At a Glance - Changes for 2026:
Low and High Schooling Hunter will now run as one division, “Schooling Hunter,” with heights offered at 2’, 2’6”, or 3’, at riders’ discretion.
Novice and Open Equitation will now run as one division, “Open Equitation,” with heights offered at 2’3” or 2’9”, at riders’ discretion.
Beginner Equitation and Long Stirrup will now run as one division, “Beginner Equitation,” open to juniors and adult amateurs.
And a reminder from 2019: Show managers are now required to submit prize lists for review to the Board 3 (three) weeks prior to their show date.
AHS Point Classes & Divisions
Equitation Divisions
Leadline Equitation: Open to riders aged 6 years and under. Judged on manners and suitability of mount to rider. Not eligible for any other non-Leadline classes. Will be asked to trot.
Mini Stirrup Equitation: Open to children 8 years of age and under. May not cross enter into any jumping classes. Riders are eligible for any appropriate flat class.
Short Stirrup Equitation: Open to children twelve (12) years of age and under on horses and ponies who have not competed in any show over fences exceeding 2'. Judged on hands, seat, general appearance, and control of mount. Recommended classes; 1. walk/trot; 2. walk/trot/canter; and 3. A simple course of 4-8 cross rails at 18".
Beginner Equitation: Open to all juniors and adult amateurs who have not shown in more than eight (8) horse shows in any one year. The division will include a walk/trot; walk/trot/canter and two (2) jumping classes of 4-8 fences at x-rails. Riders cannot jump more than 2' in any horse show. It is hoped that people will use discretion when entering and be mindful of the spirit of this division.
Lesson Mount Equitation: Open to riders on horses/ponies that are solely used in a lesson program. Rider not to have competed higher than X rails at any show. Judged on hands, seat, and control of mount. May use any tack used in lesson program.
Walk/Trot Equitation: Open to beginner junior and adult amateur riders on horses or ponies. Riders may not cross enter into any cantering or jumping classes.
Modified Equitation: Open to all Junior and Adult amateur riders on horses and ponies. Rider may not have shown higher than 2'3" in any show. May only cross enter into Pleasure at same show. Simple changes NOT to be penalized. Fences not to exceed 2'. Rider may not ride in division for more than two (2) years.
Open Equitation: Open to Junior and Adult Amateur riders on horses or ponies. To be judged on hands, seat, and control of mount. Fences at 2’3” or 2’9” at riders discretion.
Hunter & Jumper Divisions
Pleasure Hunter: Open to any type of pony or horse suitable for use as a pleasure mount. To be ridden by a Junior or Adult. Judged on performance, manners, and suitability of mount to rider. No martingales.
Short Stirrup Hunter: Open to riders twelve (12) years of age and under. Riders to jump a simple course of eight (8) fences at 18". Horse/pony/rider combo may only cross enter into Short Stirrup Equitation and Pleasure at the same show.
Modified Hunter: Open to all Junior and Adult amateur riders on horses and ponies. Rider may not have shown higher than 2'3" in any show. May only cross enter into Pleasure at same show. Simple changes NOT to be penalized. Fences not to exceed 2'. Horse and rider combination may not ride in division for more than two (2) years.
Developing Hunter: Open to horses and ponies that are in their 1st or 2nd year of showing. Trotting corners not penalized. To jump simple cross rail courses. May cross enter into Baby Green.
Baby Green Hunter: Open to horses and pones that are in their 1st or 2nd year of showing. Ponies to jump 2’. Horses to jump 2’3”. Trotting corners will not be penalized.
Schooling Hunter: Open to all riders on horses or ponies. Judged on performance, way of going, manners, and soundness. Fences at 2', 2’6” or 3’ at the riders' discretion.
Thoroughbred Hunter: Open to all horses or ponies that are full Thoroughbred. To be judged on performance, way of going, manners, and soundness. Fences 2’3” or 2’9” at riders discretion. Not to be combined with any other division.
Low Junior/Adult Hunter: Open to all Junior and Adult Amateur riders on horses or ponies. May not cross enter into any Children/Adult Hunter classes on same mount. Fences 2' or 2'6" at riders discretion. Simple changes not to be penalized.
Low Schooling Jumpers: Open to all riders on horses or ponies. Jumps to be 2’ or 2’3” at riders discretion. See USEF Rulebook for Table descriptions. time allowed will be generous (350m/min) May be combined with HIGH SCHOOLING JUMPERS
High Schooling Jumpers: Open to all riders on horses or ponies. Jumps to be 2’6" or 3' at riders discretion. See USEF Rulebook for Table descriptions. time allowed will be generous (350m/min) May be combined with LOW SCHOOLING JUMPERS