Frequently Asked Questions

Our official newsletter is The Rider, a monthly horse newspaper containing news from a variety of horse disciplines across Ontario/Canada/U.S.A. Our web site www.area3.ca contains the most up-to-date information on the club, including a complete listing of club rules and year-end award requirements. The web site and The Rider contain executive contact names and phone numbers with respective areas of responsibility. In order to purchase an AREA 3 membership, you must reside within the AREA 3 boundaries (basically east of Guelph/west of Pickering/South of Parry Sound/North of Lake Ontario).

Note: If you live in a bordering area which does not have an active promotional club, you may apply in writing (through the membership application process) to become AREA members

What memberships are required to compete in Area 3 shows?

The only MANDATORY membership requirement is with the American Quarter Horse Association. If you have not acquired an AQHA membership prior to arriving at a show, usually, an AQHA membership can be purchased/upgraded at the show office, at a slightly increased price. To be eligible to earn points for AREA 3 year-end awards, you must have the proper AREA 3 membership (amateur/youth/open). To be eligible to earn points for ONTARIO year-end awards you require the appropriate Ontario membership.

Membership forms can be downloaded from the following locations:
American Quarter Horse Association - www.aqha.com
Ontario Quarter Horse Association - www.oqha.on.ca
AREA 3 Promotional Club - www.area3.ca

What does a 'split /combined' format mean?

This is a descriptive term which identifies how the show is run. Any consecutive two shows, (ie. a Saturday/Sunday show) can be combined into one show, split over two days. There are two judges and two sets of points, but the class is held only once. Typically, it is split by having all/most of the English classes one day & the Western classes the next, although this is not always the case ie: Summerama 2007. All of the AREA 3 shows in 2007 (except the All Novice show) follow the split/combined format.

What does a 'single show' mean?

"Single Show" means that it is one show, which typically consists of both English & Western classes. (ie: a weekend show, consisting of two single shows would mean that you would have English & Western classes on BOTH Saturday & Sunday).

When do my points begin to count?

AREA 3 points count from the date your membership application is received by the membership director and all fees have been paid in full. Note: See AREA 3 Trophy Rules for further details.

How do I track my points?

AREA 3 posts updated point standings during the show season on the web site. For Ontario points, check with the Ontario web site, also the “OQHA NEWS” will include point standings. For AQHA points you can check online (for your personal points) or subscribe to their “Show Results” publication.

What is the difference between a HIGH POINT and an ALL AROUND award?

Often you are competing at a show, and you hear that they are offering a 'High Point Award' or an 'All Around' Award. These terms seem to be used almost interchangeably - yet they are quite different. First off, a (show) AQHA ALL ROUND award is given to the open horse, or horse/rider combination (in the amateur & youth divisions) that attain the highest number of points at a show providing that the proper category* requirements have been met. (*qualifying classes are broken up into categories; points must be earned in at least 3 different categories). A HIGH POINT (show) award is given out by the show committee, and the requirements may be as simple as the Horse or Horse/Rider combination (in Amateur & Youth divisions) who earns the most points at the show. Other shows may require participation in mandatory classes, such as halter.

Who Makes The Rules?

AREA 3 hosts AQHA approved shows which are governed by AQHA rules for all AQHA approved classes. As an AQHA member, you have received an Official AQHA RULEBOOK. You should read it to familiarize yourself with everything from pattern requirements to legal/illegal tack, equipment, show attire, etc. Bring you rulebook with you to all shows.

Drug Testing - What Do I Need to Know?

We follow AQHA's position on drug usage. We are required to charge a fee for the testing, which in turn is remitted to AQHA. When an exhibitor is requested to report for drug testing, the authorized representative will accompany the exhibitor to the “drug test area” where a urine/blood sample will be taken. This is performed by a licensed veterinarian.. You are required to remain with the samples until they have been sealed (and you sign the label to verify it as authentic). If you are competing in a consecutive class, you may be allowed to show first, and then report for testing. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action by AQHA.

If an emergency situation occurs, and my horse requires sedation, is this okay?

Depending on the length of time between the treatment and the class you may or may not be able to sedate/medicate your horse. The AQHA rulebook has an extensive section which deals with allowable medication, and whether a medication report should be filed with the show secretary. It is strongly advised that before administering any substance (even herbal remedies) that you read the AQHA rulebook to determine an appropriate course of treatment.

What is an "AQHA/OQHA or Area 3' approved show?

"AQHA" means that the American Quarter Horse Association has approved this show based on its show criteria and will count all points an exhibitor/horse earns towards "AQHA" awards.

"OQHA" means that the Ontario Quarter Horse Association has approved the show and all points exhibitors/horses earn at this show will be counted towards their year end awards (if exhibitors hold the appropriate OQHA membership)..

