Today AQHA made the decision not to continue moving forward with the database upgrade (3.0) at this time. After countless hours spent evaluating where the Association was with the new system, and analyzing what is and is not working, it was determined that it is not in the best interest of AQHA members to continue moving forward. The system simply is not ready, and needs more work and fine tuning.

Work on the new system will continue, but effective April 3, AQHA will revert to its previous computer operating system as it works on a re-launch date for the new system.

Because leveled AQHA shows were developed based on programming with the new system, for the time being no leveled shows/classes will be offered. Show managers who were planning to offer leveled classes are being instructed to please reconfigure their show bills to reflect conventional AQHA classes.

Those shows that held leveled classes will be worked by hand to ensure exhibitors receive the proper number of points based on the rules of leveling.

For Novice exhibitors, the new point ranges that were developed for the leveling program will continue to be effective for 2013. Those point ranges are available on AQHA’s web site at www.aqha.com/leveling. Additionally, Rookie and Green classes can continue to be offered. This postponement only affects Intermediate and Progressive levels and is temporary.

Show managers can continue to use the 2013 show applications and either the 2012 or 2013 class codes and submit their results as they normally would. Any adjustments that need to be made will be made by AQHA’s competition department.

Because of the unique circumstances, and considering youth exhibitors have not been able to verify points for shows conducted after December 31, AQHA’s Show Council recommended, and the Executive Committee approved, extending the qualifying deadline for the 2013 Built Ford Tough Youth World Show through Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013. This extension should give youth exhibitors ample time to ensure that they are qualified.

AQHA also will start sending invitations to youth who had nationally qualified through December 31,so they can begin getting their entries to their state youth advisors and ultimately to AQHA for processing.

Regarding the delay in sending Incentive Fund checks, AQHA is working diligently to process those checks and anticipates having them in the mail soon. The delay is a result of programming changes made to the Incentive Fund during the 2012 show year. We will keep members updated on the status of Incentive Fund checks.

The Show Council, Executive Committee and your competition department employees truly appreciate all the patience and understanding members have shown us throughout this difficult transition. We will be working diligently to get the backlog of shows processed so that all exhibitors can make decisions on their showing activities, and we will continue working with the AQHA Blue Ribbon Task Force on a relaunch ofthe full leveling program.

Thank you for your understanding. Should you have questions concerning AQHA shows, please contact the Association at (806) 376-4811.