In Part 1, we explored the origin of the AHA’s Amateur Exhibitor Leveling System—and how I helped shape the Choice and Elite levels to better support riders across experience tiers. It was a game-changer. For a while.
But times change. Class sizes have shrunk, divisions have blurred, and the Leveling System—while built with good intentions—is showing signs of strain.
So now, let’s talk about the real question:
How do we fix it?
I’ve got 6 ideas. Some are simple. Some are spicy. But all of them come from someone who’s been in the trenches—as an exhibitor, advocate, and someone who helped build the structure in the first place.
Let’s go 👇
1️⃣ One Level. Everywhere. Period.
Let’s start here: Why do we let exhibitors have different levels depending on the level of show?
Right now, your level for Nationals might be different from your level at Regionals or a local show. That’s confusing. It leads to situations where someone might be Choice or even Elite at a Regional show but Select at Nationals. It happens far more often than you think!
Let’s simplify:
✅ One consistent level across all shows.
✅ Determined by TOTAL Achievement Points.
✅ Easier for show secretaries, trainers, and exhibitors to follow.
Yes, that might mean some riders stay in Select “forever” if they don’t pursue Nationals. But… is that really a problem? If they’re not chasing points, ribbons, or national titles—and they just want a fun, fair class to show in—maybe Select is the right home for them.
2️⃣ Point Out of Select Faster
Right now, exhibitors can stay in Select until they earn 30 Achievement Points in a section. That’s a lot—especially when a National Reserve Champion doesn’t even guarantee you’re pointed out.
Let’s rethink that.
📣 New rule idea:
➡️ Champion or Reserve Champion at a National show = immediate bump out of Select.
➡️ New point threshold: 20 points. That’s enough time to get your feet wet, learn the ropes, and move up.
This keeps Select a place for true beginners and prevents “career Select” exhibitors from dominating year after year.
3️⃣ Let Jackpots, Maturities & Futurities Count
This one is a no-brainer.
Right now, wins in Jackpots, Maturities, and Futurities don’t count toward leveling. That means an exhibitor could win a National Championship in a Maturity class and still legally ride Select the next day.
👀 That doesn’t feel right.
These are competitive, judged, high-stakes classes—often tougher than the amateur division itself. They should absolutely count toward leveling. Whether it’s full points or a modified formula, we need to reflect those accomplishments in a rider’s status.
Let’s align the rules with reality.
4️⃣ Revisit the Purpose of Select
Here’s the tough truth: Select isn’t always being used how it was intended.
It was built as a place for:
- New riders
- New owners
- People just entering a discipline
But in practice, we’re seeing experienced, seasoned amateurs sit comfortably in Select classes for years, simply because they haven’t technically pointed out.
The solution?
💬 We need to ask ourselves:
- Should Select be time-limited (e.g., max 3 years in a discipline)?
- Or can we fix the points?
Select should be a stepping stone, not a permanent home. Let’s restore the original intention.
5️⃣ Cross-Discipline Leveling: Let’s Talk About It
Here’s a controversial one, and I’ll own it:
🏇 I’m not a strong western rider. But I’ve had success—big success—in hunter pleasure.
Under the current rules, I can show Select in western pleasure… despite being a National Champion in another major division.
And that doesn’t sit right with me.
We know this sport is about more than just seat position:
- Ring awareness
- Showmanship
- Strategy
- Nerves under pressure
These skills transfer. If you’ve shown—and won—at the highest levels, it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a hunt cap or a cowboy hat. You’ve gained experience that gives you an edge.
⚖️ Thought: If you are a National Champion in one riding division for rail classes, you should not be eligible for Select in any other division. Period. I wouldn’t include dressage, western dressage, over fences, or working western here, as pattern classes are definitely a different thing!
6️⃣ Bring Choice & Elite to U.S. Nationals
I know this is the most far fetched item on this list, and it would be ridiculously hard to get them added in to that already crazy, packed schedule. I’m not sure it’s even possible, but it’s a want all the same.
Let’s go full circle: I helped create Choice and Elite for a reason. They give riders room to grow after Select—but before going head-to-head with full-blown lifers and multi-title amateurs. It also gives them that much desired second amateur class at US Nationals (the Jackpots are GREAT, but not every horse can go in them!).
We need:
- 🌟 Choice-level Nationals classes – for those with intermediate success
- 🏆 Elite-level Nationals classes – so seasoned amateurs aren’t lumped together with everyone else
Riders want to compete against their peers. That’s how you build confidence, excitement, and fairness at the highest level.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Fixing the System Means Evolving the Vision
The Leveling System wasn’t a failure—it was a forward-thinking structure that made our shows more accessible and fair.
But the world has changed.
- Class sizes are smaller.
- Exhibitors are savvier.
- And we have 10+ years of data showing what works—and what doesn’t.
We don’t need to throw the whole system out. We just need to adjust it to today’s realities. And we need the courage to ask hard questions.
Are we willing to evolve again—for the sake of the sport?
I think we should.
✨ Want to Keep the Conversation Going?
👉 Share this post with your friends.
👉 Talk about it at your next show.
👉 DM me or comment your thoughts—especially if you’re willing to help.
The more we speak up, the more we shape the future.
Let’s make it better—together.
Silhouette Arabians 