To encourage participation of amateur and youth exhibitors and provide incentive to show at IQHA-approved shows in 2025 and reward their participation, we are excited to offer the IQHA Non-Pro Challenge.

CLASSES INCLUDED:
 
SHOWMANSHIP
• Amateur
• Amateur Select
• Level 1 Amateur
• Youth 14-18
• Youth 13 & Under
• Level 1 Youth
• Youth 9 & Under
EQUITATION
• Amateur
• Amateur Select
• Level 1 Amateur
• Youth
• Level 1 Youth
WALK TROT EQUITATION
• Level 1 Amateur WT
• Level 1 Youth WT
• Youth 9 & Under
HORSEMANSHIP
• Amateur
• Amateur Select
• Level 1 Amateur
• Youth 14-18
• Youth 13 & Under
* Level 1 Youth
WALK TROT HORSEMANSHIP
• Level 1 Amateur WT
• Level 1 Youth WT
• Youth 9 & Under

The first and second place exhibitors under each judge of these classes, held at IQHA-approved 2025 shows, will be invited to compete in the Challenge Finals held during the IQHA Fall Classic & Futurity Show in September. Qualifying shows in 2025 will include: Snowflake Circuit, Mayflower, Denison show, Scenic City Summer Show, Hawkeye Classic and Fall Classic (each showmanship, equitation and horsemanship held). *Note All-Breed classes are not included

The Challenge Finals will have a $15 entry fee per class at the Fall Classic, not included in the show flat fee entry. Only those invited exhibitors may enter. Invitations will be for exhibitor/horse combinations. An exhibitor may qualify with more than one horse but may only show one horse per class in the finals.

In the case of a Youth 9 & Under and an Amateur/Youth qualifying the same horse in showmanship, both exhibitors may show in the Finals, with the 9 & under showing after the amateur/youth exhibitor.

2024 IQHA NON-PRO CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

SHOWMANSHIP: Kelly Ponce, TJ Codebreaker
HORSEMANSHIP: Maggie Edwards, Hour Slot Machine
WT HORSEMANSHIP: Lillian Whalen, All But Absolute (pictured above)
EQUITATION: Maggie Edwards, Hour Slot Machine
WT EQUITATION: McKenna Von Rentzell, Tuckers Payday
 
SHOWMANSHIP HIGHEST PLACING YOUTH 9 & UNDER:
Ivy Mitchell, Sure Enough Lazy (pictured below)

THANK YOU to our Presenting Sponsor, Show Horses by Shannon for the beautiful champion and reserve champion buckles from Tack Room Incorporated!
 
Thank you Codi Jo Heesch, Custom Tails and bar H Photography for your sponsorship!
 
Thank you to the AQHA Affiliate Grant Program for supporting the IQHA Non-Pro Challenge with awards for our Top Ten.