Showing miniature horses

Question
Hello! Three years ago I bought my first miniature horse. (I still keep two of my big riding horses). I now have six of them. I did a lot of research into pedigrees and I had some expert help in choosing the stallion to be the foundation herd sire, and I've also bought a few well-pedigreed mares. I have my first foal this year, and I would love to go to shows with her, but I've never shown horses at all, so I'm confused as to how to proceed.

My little filly is two months old. So far, she clips, leads (but doesn't whoa too well or set up), and lets me trim her hooves. I am not concerned about training her to whoa and set up, but my questions concern the shows themselves. My filly is double registered, but we are in Wisconsin and there are no AMHA shows in our area.

How does the show season work? Can I bring her to the Nationals without going to local shows? I just don't understand the rigmarole concerning shows, and would like someone to explain how they work.
Thanks,
Sandy

Answer
Hello,
I also live in Wisconsin; however, I don't show AMHA (my show minis are either Class B or just AMHR reg'd.).  
You do need to qualify to be able to show at World (of course the rules are ALWAYS changing, so check a rulebook or ask to double-check); for Championship shows, I don't think you have to qualify.  There is more information on that on the AMHA website (amha.org); if you don't see what you're looking for, you can always call or e-mail them.  The website is great, just go to "SHOW", and there are different pages that have tons of great information that should help you.   
As far as mini shows in the area, there is a big AMHR one in Shawno (it's in the fall, I believe).  There is (or was...) an AMHA show in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and you could qualify for Nationals there.  There are no AMHA shows in WI this year.  

Here are the upcoming MN shows:

July 23, 2005
MMHC Miniature Horse Show  
Freeborn Co. Fairgrounds, Albert Lea MN
Jackie Siegert/320.752.4383  
2901 271st Ave, Madison MN 56256  
 
July 31, 2005
Rochester MN Show  
Olmsted County Fairgrounds, Rochester MN
Carla Schaffner/507.424.3753  
4919 16th Ave NW, Rochester MN 55901  
 
August 27- 29, 2005
Minnesota State Fair  
Coliseum, St Paul MN
Marie LeFebvre/651.288.4345  
1265 N Snelling Ave, St Paul MN 55108  

Neither IL. or MI. have shows this year.

Hopefully this helps, I'll let you know if I come across any more information!
~rb