or "National".
D. Inclusion of the AMHA membership form.
E. Program and Prize List must include the AMHA membership form and the AMHA Stallion Service Auction ad

15. The list of exhibitors and class results must be mailed within 10 days of the closing of the show to the AMHA office. A complete list of owner names and addresses must be included.

16. AMHA life, general, youth and youth life members are eligible to participate in all Regional classes. A non-member of AMHA may participate as a rider, driver, handler, owner, lessee, agent, or trainer at a Regional Show upon payment of a $20 non-member fee. Participants in the following classes are exempt from the requirements of this rule: leadline, walk/trot, races, exhibitions and others designated as exempt by USEF. $15 of each non-member fee gets sent to AMHA, and the show retains the remaining $5. (Effective 2008 show season)

17. Entry blanks must request current AMHA number, or collect the non-member fee of each exhibitor, owner, trainer, agent, and lessee at the show.

18. Each show must send the AMHA Judges Education Program fee of $2 per horse to AMHA.

19. Show office must be open at least 24 hours before the first class.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The AMHA Dressage Seat Medal Class should be offered if riders are available.
2. The show stabling should be available 48 hours prior to the first class or optional stabling should be available.
3. The members of the Show Committee should represent all disciplines.
4. All members of show committees should be AMHA members.
5. It is recommended that if an exhibitor owes a Regional Show money, this exhibitor cannot show at another Regional Show until the debt is paid. It is up to the respective show managements to contact other shows and coordinate this agreement.
6. It is recommended that Regional shows reflect the rules and procedures of the Grand National in executing their classes.
7. Inclusion of the wording, "AMHA membership cards will be requested at the show office. Please bring membership cards or proof of membership for all owners, exhibitors, and trainers you are checking in for."
8. It is recommended that Regional Shows offer Dressage classes appropriate for the region. (Effective 2008 show season)

REGIONAL SHOW AWARDS AVAILABLE

AMHA ART PRINTS

While available, each Regional Show may select one of the AMHA Archives Prints to be awarded as a special prize. There is no cost for the prints, but the show must pay $10 for postage and handling, and the print must be matted, framed, and put on display during the show.