The American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup is an educational, leadership and competition-based event for AQHA youth members from around the world.

About the Youth World Cup

The American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup is an international event hosted every two years by a different country. The 2012 Youth World Cup was held in Kreuth, Germany, the 2014 Youth World Cup was hosted by Bryan/College Station, Texas, the 2016 Youth World Cup was held in Tamworth, New South Wales and the 2018 Youth World Cup took place in Bryan/College Station, Texas.

Throughout the competition, each country rides for gold medals in cutting, reining, horsemanship, ranch riding, trail, western riding, hunt seat equitation, hunter under saddle and showmanship. But the Youth World Cup is more than just a competition – it also offers a chance for international American Quarter Horse enthusiasts to learn from the industry's leading riders and trainers. While at the event, five youth and one coach/manager from each country take part in educational seminars, discipline-specific clinics and leadership training in addition to the competition portion of the World Cup. Five additional youth from each country are invited to attend the education and leadership portion of the week's events and to cheer on their teammates in competition.

To level the playing field, competing Youth World Cup team members do not show their own horses. The host country provides each team's horses for clinics and competition. AQHA relies heavily on AQHA Professional Horsemen and owners to supply this event with the best American Quarter Horses around.

On June 28 through July 8, 2018, American Quarter Horse youth competitors from around the world flocked to Texas for an international showdown. View the schedule of the 2018 Youth World Cup and see event coverage here.

Stay tuned for Team USA Applications to be made available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup?
This is an educational and leadership-based event for youth members from around the world. The culmination of this event is a showcasing of skills learned in an atmosphere of friendly competition. It gives youth a unique opportunity to learn in a hands-on setting with other international youth horse enthusiasts.

Who gets to participate?
All AQHYA members are eligible to participate provided them meet each country's qualification guidelines. Five competing team members and up to five (again, depending on each country's procedures) supporting team members will represent each official AQHA international affiliate. Each county is also allowed to send one coach and one team manager.

How do I get my horse there?
Competing team members do not show their own horses. The host country provides each team's horses for clinics and competition. AQHA relies heavily on its AQHA Professional Horsemen and member-owned to supply this event with the best American Quarter Horses around.

Who do I talk to for more information?
For more information, please contact the AQHA Youth Department at 806-376-4811.