AQHA November/December 2016 Magazine Volume 16 Number 6 | Página 11

Hello Fellow Amateurs

On behalf of the Amateur Division Committee, congratulations to all Amateurs on achieving outstanding results in the AQHA 2015 / 2016 Overall Hi Point Awards.

Thank you to those people who filled in the Amateur Survey. This was your opportunity to communicate directly with the AQHA( anonymously).

Here is some of the information we have gathered.

Responses( randomly selected and not modified) Q15 What would you like done for the AQHA Amateurs?

More camps and training days. Tailored to different

levels of horse and rider. I think it is already a great initiative.

Improved prize money at AA shows / I would like to see Amateur events held where only the Amateur / or owner

may ride the horse whilst at the competition. Make sure that the people applying for Amateur are Amateurs.

Think we need to take away the trainers riding them just

before classes on the day More initiatives like the introduction of Novice Amateur classes to help the riders young and old just starting out To formulate an Amateur World Cup Another Class for the Higher Point Amateurs Mandatory prize money for AA shows, we pay the same

entry fee here but get nothing back. More social functions at major shows for competing and noncompeting Amateurs. Don ' t know. I like the Novice Amateur being introduced. More after show clinics Quality feature events. International assistance if qualified to compete in USA, as a result of entering

AmQHA events. In Aus more info on where the AmQHA classes will be on the show calendar. Halter for performance horses at State and National level. Can ' t compete with pure halter horses yet need Halter ROM for QH Champion. Would also be a prestigious

event at this level. Lobby AQHA Board regarding any concerns Amateur members want addressed Teams Challenges supported by the division at all major

shows not just State and National Shows Ability to run A / O only shows- designed to encourage Amateur only competitors Clinics run at National Show( like American Congress) More clinics in remote areas Townsville, Charters Towers and Tully Some Judging Seminars held in SA would be great! We have NO Accredited Judges now in SA, which is a great problem, as smaller Clubs find it too costly to now hold ' A ' Class Shows. Bringing a Judge from interstate is out of

the question in some cases. Like Select Amateur / Amateur Halter classes to go toward Select Amateur High Point Award.

I would like others to read their rulebook regarding Amateur rules and not belittle or scare monger the Amateurs that generously donate their knowledge and time in helping newcomers and others in the warm up pen and at local affiliate clinics

Q17 Any other suggestions or comments.

I have witnessed some pretty bad behaviour over the last couple of years from people, committee members, and trainers and via social media. We really need to stamp out these behaviours to encourage Amateurs to keep showing. In saying that, when I took my horse to Vic State Show this year, people were very nice and helpful and other Amateurs most encouraging even though I was dismal in my performance. We also have a shortage of trainers in our area so more clinics would be fantastic.

Would you maybe consider Novice and Amateur Group challenge Show? This would be a great mentor Show. Even a Novice and Amateur Super Horse. As we all have to start somewhere but fine it rather intimidating riding against some Amateurs who are almost better than many trainers. Yes they have worked hard to get there and I do appreciate that. If we are all put on the same level or even working to together this would help us all feel equal. Those with plenty of experience could help others in there team. I believe this would help any Novice feel a lot more at ease and less intimidated to give things a go and get out showing their horse knowing they have support from other Amateurs and not just feel so out of place knowing. Get rid of the nastiness and snobbery from the industry, its driving potential members away. Selecting the right people for the representatives of the Association that have a vision that fits our demographic rather than always following America, we don ' t have a market to be

exclusive. We need to strongly discourage poor sportsmanship

Sportsmanship Awards I enjoy reading articles about other Amateurs.

Good work guys xxx

All comments will be forwarded to the AQHA for their files.

Many Amateurs seemed to appreciate the Amateur Divisions efforts, but we are only as strong as our supporting member.

More survey results to follow in future articles

Cheers Leonie Gorski 2016 / 2017 Amateur Division President

I ' m new into the whole scene but I find everyone really supportive and helpful and appreciate the feedback.

November • December • 2016 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • Page 11