Basically, an Amateur is a member who does not receive money or remuneration for horse related activities, that is to say he or she is not a ‘professional horse person'.

There are exceptions such as veterinarians, stud owners/managers, farriers etc. You must also be over the age of 19. If in doubt, look to the rules and regulations of the AAA Ltd and HSAA for a full definition.

The horse or horses, used by an Amateur in amateur competition, must be owned or leased and registered wholly or in partnership by the Amateur or their immediate family. The amateurs name has to appear on the horse's registration certificate.

Interested in becoming an Amateur and competing against other Appaloosa owners at your experience level? If you aren't a professional trainer, then consider becoming an Amateur and compete in classes, tailor made to your level of abilities, with other Amateurs that share the common interest of the Appaloosa. You'll meet new friends, have fun and expand your experiences.

Each year the AAA Ltd rewards its amateur members with a series of awards for the accumulation of points from competition. These points are earned from competition throughout the season in amateur classes. There is an award for High Point Amateur of Australia both at performance and at halter. For each State there are High Point Performance awards. Throughout your time as an Amateur your points continue to accumulate and you will receive Amateur Awards such as Register of Merit (ROM) all the way to the AAA Ltd Amateur Award of Excellence.

There are different Amateur events to suit your level of experience.

‘Limited' Amateur events are for those who have generally just started out in competition in different areas, with limited experience. There is a points system in place for these events, after attaining 5 points in a competition event you are no longer eligible for that limited event. To compete in that event you must compete in ‘Amateur'.

‘Amateur' is open for every Amateur to compete in. Amateur events are held at all Regional Club, State and National Shows.

Events competed in by Amateurs are-

• Dressage
• Hack
• Showmanship
• Trail
• Halter
• Western Pleasure
• Western Equitation
• Hunter Under saddle
• Hunt Seat Equitation
• Western Riding
• Reining
   

The Australian Appaloosa Amateur Association (AAAA) meets at every National Show and holds their AGM. Delegates are elected for each state. The Amateur Association is very actively involved in the Association. They host fun events and fund raising to provide extra prize money and prizes for all State and National shows.

The AAAA also organise clinics for members all over Australia with judges from here and trainers from the USA.

As you can see there's plenty on offer, why not become an Amateur today?
Application forms are available on the Forms section of the website.
(You must be a financial Amateur member to compete in amateur events.)

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