FAQ’s About APHA Amateur Platinum 50+ Proposal

EC Blog by: Carla Perri

Dear APHA Members,

We wanted to make sure you know about a new proposal to the APHA Amateur Committee at the Convention next month in February that would greatly benefit us older APHA members.

The proposal is to form a new division such as the Amateur Walk/Trot. This new division would be called: Amateur Platinum-

• For APHA members 50 and over

• Consisting of six classes: Showmanship, Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, Trail, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure

• There would be a “Top 10” and Zone Awards, like Amateur Walk/Trot & Solid Divisions

Benefits:

• This is an optional division to enter

• Showing with exhibitors in our age bracket

• Would serve as a feeder division for 50+ Novice Amateurs that have pointed out as well as a Division for 50+ Amateur Walk/Trot exhibitors that excel to go to the next level.

Our hope is that this division will draw exhibitors who have stopped showing or become discouraged from showing in the Amateur Division and showing against much younger exhibitors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to go into the Platinum division if I am over 50?

No, you can stay in the regular Amateur Division or the Masters Division (where classes are available). Please remember this is an optional division.

Can I show as an Amateur and an Amateur Platinum?

Yes, just not in the same event. ie: Amateur Trail OR Amateur Platinum Trail, not both, even if you have two different horses.

What if an Amateur Platinum class is not offered for that event?

The Amateur Platinum is only six classes. If you wish to do Western Riding, Reining, Speed, Jumping, or Ranch horse you are allowed, but would not count toward your Amateur Platinum points. Please refer to Section C.

Can I show in Amateur at one show and Amateur Platinum at the next show in the same year?

Yes

What year-end awards will be offered for the Amateur Platinum Division?

Top Five for each Zone, Honor Roll for all six classes, and a “Top 10” overall

Will the Amateur Platinum classes offer ROMs & Superiors?

Yes

Will there be Breeders Trust points for the Amateur Platinum classes?

No

Can I show Novice Amateur & Platinum Amateur?

Yes, just like you can show Novice Amateur & Amateur classes now

Can I show Amateur W/T & Platinum Amateur?

No, because there is loping in the Platinum classes

Would we have different patterns?

That would be up to the individual show committees.

Could shows offer Amateur Master classes as well as Amateur Platinum classes?

Yes, but our hope would be that they would offer Amateur and Amateur Platinum

Will this be offered at all shows?

This decision would be up to each show if they would offer it or not, but hopefully encouraged by their members to do so.

Do I have to have an Amateur Platinum Card?

Yes

Attached a copy of the rule proposal.

AM-310 APHA Amateur Platinum Proposal