AQHYA World Championship Show Contests

AQHYA members have the opportunity to compete in a variety of contests – in and outside the arena – each year at the AQHYA World Championship Show.

competitive horse judging contestants judge a halter horse class

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Horse Judging Contest

Join AQHYA, 4-H and FFA judging teams from around the nation at the AQHYA World Championship Show Judging Contest. Interested coaches should contact their AQHYA affiliate youth adviser, state horse extension specialist or state FFA advisor for qualifying rules.

The judging contest consists of eight classes with four horses in each class. Two to four halter classes, composed of geldings and mares, and four to six performance classes selected from the following: western pleasure, reining, trail, western riding, western horsemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, hunter hack, and ranch riding. A total of four sets of reasons will follow class judging and will be given on at least one halter and at least one performance class.

2024 Horse Judging Contest Rules

2024 Horse Judging Contest Results

 

Art/Photo Contest

AQHYA members have the chance to show off their artistic side in the art/photo contest.  The contest will consist of two categories - art and photography. Each contestant may enter up to three entries in the contest. Entries will be displayed in the hallway from the show office to the Norick arena during the Youth World Show.

2024 Art/Photo Contest Rules & Rubric 

2024 Art/Photo Contest Results 

 

Scrapbook Contest

Affiliates may spotlight their youth activities by entering the scrapbook contest.  Scrapbooks must be submitted digitally. Video or traditional scrapbooks will be accepted, but traditional scrapbooks must be captured via video.

2024 Scrapbook Contest Rules & Rubric

2024 Scrapbook Contest Results

 

Prepared Speech Contest

The prepared speech contest gives contestants a chance to showcase their knowledge of the horse industry while delivering a prepared speech based on the AQHYA World Championship Show theme for the current year. 

2024 Prepared Speech Contest Rules & Rubric

2024 Speech Contest Results

 

Impromptu Speech Contest

The impromptu speech contest challenges contestants' knowledge of the horse industry while encouraging them to think on their feet. Contestants draw a topic and have five minutes to prepare a speech to deliver to the judges. 

2024 Impromptu Speech Contest Rules & Rubric

2024 Speech Contest Results

 

13 & Under Public Speaking Contest

The public speaking contest is designed to increase 13 & under youth members’ public speaking skills while having fun!  In this contest, participants can choose to present a method demonstration, illustrated talk, or traditional speech. 

2024 13 & Under Public Speaking Contest Rules & Rubric 

2024 Speech Contest Results

 

Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Decorating Contest 

Each affiliate may decorate and enter one pair of Wrangler jeans and one pair of Justin boots to reflect the year’s AQHYA theme, while also uniquely representing their affiliate. 

2024 Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Decorating Contest Rules & Rubric 

2024 Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Contest Results

 

Stall Decorating Contest

All affiliates are automatically entered into the Stall Decorating contest.  Affiliates will participate in the stall decorating contest, which will feature stall decorations reflecting the year’s AQHYA theme.  Awards are given to first through third place in each division. 

2024 Stall Decorating Contest Rules & Rubric

2024 Stall Decorating Contest Results

 

Team Spirit Contest

All affiliates are automatically entered in the team spirit contest. Affiliates earn points from youth participation and attendance at the following contests and events: Parade of Teams, Ride the Pattern clinics, stall decorating contest, Wrangler jeans and Justin boots decorating contest, scrapbook contest, art and photo contest. 

2024 Team Spirit Contest Rules

2024 Team Spirit Contest Results

 

2023 Results