"AREA 3" approved means that the AREA 3 Promotional Club has agreed to count all points exhibitors/horses earn at this show towards AREA 3 year-end awards (if you are a paid in full AREA 3 member). AREA 3 Promotional Club organizes three show circuits per show season - Spring Classic, Summerama and Summer Circuit. In addition, Teen Ranch is an AREA 3 approved show and points earned from this show count towards AREA 3 year-end points.

If a new show is held within Area 3 boundaries, and the Area 3 Board of Directors is not made aware of the show, Area 3 may decide NOT to approve the show for Area 3 points. This may happen due to a variety of reasons; one being that the executive felt insufficient time was given to fairly advertise, and make the availability of the show known to all our members.

What information do I need to bring to the entry booth?

You will need:

· Your horse's AQHA registration papers

· Your appropriate membership cards

· A completed entry form with a cheque

Each horse is given one back number with which to exhibit.

What Horse Vaccinations are Required?

Unless advised by a regulatory board, at this time our shows do not require Coggins/ Vaccinations as a condition of showing. However, due to the diverse horse population it is strongly recommended that all horses are vaccinated appropriately.

Who do I talk to if I need a tack change?

The Ring Stewards handle questions with respect to tack changes, order of go, which cut you are in. The Ring Stewards’ directions should be followed at all times. Usually there is a white board near the "in" gates which show order of go/#'s in cut and the show announcer will announce the order of go prior to the start of the respective class. If the gate is shut - you are too late to enter class. Scratch: In the event you need to "scratch" a horse from a class, advise the SHOW SECRETARY and the ring/gate steward.

What are the basics of Ring Etiquette?

If a horse is acting in such a manner which the ring steward or judge deems to be an unsafe situation, he will direct that exhibitor on what action to take. He may ask the exhibitor to come to the centre of the ring and remain there (rider may choose to dismount). The exhibitor may only exit the ring at the direction of the ring steward. When participating in "rail work" in a performance class, it is preferred that you pass a horse on the inside of the ring. Passing on the rail is only done when there is a sufficient amount of free room.

Can I get a refund for my entry Fees?

At the discretion of the show management, entry fees may be refunded in the case of scratches/show postponement/cancelled classes. In the event of disqualification, the entrant will not be reimbursed their entry fee.

How do I know what order classes will be shown?

Class order listings are available at the show office on the "show bill". This order may be changed at the discretion of show management. The show announcer will broadcast any changes in the order of classes the day of the show. He will also advise how many exhibitors are in the current class, number of cuts, which class is taking place in which ring, as well as the timing for riding breaks and lunch break It is generally a good practice to be in the holding area at least one class ahead of your class. Changes to the posted schedule do occur during the day and it is imperative to listen carefully to each announcement.

Where am I allowed to ride?

The show pens will be available for warm up at specific times before and after the day's show. They are also available during the lunch break and may be restricted to a particular group of riders (example western horses or walk-jog/trot exhibitors.. There are other areas designated as warm up areas for riding and/or longing.

What are "paid warm-ups"?

For some events, (ie: trail, over fences) the show may offer a “paid warm up” which allows exhibitors time to practice the course/obstacles for a designated amount of time at a set fee. AREA 3 organized shows to not charge for warm-up time.

Where can I find information on other AQHA Shows?

Information for Ontario AQHA shows/events is usually available at the show office. Information can also be found on the AREA 3 or OQHA web sites or advertised in the AQHA Journal.

Is a Vet available for emergencies?

Most shows will post the name/# of a local vet who has agreed to remain "on call" should an emergency arise. All expenses are the sole responsibility of the horse owner.

Is a farrier available for emergencies?

Most shows will post the name/# of an on call farrier who may be able to fix a shoeing problem.

Are Emergency Medical Services available?

All AREA 3 shows have an on-site medical response team who will respond to emergencies that may occur and entrants are charged a nominal fee to cover their services.

What happens in the case of bad weather?

When weather is severe, a decision may be made to either cancel or postpone the show. Note: A show can only be cancelled with approval from AQHA.

Vehicle Parking & Motor Home Hook-up Issues?

Contact grounds persons, or show office for information.

Orangeville Agricultural Society Fairgrounds

The Orangeville Agricultural Society Fairgrounds is the new location for the Spring Classic. The Fairgrounds is located north-east of Orangeville on 5 Sideroad, Mono Township, just off Hockley Road, approx. 2.5 km east of Highway 10. The facility includes: an indoor riding arena, two large outdoor rings, indoor and outdoor stabling facilities, RV hook ups and ample trailer parking.

