Instructions
Locate your local American Quarter Horse Association chapter. Associations are either state-wide or regional, such as the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association. Some riders compete in Canada for a range of experiences.
Contact the association for information about upcoming shows. This ensures the shows are actually part of the association and not general shows designed for the quarter horse breed. Find a show in your area that you are able to attend. Each region usually has several shows a year. Choose a show that you don't need to qualify for. Shows that are regional or national require that you win at a lower level show before moving up.
Examine the show schedule to see what halter classes they offer. Find a halter class in your division. The AQHA has two types of halter classes: halter and showmanship halter. The halter class is judged on the horse and showmanship halter is judged on how the individual handles the horse. Showmanship halter is only available to youth or amateurs. Enter at the amateur level unless you have experience showing.
Fill out the form that comes with the show information packet and attach a check for the show fees. Some associations also allow you to pay with a credit card. Mail the application to the association.
How to Enter the American Quarter Horse Association's Halter Competition
The American Quarter horse is a horse breed named because of it's ability to quickly spring a 1/4 mile. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is the largest official organization dedicated to the breed. They organize shows at many levels from amateur and youth to professional, national shows. Showing in an AQHA show helps demonstrate what your American Quarter horse is capable of and can increase his value if he wins. Halter classes are the first shows horses are put into because they can be shown from one-year-old through to maturity. Halter classes are judged on the horses confirmation and how well they fit the ideal quarter horse description.