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 Expert
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Location: Texas | Does anyone compete in AQHA amateur barrel racing? Is it worth it? I am renewing my AQHA membership in order to transfer my new horse's registration into my name. So I am debating on whether to get my Amateur membership or not. (It's only $10 more so I probably will.) I have often considered running at the AQHA and/or PHBA (palomino) shows as an amateur. But I'm not sure what all is involved in qualifing to run at these world shows, what the competition is like at that level, what are the awards and is the cost worth it. Can anyone give me any advice or feedback on AQHA competition in Texas? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 617
Location: London Ontario | I know at the AQHA Congress, the Ammy barrels are just as tough as any of the other classes! |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
 
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | In Tx it may be worth it. It's hard in WY. 3-6 is usually a big class and it takes 3 to get 1/2 a point. I think it is only 6 or so points required to get to the World Show these days too. But with all the drug testing, judge fee, jump out fee-just to get on grounds, etc etc, it can really add up just to win a pretty ribbon.
I still go, but I am there for a few other classes and try to do the Amateur all day fee. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| It will cost you about $50 per show to run barrels, breed shows charge a grounds fee and every other thing they can think of.. A lot of times there will not be very many in barrels so it is hard to get points. Around here, the few that show up are tough. In order to qualify or the world show you have to earn the required number of points to qualify and that changes from year to year. The cost of the world show certainly is not cheap for one event parking and a stall will run you at least $300. It cost me $500 to run in two classes at APHA world and I think AQHA is higher. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| In my area the only AQHA shows that offer barrel classes are the 3 day weekend shows. So, you usually have 3-6 judges, and they treat barrels no different. You pay a class fee per judge, I think a judges fee per judge, the aqha and office fee, maybe a district fee, and of course stalls or haul in fees. And, again, in my area, barrels aren't really big, so the arenas they use for aqha shows aren't really dug up enough for barrels, IMO. They are packed down by the rail/showmanship/halter people and not usually dug up for barrel classes.
The ONLY aqha show I ever went to that was worth it, was one in South Carolina (I hauled out of state with a friend that shows hunter under saddle) and there was $300 added to the class. There were maybe 10 in the class each day. Paid not as a division format, but places paid as an average over the 2 days (2 runs) and depending on entries. Thankfully, they paid 2 places and I got 2nd and won $120. The weekend cost me almost $300 between stall, fuel, etc though. But it was a fun experience. Once. |
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 Ima Cool Kid
Posts: 3496
Location: TN | There are no AQHA shows in West TN with running events. 
There are a few "big shows " where running poles and barrels are worth their cost. The NAILE and Dixies are both good shows both usually have good added money.  
I got my open superior in barrels in 2 runs at the Dixies this year and last year. They had over 80 in it (very good for AQHA) . |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| If there was added money around here there would be a lot more entries. I don't think there is added money at the world show. There certainly is not at the APHA world show. |
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Expert
Posts: 1586
Location: west of East Texas | I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking. |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM
I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking.
The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show.
If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes. |
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Expert
Posts: 3300
| they have special events at barrel races that have added money usually.... i qualified my gelding in 2008 in open and ammy barrels and poles.... it was hard but im in cali and there is not much out here.. i got lucky and a bunch of all around people needed points for the saddle and there were like 25 in it...but hell they ran i mean ran their pleasure horses... it scared me lol... but i usually won enough to cover costs wich was fine with me.. at the world show they had a purse of 13,000 plus moneys in open they were 21k+ and 28k+ so there is money there if your in the top 5 or ten i cant remember how far down they pay |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| streakysox - 2015-08-25 11:03 PM
chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM
I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking.
The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show.
If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes.
That's how the AQHA shows around Wichita are too. Speed events are considered a "joke." I would probably only do it if I was promoting a stud. I'm guessing people do it for the "prestige" because it sure doesn't pay well. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | They hardly ever offer the speed classes in the AQHA shows near me, even the larger ones. They are not popular.
Several folks I know will run at Congress though. That show is expensive and very competitive. |
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 The Worst Seller Ever
Posts: 4138
Location: Oklahoma | Some of the larger barrel races here in OK offer AQHA barrels. Plus side is you get to run first, and not wait around all day and they get a pretty large class.
Barrel Bash in Ardmore will have it all 3 days. That is enough points to qualify for the world show in one weekend.
