ABHA AGED EVENTS
AGED EVENTS
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Our two Premier Events at the National Finals, showcases the very best of Australian Barrel Racing horses. These two events represent the highest level for trainers and breeders, offering the opportunity to compete for major aged-event titles and some of the richest prize money in Australian Barrel Racing.
These two events showcase the thought and evolution of breeding in Australia. From importing Mares and Stallions from the USA to develop the pool of performance horses in this country, we have seen substantial growth in the past 30 years.
It's more than training a barrel horse, it's about the breeding, the development of the horse and its potential.
This is where champions are created...This is where it begins...
FUTURITY
The Futurity was designed to encourage our younger horses and develop the next generation of elite barrel horses.
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For horses aged 4-6 years old. These horses are at the beginning of their careers, it's the challenge to have them competing at the top of their games to develop them into top barrel horses.
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2026 AGE ELIGIBILITY
For horses foaled from 1st August 2019 to 31st July 2022
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MATURITY
The Maturity is the next step in a horse's competitive journey.
These horses have been competing for several years and are now seasoned barrel horses, reaching the prime of their careers.
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Open to horses aged 7-9 years, this event showcases confident horses and skilled riders as they are placed under pressure to perform and compete against the best in the country.
2026 AGE ELIGIBILITY
For horses foaled from 1st August 2016 to 31st July 2019
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HORSE NOT BREED REGISTERED?
Registering an Unregistered Horse
If your horse does not hold breed registration papers (for example, an AQHA Registration Certificate), you may still be eligible to register your horse with the ABHA, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
To apply, the horse must:
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Be between 4 and 9 years of age.
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Have an ABHA Age Inspection Form fully completed and signed by a registered Equine Dental Veterinarian.
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Have a secondary form of identification submitted with the application. Acceptable forms of identification include:
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A breeding return; or
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A metadata-dated foal photograph. The photograph must clearly show the original date the image was taken within the photo metadata.
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If you are unsure whether your secondary identification documentation is sufficient, please contact the ABHA Office prior to submitting your application to avoid delays in processing. Please allow 2 weeks for processing applications.
FUTURITY AND MATURITY HORSE BIRTH DATES AND AGES
HORSE BIRTH DATES AND AGE GUIDE
The age for Futurity & Maturity horses is determined from the horse's birthday 1st August each year for all ABHA affiliated events.
Please note: 2026 ABHA NATIONAL FINALS FUTURITY AND MATURITY will be the age they turned 1st August 2026 (see below)
FUTURITY HORSES
2019 Foaled Horse (Born in-between the 1st August 2019 and 31st July 2020) = 7 Year old on the 1st of August 2026 – Competes as a 6year old at the 2026 National Finals
2020 Foaled Horse (Born in-between the 1st August 2020 and 31st July 2021) = 6 Year old on the 1st of August 2026 – Competes as a 5year old at the 2026 National Finals
2021 Foaled Horse (Born in-between the 1st August 2020 and 31st July 2022) = 5 Year old on the 1st of August 2026 – Competes as a 4year old at the 2026 National Finals
MATURITY HORSES
2018 Foaled Horse (Born in-between the 1st August 2018 and 31st July 2019) = 8 Year old on the 1st of August 2026– Competes as a 7year old at the 2026 National Final
2017 Foaled Horse (Born in-between the 1st August 2017 and 31st July 2018) = 9 Year old on the 1st of August 2026 – Competes as a 8year old at the 2026 National Finals
2016 Foaled Horse (Born in-between the 1st August 2016 and 31st July 2017) = 10 Year old on the 1st of August 2026 – Competes as a 9year old at the 2026 National Finals