The Amateur Rider Association of America (ARAA) was created, in 2014, by East Coast Amateur Rider Ariane Stiegler to represent the views of amateur riders in the U.S. and to better the sport for riders, trainers, and most importantly horses.

Since its creation, the ARAA has had the support of top equestrians, including Joe Fargis, Kevin Babington, Mark and Peter Leone, Anne Kursinski, Darren Graziano, Anthony and George d'Ambrosio, Nona Garson, Pablo Gamboa, and Margie Engle.

Today, amateur riders in the U.S. not only make up the majority of riders in this country but also support most Grand Prix Riders in this country. Without the contributions and sponsorship of amateurs and generous families in the U.S., Grand Prix riders would not be able to afford their spectacular mounts and compete at the top venues in the U.S., which generate revenue for the horse shows and offer spectators tremendous showjumping moments.

The ARAA has been working toward the following four major points:

1. To regulate the height and width of the Low, Medium, and High Amateur Owner classes across the U.S. at 1.20 m, 1.30 m, and 1.40 m with Classics at 1.25 m, 1.35 m, and 1.45 m, respectively.

2. To split the age group of these three divisions at "18-35 and over 36" when the numbers reach over 50 horses in a class.

3. To have these three separate divisions recognized by the USEF and offered everywhere in the country at A-rated horse shows.

4. To offer a year-end, invitation-only, national horse show to the top 30 horses in each of the Low, Medium, and High Amateur-Owner divisions.

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Visit www.amateur-rider-association-of-america.org to learn more!

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Have you already signed the paper copy of this petition? If so, please show your support and sign here as well!