Divisional High-Point Awards Debut at the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show
New for the 2025 Markel AQHA World Championship Show, AQHA unveils divisional high-point awards for amateur, Select and open.
Image credit: Shane Rux Photography, courtesy of AQHA.
New for the 2025 Markel AQHA & Adequan® Select World Championship Show, the American Quarter Horse Association will present divisional high-point awards to recognize outstanding horse-and-exhibitor teams in amateur and Select classes, as well as horses in open classes earning the greatest number of points in Level 3 competition.
No formal entry is required. Any eligible exhibitor or horse that competes in at least two Level 3 classes within a high-point division at the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show is automatically considered for the award. Amateur and Select points are compiled on a one-horse, one-exhibitor basis. Open points are tracked on the horse.
High-Point Divisions:
- Working Western: ranch riding, ranch trail, working western rail, reining, cutting, working cow horse or box drive or boxing*
- Roping/Speed: heading, heeling, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, pole bending, stake race
- English: jumping, working hunter or progressive working hunter*, equitation over fences, hunter hack, hunter under saddle or working hunter under saddle*, hunt seat equitation, pleasure driving
- Western: western riding, trail, western pleasure, horsemanship, showmanship
*For horse/exhibitor combinations (amateur/Select) or horses (open) showing in more than one of these classes, the class in which they earn the greatest number of points will be counted toward the Divisional High-Point Awards.
Awards and Prizes:
- Champion: $4,000, custom Montana Silversmiths belt buckle, neck ribbon, custom horse cooler
- Reserve Champion: $3,000, custom horse cooler
- Bronze Champion: $2,000, custom horse cooler
Eligibility Details:
- Amateur and Select points will be compiled separately and cannot be combined.
- Exhibitors must compete in a minimum of two Level 3 classes within a high-point division. Points are calculated on a one-horse, one-exhibitor basis. Exhibitors may show multiple horses, but each horse’s points will be compiled separately.
- In the open division, horses must compete in at least two Level 3 classes within the high-point division; points are compiled on the horse regardless of exhibitor.
- Halter and performance halter placings do not count toward the awards.
- Amateur/Select exhibitors earning all-around or reserve all-around titles and open horses earning Superhorse or reserve Superhorse titles are not eligible for divisional high-point awards.
For complete rules, see the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show Handbook.
About the Markel AQHA World
The Markel AQHA World, Adequan® Select World and Adequan® Level 2 Championships are the premier events in the equine industry for amateur, Select amateur and open exhibitors. The show includes Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes, as well as AQHA Level 1 Champion of Champions classes. The shows feature over three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.
Divisional High-Point Awards Debut at the 2025 Markel AQHA World Show – AQHA