Caledon Equestrian Park - Palgrave

The Caledon Equestrian Park hosts Summerama, the All Novice Show and the Summer Circuit. The Park is located in Palgrave on the Oak Ridges Moraine. It is zoned conservation lands and as such, there are very stringent rules as to the dumping of grey water, littering, fire restrictions and land usage. If in doubt, contact show committee. Due to its "conservation" zoning, any offensive action may be subject to fines and/or removal of those persons from the show grounds. Rules & regulations regarding this facility are available on the Area 3 web site on the appropriate show pages (Summerama, All Novice Show and Summer Circuit) www.area3.ca

What is a Youth Exhibitor?

Youth are exhibitors up to and including 18 years of age, as of Jan. 1st, of the current year. Youth status remains the same all year, (ie. if you turn 19 after Jan. 1st, current year, you will still be eligible to show youth that year). Generally, you will see the youth division split into two categories: 13 years & under and 14-18 years. Some classes will also be offered at the AREA 3 shows as Youth All Ages classes . (See AQHA rulebook for details).

What constitutes Novice Status (Youth Or Amateur)?

Novice is a division which is limited to those riders who have not yet attained 25 AQHA points in a particular AQHA 'skill set'. For example, an individual who does not have 25 or more lifetime AQHA points in trail may still compete in Novice trail even if that person has 100 AQHA points combined in Equitation & Horsemanship. Once novice status for a skill set is approved, the rider will retain that status throughout entire year, even if the allowable point total is exceeded. Only those members holding a "youth" or "amateur" indicator on their AQHA membership card will be allowed to show in a "novice" class. A novice may also compete in the regular youth/amateur/select class. See the AQHA rule book for a full description, including the new skill sets for 2007.

What is Walk/Jog, Lead Line, Small Fry Showmanship?

Walk Jog/Trot, Lead Line and Small Fry Showmanship classes are included for young exhibitors who are just starting their show careers. Exhibitors in these classes are not required to own the horse they are showing, but the horse must be registered with AQHA. Any points accumulated are for the rider only, regardless of how many horses they have exhibited. These classes do not earn AQHA points. Generally, promotional clubs and OQHA do count these classes for year-end awards.

Lead Line: Open to youth 7 years. and under. Must be lead by an adult. The halter is placed under the bridle and lead is held by groundsperson. Exhibitors may not show in any other performance class (other than Halter/Showmanship).

Walk Jog/Trot: Open to youth 11 years. and under. Exhibitors may show in either Western or English attire. Exhibitors are judged on their horsemanship/equitation skills. They will be asked to walk, jog or trot both directions of the ring and back up. Generally, since they will be moving faster, English riders should stay on the inside track, allowing safe passage to the horses on the rail. As in all performance classes, exhibitors will reverse to the inside of the rail when executing a change of direction. Exhibitors in this class may not show in any other performance event (other than Halter/Showmanship).

Small Fry Showmanship: Open to exhibitors 11years and under. Exhibitors will be required to perform a pattern with their horse executing some basic movements of Showmanship. Exhibitors may not show in any other performance events (other than Halter/ Lead Line or Walk Jog/Trot)

What is Novice Youth, Novice Amateur Walk/Trot Horsemanship/Equitation?

These classes (respectively), are only offered at All Novice Shows. Class rules are the same as apply to the regular Horsemanship and Equitation classes, however exhibitors are not be required to lope or canter. See AQHA rulebook for details.

In 2007, three All Novice Shows will be held in Ontario –

OQHA July 27, Ilderton Fairgrounds

EOQHA August 1, Carp Fairgrounds

AREA 3 August 10, Caledon Equestrian Park

What are "Select Amateur" Classes"?

Select Amateur classes are limited to riders aged 50+ who meet the AQHA amateur eligibility requirements. AREA 3 shows offer a variety of classes for Select Amateurs. See the AQHA rulebook for details.

What is the AQHA Incentive Fund?

If your horse has been entered into the AQHA Incentive Fund, there is an indicator on the registration papers (gold sticker, top left corner). This fund pays back a set amount of money for every point the horse earns in AQHA competition.

What is the OQHA Incentive Fund?

The OQHA Incentive Fund pays back money for every point a horse earns in OQHA approved shows in designated classes. All Points will be Ontario Points earned on or after date of entry into the Incentive Fund. OQHA. points are based on the OQHA. point system. All standings will be determined by OQHA. rules. The owner must pay an annual fee per class to continue to be in this fund. Forms for this fund are available on the OQHA website (www.oqha.on.ca) and are due by May 1^st. Entries may be made at a later date, however, POINTS earned prior to the date of entry will NOT receive Incentive Fund Monies.

Are there rules about stabling horses?

All horses staying on the horse show grounds overnight MUST be housed in a stall. Horses are not permitted to be housed in, nor tied to the outside of horse trailers OVERNIGHT.

Can I bring my dog to the show?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine at the discretion of the grounds management .

Are there rules about motorized vehicles (motorized scooters, all terrain vehicles, etc.)?

Check with show management. Most shows do not allow motorized vehicles to be used on their premises and/or only by an adult.