AQHA Hosted Successful AQHA Level 1 Championship Shows
AQHA exhibitors competed for championship titles in April at the AQHA East Level 1 Championships in Wilmington, Ohio, and in May at the AQHA West Level 1 Championships in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Shane Rux Photography.
That’s a wrap on two of the three 2025 AQHA Level 1 Championships!
AQHA exhibitors competed for championship titles in April at the AQHA East Level 1 Championships in Wilmington, Ohio, and in May at the AQHA West Level 1 Championships in Las Vegas. The 2025 AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships are in June in Amarillo with the 2025 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships.
East
The 2025 AQHA East Level 1 Championships were April 21-27, with seven days of competition at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio, that saw an increase from last year to 5,543 entries, 896 exhibitors, 818 horses and 412 first-time exhibitors. Read more about the all-around and high-point awards given out at the end of the show.
If you were unable to join us in Wilmington, Ohio, be sure to check out the full show results and scoresheets at www.aqha.com/east.
West
The 2025 AQHA West Level 1 Championships were May 19-24 following the Arizona Quarter Horse Association Pinnacle Circuit at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The show saw nearly 2,800 entries, 453 exhibitors, 469 horses and 163 exhibitors showing for the first time. Read more about the all-around awards and high-point awards given out at the end of the show.
If you were unable to join us in Las Vegas, be sure to check out the full show results and scoresheets at www.aqha.com/west.
Level 1 Champion of Champions
All exhibitors who competed in the core Level 1 classes at each of the Level 1 Championships earned invitations to compete in the AQHA Level 1 Champion of Champions classes at their respective world shows. Core classes include showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, trail, ranch riding, hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation.
AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by Four Sixes
The AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch, are June 15-21 with the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships in Amarillo, Texas. The AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships are the only Level 1 Championships to offer cattle classes. The show features Level 1 classes and Rookie classes. These levels of AQHA competition are designed for everyone from the minimally accomplished to beginner AQHA competitors, respectively.
Late entries are open until May 30. Click here to enter.
Nutrena Ride the Pattern Clinics
During each of the Level 1 Championships, AQHA Professional Horsemen volunteered their time to give numerous free Ride the Pattern clinics, presented by Nutrena. These clinics gave exhibitors and spectators the perfect opportunity to learn how AQHA Professional Horsemen would approach a specific class or pattern in Level 1 competition. Thanks to the generosity of the Ride the Pattern clinics attendees and generous donation match by Nutrena at the Level 1 Championships, the AQHA Professional Horsemen Endowment Fund raised over $6,000 in donations.
About the AQHA Level 1 Championships
The AQHA Level 1 Championships feature Small-Fry, walk-trot, Rookie and Level 1 classes. The shows offer a variety of events and activities for competitors, friends, family and spectators alike to take part in throughout the show, including free Nutrena Ride the Pattern clinics taught by AQHA Professional Horsemen. The Level 1 Championships are intended for exhibitors to learn and grow in the show arena while sharpening their horsemanship skills. The shows provide a welcoming environment for AQHA members to be showcased in a championship arena and to compete to earn top prizes for their dedication, worth over $500,000 in jackpot and prizes.
For more information, visit www.aqha.com/level1championships.
