Miniature Horse Activities Overview
The Northwest Miniature Horse Club (NWMHC) holds two and three days shows in a variety of places across Oregon and Washington. Many different classes are offered for entry that can earn points for NWMHC Year End Awards and allow qualification for the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) Regionals and World Show. For dates of our various shows please visit the Show Schedule page or the Event Calendar. We hold clinics and events to help educate and inform about the miniature horse breed or just have some fun. To see any events or clinics we will be having please visit the Events & Clinics Page or the Event Calendar.
Below is a rough definition of classes and handler options, for a more detailed description please read the rules and regulations.
Handler options:
Youth- Are grouped into ages to compete with each other; groupings are 7 and under, 8 through 12, and 13 through 18. (Stallions can NOT be shown by Youth under the age of 13.)
Amateur Level 1 and 2- The AMHA Amateur Division is split into two levels. Level 1 Amateurs must qualify by definition under existing AMHA rules. When a Level 1 Amateur has competed in Amateur classes for more than two calendar years, or has accumulated more than 50 Lifetime Honor roll points (whichever come later), he/she will automatically advance to Level 2. If a Level 1 Amateur chooses to prematurely move into Level 2, entitlement to show at Level 1 is relinquished.
Amateur Owned Trained and Exhibited (AOTE) and Youth Owned Trained Exhibited (YOTE)- Classes are primarily set apart by the fact that horses exhibited in AOTE classes must be trained, conditioned, groomed and shown by the AOTE or a non-professional family member in all divisions entered.
Open- Free for anyone to enter. Horse MUST be registered AMHA, but handler does NOT have to be a member of AMHA or NWMHC.
Conquering Obstacles Overcoming Limitations (COOL) [Previously known as Special Needs] - For horse show purposes, people competing in this division must have a disability in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A disability is defined by the ADA as: “A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; or a record of such impairment; or being regarded as having an impairment.”
Types of Classes:
Halter, Stock Type, and Varying Heights- In hand showing of the conformation of the horse.
Color (Solid and Multi)- Mainly focused on the color of the horse per the class as well as conformation of the horse.
Showmanship- Following a set pattern with precision and perfection for both horse and handler.
Versatility- Allowing handlers and horses to show skills in driving, halter and hunter in one class.
Hunter and Jumper- Classes where the handler runs alongside their horse as they follow a set course of jumps. Hunter is meant to be more smooth and effortless. Jumper has the jumps height set heigher after each run of the course as long as no jumps were knocked down.
Driving- The horse pulls a cart with the handler seated inside. There are many options for the style (Classic, Country, or Single) of horse pulling the cart.
Roadster and Carriage Driving- The cart that is pulled is different. Roadster is a minimalistic cart meant for speed while the Carriage is a more grand style of cart.
Halter and Driving Obstacle- Handler and horse work together through a set course of cones, poles, flower marked areas, etc. without disturbing the obstacle itself.
Very Small Equine (VSE)- Have all of the above types of classes. They are open to equines who are and are not registered AMHA , but are 39 inches and under.
