If you are just starting out, or wanting to change to the western discipline here are a few things that may help you.
Always remember you are welcome to contact the committee members, if you need further help, advice, direction, or just have any questions.
People with new horses wishing to compete with WAQHA and would like to obtain a permanent show number, can contact Mary Treloar, preferably by email, maryboyd@iinet.net.au. You will need to supply Mary with your horse's name, rego number, & AQHA member number.
Some of the classifications can be a bit confusing so here are a few you may come across when starting out. "A" class show This means that the show is approved by the Australian Quarter Horse Association and points earned at one of these will be of the standard rate. "AA" class show this means the show is approved by the A.Q.H.A and points earned will be of double value. "B" class show is not officially approved by the A.Q.H.A but points can be earned on a half value. The other terms you may hear or read according to show programs are: Senior Horse This is a class only for horses 6 yrs and older. Junior Horse This is a class only for horses under 6 yrs of age. Amateur These classes are only for people who hold an amateur owner card (acquired from the A.Q.H.A.) which means that the horse you show must be either owned or leased by you or your immediate family and that you have not shown,trained or assisted in the training of a horse for either direct or indirect compensation in the three years prior to application or your amateur ticket. Youth these classes are for people aged 18 yrs and younger.Walk/jog These classes are great for people starting out, young horses or people that feel they are not yet up to loping. Novice these classes are for people that feel they are not quite up to amateur level yet but are able to lope their horses comfortably.Jog this is a two beet gate best described as a very slow trot. Lope This is a three beet gate best described as e very slow canter. Rein back go backwards.
Overtaking is always done to the inside of the arena, do not cut across the arena or do a small circle to make space, just pass on the inside leaving plenty of room around the horse you are passing.
To compete in approved A class show halter classes the horse must be of Quarter Horse breeding. We do hold B class shows thru out the year and as these are not an approved show, you can ride what ever breed of horse you have although the quarter horse breed tend to do a lot better at it than other breeds and a non quarter horse can not collect points. Paint horses and appaloosas can compete in "A" class shows so long as they are registered with their particular breed association.
To compete at any western show you must wear long pants (slacks or jeans depending on if you are riding or showing in hand), long sleeve shirt (for ridden) or jacket ( for halter) and a western hat. You can acquire theses things from specialized western shops found all over the country or even over seas, or you can pick up clothes that will do the job for most of the shows at other places. Your best bet is to look at magazines, the internet or what people are wearing at our shows to give you an idea of what to wear and you will be able to duplicate the look your self.
Here is a list of the names and phone numbers of a few of the trainers we have over here in W. A. . You will find that some of them will travel to give lessons and that most of them will take horses on for a number of weeks (depending on how much work your horse needs). They will be able to help you with more of the finer points of showing in this industry and show you most of all how to enjoy your horse while you learn and have fun showing!
Vanessa Hancox
0428 760 334
Justin Sprigg
0407 779 628
Holly Marshall
0408 891 264
Rae Hare and Brian Cramp of Braeside Performance Horses
0414 787 168
Karen Nicoletto - Karen Nicoletto Show Horses
(08) 9378 3325 Please leave a message!
Gary Marshall - Hobby Horse Ranch
(08) 9525 5205 or 0417 943 565
Tahnee White
0417 929 409
If you have any more questions about the industry you can find more in depth information at the A.Q.H.A. web site, here on our web site and better still at one of our shows, so come along and see how its done and any of our committee members would be happy to answer any questions you may have. You will find that we have shows through out the year that cater for everyone