AMATEUR DERBY CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: For horses four, five, six and seven years of age as of the start of the calendar year.
The criteria are as follows:

• To compete in the amateur division, the same horse/rider must be cross-entered into a minimum of one Level of Non Pro Derby, Level 1, 2, 3 or 4.
• Riders entering the amateur division must be Non Pros as defined in the NRHA Handbook.
• Riders must abide by the non pro ownership rules as outlined in the NRHA Handbook.
• All other NRHA rules apply.

​The following riders are EXCLUDED from competing in the Amateur division: 

• Youth (An exhibitor who is 18 years of age or younger as of January 1 of the calendar year)
• Level 4 and Level 3 ONLY Non Pro division exhibitors
• Anyone who has exceeded NRHA lifetime earnings of $100,000 in Category 2, 6, 8 and 11 as of the start of the calendar year.
• A “professional equine trainer” is defined as someone who handles the mounted preparation of a horse for remuneration with the intent to improve the horse’s performance in any equine discipline.
• Individuals who previously held a NRHA Professional Open card and no longer does so.
• Individual who is directly related to a professional equine trainer; husband, wife, son, daughter.
• Legal dependents of professional equine trainers.
  • A legal dependent is defined as being officially claimed as a dependent on a tax return, i.e. adopted child, foster child, or legal guardianship.
• Spouses or legal partners/mates of professional equine trainers.
  • Partner/mate status will only be accepted when the civil status is legally and lawfully registered in the country/state of residence. All relationships must be current and lawful.
• Judges are eligible to compete if they meet the required criteria listed above.