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | barrelracr131 - 2015-08-26 7:12 AM They hardly ever offer the speed classes in the AQHA shows near me, even the larger ones. They are not popular.
Several folks I know will run at Congress though. That show is expensive and very competitive.
You aren't missing out on much. Our big shows in Tulsa are in one of the worst arenas in the state. The ground is treacherous at best and there are a LOT of points to be had....such a shame! I haven't heard great things about the ground at the World Show either though. We have plenty of qualifying shows around us to get points and have considered it a few times and then always decide against making that one a goal. |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| Griz - 2015-08-26 5:35 AM
streakysox - 2015-08-25 11:03 PM
chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM
I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking.
The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show.
If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes.
That's how the AQHA shows around Wichita are too. Speed events are considered a "joke." I would probably only do it if I was promoting a stud. I'm guessing people do it for the "prestige" because it sure doesn't pay well.
When we went to the APHA world show, there were 6 judges that sat just across the aisle from me. (my trainer was riding) One judge asked the others what they were looking for when the pole bending started. I thought WHAT THE HECK? |
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 Veteran
Posts: 212
| it really would depend on what your goal is? The title/ ROM for your horse... or to win money. You are not going to win a whole lot doing AQHA other than congress. The dixie nationals have 3 or 4 judges so more points. I qualified for world only running that, and the competition is about like running against big show 1d horses at that and the same at world. Amatuer just means you dont train or ride for money, so there are plenty of people with nice 1d horses. Amatuer isnt much easier than senior barrels |
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Expert
Posts: 2604
Location: Texas | Thanks everyone for the feedback. Sounds like I will probably pass.
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 A very grounded girl
Posts: 5052
Location: Moving soon..... | There are just too many big races that don't charge as much as AQHA. In the early 80's there were a lot of people hauling, but not any more. Too expensive, no money. |
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Ima Cool Kid
Posts: 3496
Location: TN | The timed event series at fort Worth had added money. the amateur class they paid $500 to win in poles barrels and roping its called the" fast five" I went in 2009 the first year they did it. have a wonderful jacket and picture with Jud Little |
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 Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | streakysox - 2015-08-26 9:29 AM Griz - 2015-08-26 5:35 AM streakysox - 2015-08-25 11:03 PM chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking. The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show. If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes. That's how the AQHA shows around Wichita are too. Speed events are considered a "joke." I would probably only do it if I was promoting a stud. I'm guessing people do it for the "prestige" because it sure doesn't pay well. When we went to the APHA world show, there were 6 judges that sat just across the aisle from me. (my trainer was riding ) One judge asked the others what they were looking for when the pole bending started. I thought WHAT THE HECK?
I've overheard two judges discussing the same thing at a QH show when I was warming up! You'd think the fact that Jason Cole & Charlie Martin are heavily involved in the barrel racing world that it would help the attitudes some. I was there when Slick fell on the crappy ground during the world show prelins a couple years ago. It was right before his first NFR.
Edited by Calangelo 2015-08-26 10:44 PM
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | streakysox - 2015-08-26 9:29 AM Griz - 2015-08-26 5:35 AM streakysox - 2015-08-25 11:03 PM chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking. The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show. If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes. That's how the AQHA shows around Wichita are too. Speed events are considered a "joke." I would probably only do it if I was promoting a stud. I'm guessing people do it for the "prestige" because it sure doesn't pay well. When we went to the APHA world show, there were 6 judges that sat just across the aisle from me. (my trainer was riding ) One judge asked the others what they were looking for when the pole bending started. I thought WHAT THE HECK?
This made me LOL |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| barrelracr131 - 2015-08-27 7:55 AM
streakysox - 2015-08-26 9:29 AM Griz - 2015-08-26 5:35 AM streakysox - 2015-08-25 11:03 PM chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking. The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show. If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes. That's how the AQHA shows around Wichita are too. Speed events are considered a "joke." I would probably only do it if I was promoting a stud. I'm guessing people do it for the "prestige" because it sure doesn't pay well. When we went to the APHA world show, there were 6 judges that sat just across the aisle from me. (my trainer was riding ) One judge asked the others what they were looking for when the pole bending started. I thought WHAT THE HECK?
