Shows > Special Needs

AMHA

Special Needs

The American Miniature Horse is truly "the horse for everyone". The Special Needs division is another opportunity for exhibitors with disabilities to enjoy showing a miniature horse. Disabilities are those defined within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Special Needs classes are offered at the World and Regional Championships and are encouraged at local shows. Outside of the show ring, miniatures are adored through therapy programs, parades and

many other types of events.

Eligibility

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.”

Reasonable accommodations will be granted on a case by case basis. A reasonable

accommodation is any modification or adjustment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to enjoy equal opportunities. Exhibitors should contact each respective show manager to request an accommodation. A new request is required for each show. The granting of request(s) is up to the discretion of the show manager

Highlights

• Any horse exhibited does NOT have to be owned by the exhibitor.

• Special Needs youth may only exhibit mares or geldings.

• Special Needs exhibitors will be excused from wearing the required attire, except Showmanship.

• In Special Needs classes, exhibitors will be lined up with at least two (2) horse lengths between each exhibitor for safety.

• In Special Needs driving classes, Judging is 60% on exhibitor’s performance, 30% on the horse's performance and 10% on appropriateness of vehicle and attire for that style of driving.

• Headers are REQUIRED in all SN driving classes, regardless of whether the

• driver is a youth or adult exhibitor.

• An accompanying person may be in the cart. (See the rulebook for restrictions.)

• At the World show, exhibitors in this division are eligible for Youth and Adult

• (respectively) High Point & Reserve High Point awards.

• Special Needs classes only require a minimum of 6 points to qualify for Honor Roll standings.

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Classes

• Youth Special Needs Showmanship 18 & Under

• Youth Special Needs Halter 18 & Under Exhibiting a Mare or Gelding

• Adult Special Needs Showmanship

• Adult Special Needs Showing a Mare or Gelding

• Special Needs Driving (Driver may be accompanied by an adult or youth 13-18.)