OUR AMATEURS
Australian Appaloosa Amateur Association (AAAA)
The Australian Appaloosa Amateur Association (AAAA) is a subcommittee of the Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd, established in the late 1980s to support adult members who enjoy competing in a fair, friendly and encouraging environment.
The Amateur division is designed for riders who are no longer eligible for Youth classes, are not professionals in the horse industry, and who ride and show their own horses for the enjoyment of competition alongside like-minded members.
Whether you are returning to the show ring, stepping up from Youth, or entering competition for the first time as an adult, the AAAA provides a welcoming pathway to participate, develop skills and enjoy the Appaloosa community.
Who Is Considered an Amateur?
A person is considered an Amateur by the AAA:
When he or she is no longer eligible to show in AAA Youth classes; and Provided that he or she has not personally received remuneration or any other form of compensation at any time in the previous 3 calendar years for:
- Showing, training or assisted in training any horse; or
- Instructing any other person in riding, driving, training or showing a horse in competition.
Prize money is not to be considered remuneration. Payment of entry fees, expenses, etc. by any person other than the person’s spouse, parents, defacto partner, child of the family, grandparents, brother(s) or sister(s), niece(s) or nephew(s) shall be considered remuneration.
Full eligibility criteria are outlined in Section 10 of the AAA Ltd Rule Book.
Ownership Requirements
To ensure fair competition, horses exhibited in Amateur and Open classes must be owned by the Amateur competitor or an immediate family member. Ownership must be correctly recorded with the AAA Ltd and endorsed on the horse’s Registration Certificate
Horses owned jointly with non-eligible persons do not meet Amateur ownership requirements.
Full eligibility criteria are outlined in Section 10 of the AAA Ltd Rule Book.
Events for Everyone
The AAAA offers a broad and inclusive range of Amateur-only classes, alongside eligibility to compete in Open events.
Classes are available across Halter and Performance disciplines and cater for riders and horses of all ages and experience levels, from those new to showing through to highly competitive riders.
Amateur classes include Hunter Under Saddle & Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, Horsemanship & Showmanship, Amateur Halter, Reining, Ranch Riding and various Ranch events and more.
Competition is conducted in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere where enjoyment and sportsmanship are just as important as results.
Amateur Divisions
Amateur members may compete in the following categories:
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Amateur Junior Horse
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Amateur Senior Horse
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Amateur Select
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Amateur Novice
Amateur Halter : For members who prefer to focus on halter competition, Amateur Halter classes are available at National, State and Regional level, with champions, supreme titles and end-of-year Hi-Point awards.
Amateur Select: Designed for members aged 50 years and over, Select classes offer a friendly and supportive competition environment.
Amateur Novice: This division provides an ideal entry point for new members and beginner riders of any age.
Available at National, State and Regional level, Novice classes are point scoring, with eligibility toward AAA Ltd awards and an annual Amateur Novice Hi-Point title.
Novice eligibility must be applied for at the time of Amateur membership. Lifetime points are assessed per discipline, and eligibility is confirmed by the AAA Ltd Office by letter. Novice must be applied for each year.
Members may not compete in both Novice and Amateur classes in the same discipline at the same show.
Awards & Recognition
Amateur members are eligible for a wide range of awards, including:
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Club, State and National Hi-Point awards
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Overall and end-of-year AAA Ltd awards
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Lifetime Association awards such as:
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Register of Merit
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Medallions
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Superior, Excellence & Versatility Awards
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Further details are available on the Awards section in the AAA Ltd Rule Book.
Become an Amateur Member
To compete in Amateur classes, riders must hold a current AAA Ltd Membership, and a current Amateur Membership card, endorsed by the AAA Ltd
Getting started is simple:
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Ensure you are a financial member of the AAA Ltd
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Confirm your eligibility under Amateur rules
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Download and complete the Amateur Membership Form
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Submit the form with the applicable fees
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If applying for Novice status, ensure the Novice box is selected.
Amateur Membership is an annual fee and must be renewed by 1 August each year.
Note: ** If you are an Amateur Halter competitor and do not compete in any Amateur Performacne events, please do not apply for Novice Status. This is for Performance Amateurs Only.
Amateur Contacts
Australian Appaloosa Amateur Association President: Tamara Pearson
AAA Ltd Amateur Board Director: Debbie Pearson