When announcer called out the awards, my horse was Res. Champion. (He definitely had the second fastest time) When the results were posted on the internet on the APHA site, my horse was not even entered in the class. No mention of him at all and another horse was Res Champion. Sooooo, it is pretty easy to see that speed events are not ranked very high in importance. |
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | It wasn't worth it here in Nor Cal to run AQHA any level speed events back when I was kind of trying to pursue getting my mare her points. That was before they started recently hosting the shows at the Casino in Corning however. Not sure how many they got there but when I showed at the fairgrounds I had 2 horses in, a few of the reiners entered to try to help us out with numbers too. I think we ended up running at like 10:30 or so that night in the small pen which had just enough lights on to say it was "lighted" LOL!!! I entered poles too to try to help them out and most of the really good horses knocked, I somehow stayed on my gelding, had the judge in stitches laughing at me and somehow we ended up winning the class. I fell off 4 times and my gelding just kept running back under me....  |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | run n rate - 2015-08-28 6:01 PM
It wasn't worth it here in Nor Cal to run AQHA any level speed events back when I was kind of trying to pursue getting my mare her points. That was before they started recently hosting the shows at the Casino in Corning however. Not sure how many they got there but when I showed at the fairgrounds I had 2 horses in, a few of the reiners entered to try to help us out with numbers too. I think we ended up running at like 10:30 or so that night in the small pen which had just enough lights on to say it was "lighted" LOL!!! I entered poles too to try to help them out and most of the really good horses knocked, I somehow stayed on my gelding, had the judge in stitches laughing at me and somehow we ended up winning the class. I fell off 4 times and my gelding just kept running back under me....
I'm picturing that in my mind, RNR, and that there is funny!!! |
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Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | The ring steward was literally bent over at the waste laughing. He tried to quit as I circled at the end of the run and get a straight face on. I stopped and back Tucker a couple steps, you know, more to get my butt in the saddle and my feet literally back in the stirrups. I said "do I have 15 minutes to go change my pants before I fall off my mare?" and he lost it again. Anyone one lease me their pole horse??? |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | Calangelo - 2015-08-26 10:42 PM streakysox - 2015-08-26 9:29 AM Griz - 2015-08-26 5:35 AM streakysox - 2015-08-25 11:03 PM chasendacash - 2015-08-25 10:48 PM I wish I could find the Texas shows that have it. I've read the show listings and finally just gave up looking. The breed shows that I have attended cater to the judged events. The speed events are kind of an afterthought. I have never been to a breed show that had any kind of added money. There is a Speedfest at Ft. Worth during the Stock Show that has some added money that is for AQHA horses. Not an amateur class. There is some added money but I do not know how much. I think this is a true jackpot and not a 4D. You have to enter like in November for that. APHA has a Sweepstakes for barrels that is a 4D and has added money at the World Show but it is completely different from Jr or Sr Barrels. At all breed shows there are all kinds of fees like grounds fees etc. This one way that they make money. You can be sure that there are about $50 in extra fees at a show. If you want to read the short version---there are no shows in TX that have added money. These producers cater to the judged classes. That's how the AQHA shows around Wichita are too. Speed events are considered a "joke." I would probably only do it if I was promoting a stud. I'm guessing people do it for the "prestige" because it sure doesn't pay well. When we went to the APHA world show, there were 6 judges that sat just across the aisle from me. (my trainer was riding ) One judge asked the others what they were looking for when the pole bending started. I thought WHAT THE HECK? I've overheard two judges discussing the same thing at a QH show when I was warming up! You'd think the fact that Jason Cole & Charlie Martin are heavily involved in the barrel racing world that it would help the attitudes some. I was there when Slick fell on the crappy ground during the world show prelins a couple years ago. It was right before his first NFR.
The barrel racers have always been treated as second class citizens at the AQHA shows- IMO. The ground at the world show is much less than ideal. But when specialty events such as say, the Shootout have trouble keeping the ground great, imagine a multi event show trying to do the same. I am sure it is a challenge at best. For amatuer or geldings- I wouldnt waste my time becuase it all comes down to dollars and there isnt many to be won at the world show- considering all the expenses. .
It is great for the mares and stallions and a great addition to the pro rider's stats. |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | Back in the day I would run barrels and poles at the Dixie National AQHA almost every year -- nice, big, fun show. There were always lots of entries and very nice people. I attended a few of my state AQHA shows back then, too. At that time, there were many entries. I enjoyed going to run, visit with friends and watch some of the show. My rodeo horse seemed to enjoy it -- something different to do. It was fun - and that's why I have horses. And to make it even better, we always did well at the Dixie and the local AQHA..... |
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Competing at AQHA Amateur Barrels