WHAT IS A PHAA AMATEUR?
Basically, an Amateur is a PHAA member who receives no money or remuneration for horse related activities—for example, they are not a 'professional horse-person'—exceptions to this rule, plus more information can be found on the PHAA Website!
Many shows hold classes exclusively for Amateur exhibitors. Horses used by an Amateur participant must be owned or leased, and registered wholly or in part, by the participant and their name must appear on the horse’s registration certificate. The PHAA offers many different Amateur activities and programs, with some great Awards on offer. From just riding your Paint horse and logging hours, to competing in shows and events, right up to Amateur International Team Selection.
THE 3 TYPES OF PHAA AMATEUR STATUS ARE:
• Amateur: Open to all who meet the criteria as per the PHAA Rule Book.
• Amateur Masters: For PHAA members, over 50yrs of age as of the 1st August in a given points year.
• Amateur Novice: For PHAA members new to showing. Go to the PHAA Website and download the Novice Information Pack.
‘THE PHAA AMATEURS’
DANIELLE CAMERON and FINAL SALOOT
• PHAA High Point Amateur of Australia
• High Point State Amateur of Queensland and No.1 for Top Ten Amateur of Australia
‘I’ve been a PHAA member since 2009, initially showing as a Youth. I didn’t really become very competitive until 2013 when I purchased my heart horse, Bin Lootin, by the great Loots Image (dec.). I rode Bin Lootin to see out my final year as a Youth. When I got my Amateur card in 2014, I continued showing Bin Lootin for another 4 years until his retirement. I then showed my Mum’s Loots Image gelding, Dee Bar Beyond The Blue. After the sad passing of Wok, I was beyond privileged to have the opportunity to show another Loots Image gelding, Final Saloot, owned by the lovely Feeney family. Grubby and I quickly connected, and with the help of KND Show Horses, I learnt there were a few buttons we were missing. Before long, we were on the track to success.’
Danielle loves Amateur competition, and says that, except for the Covid years of 2019-2020, she’s either achieved Runner-up Amateur of Australia or won High Point Amateur of Australia. She’s learnt to never give up, even when nothing goes to plan.
‘Hard work and practice really does pay off. Every win for me is an achievement. Knowing you’ve trained so hard and it pays off in the show pen, is a great
