Amarillo, Texas - April 10, 2003 - The first American Quarter Horse Association-approved Equestrians with Disabilities competition will be held April 17-18 at the Spring Fling Quarter Horse Show at Brec Arena in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities competition is a new type of AQHA-approved event consisting of three classes - walk and trot hunt seat equitation on the flat, walk and jog western horsemanship, and walk and jog trail horse. The classes can be held at AQHA-approved shows and events or can be stand-alone competitions.

"We're very excited about this first Equestrians with Disabilities competition," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "The door is now open for those who wish to compete, and AQHA is happy to provide this opportunity."

The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) has worked closely with AQHA in the design of this program and has recently developed a proficiency card especially for exhibitors wanting to participate in events like the AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities competitions. The NARHA Equestrian Proficiency Card is an identification system by which the rider's ability is evaluated by certified NARHA riding instructors. Once the card is issued, riders can enter any AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities competitions. Forms and additional information are available at narha.org.

Exhibitors must be AQHA or American Quarter Horse Youth Association members. However, the riders or their families do not have to own the American Quarter Horse which they show.

AQHA Corporate Partner Markel Insurance provides a specially created medallion for first-place winners in each event.

In addition to earning achievement points which will be recorded on both the exhibitors' and horses' records, a year-end, high-point award will be established for each class for both the high-point exhibitor and high-point horse.

For information about the AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities competitions, contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811. For information about the Spring Fling Quarter Horse Show, contact Nancy Russ, show manager, at (228) 533-7031.