An amateur is a person who has not shown, driven, judged, trained or assisted in training a horse or another person in the previous five calendar years for remuneration. Annually, PHBA-A members elect officers to represent their interest in national meetings. PHBA-A works very closely with the PHBA Amateur Committee to place workable rules in the PHBA Rulebook and set policies for the PHBA World Championship Horse Show. PHBA offers over one hundred classes ranging from horsemanship to pole bending. Points earned in these classes can be compiled to earn Register of Merits, Superiors, and Championships.
Some shows offer a high point award at the conclusion of the show.
Halter and color points are not used in calculating Novice amateur status. The junior members elect officers, are actively involved in youth rules and policies, and learn about leadership and group participation. The PHBA-Y works very closely with the PHBA Youth Committee to set PHBA guide lines. Then, the enthusiastic youth and the versatile Palomino horse can compete against individuals with the same competence and experience. Youth can compete in a number of events ranging from showmanship at halter to riding classes.