AMHA Amateurs: American Miniature Horse Association
Written by: AMHA Organization
Courtesy of AMHA.org

Amateur Level 1 & Level 2

The AMHA Amateur Division is split into two levels. Level 1 Amateur 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 25 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 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.

AOTE: Amateur Owned Trained Exhibited rewards the talents of Amateurs! With many of the same rules applying to both Amateur and AOTE divisions, AOTE classes are primarily set apart by the fact that horses exhibited in AOTE classes must be trained, conditioned, groomed and shown by the AOTE or a non-professional family member in all divisions entered. Excluding medical, hauling and farrier services, the Amateur is responsible for all aspects of the AOTE horse. AOTE classes consist of halter geldings, stallions and mares: roadster, country pleasure driving and single pleasure driving

AOTE Futurity classes recognize Amateur breeding and training programs on a national level. Added to the existing Futurity program, the AOTE Futurity operates on the same principles as the AMHA World Futurity. An AMHA Member nominates his/her stallion to the Futurity. The nominator receives a percentage of the winnings earned by that sire's get at each AOTE Futurity.

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?

AMHA's Super Amateur Award is presented at each of the Regional Championship Shows and during the World Shows and during the World Show. 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.

Membership matters at the AMHA and the Amateur Coordinator is happy to answer questions and assist in completing your Amateur application. Contact AMHA today at Amateur@amha.org or 817-783-5600!

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.

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.

www.AMHA.org is the complete information source
for all aspects of owning, showing, breeding, training
and purchasing an American Miniature Horse. The
AMHyA link features member profiles, contest
information, forms and applications as well as general
information for today's AMHyA member. Look online
and see all the great things that AMHyA have going on!