AQHA Programs Overview
Horsemanship
With resources created just for you, you’re sure to up your horsemanship game. AQHYA offers a variety of unique programs designed specifically for youth members to increase their leadership and horsemanship abilities.
Young Horse Development
Learn more about the AQHA Ranching Heritage Program's Young Horse Development Program for AQHYA members.
This program showcases stock bred and raised by AQHA Ranching Heritage members and engages youth in the horse industry at a fundamental level in a fun and educational way.
AQHA Youth Racing Experience
Youth Racing Experiences allow AQHYA members the opportunity to participate in the fast-paced world of American Quarter Horse racing.
The AQHA Youth Racing Experience is held in conjunction with the AQHA Challenge Championship each year. This national event allows participants to build on the knowledge gained during a regional racing experience from behind the starting gate to the finish line.
Junior Master Horseman
Learn more about the AQHA Ranching Heritage Program's Young Horse Development Program for AQHYA members.
Junior Master Horseman is a book series that uses activities to teach kids all about horses! These books are a perfect supplement for 4-H horse and pony clubs as well as classroom and rainy day craft sessions for any horse-crazy kid.
Horseback Riding Program
The AQHA Horseback Riding Program rewards participants with new prizes.
This program allows AQHA to reward youth members who simply enjoy riding, whether they own a horse, lease a horse or take lessons.
AQHYA World Championship Show
The AQHYA World Championship Show is for youth exhibitors 18 and under as of January 1 of that year.
The AQHYA World Championship Show is the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors 18 years and younger.
Youth World Cup
The American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup is an educational, leadership and competition-based event for AQHA youth members from around the world.
This international event is hosted every two years by a different country. This event hosts teams from 16 nations around the world!
November 03, 2025
The American Quarter Horse Association is now accepting AQHLead applications for the Class of 2026.
October 30, 2025
The Emerging Leader Award celebrates the accomplishments of the Association’s exceptional young adult members, ages 21-35.
October 22, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
The 2026 AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program allows AQHYA members to learn the fundamentals of horsemanship and compete for scholarships.
September 30, 2025 | Ranching
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Ranching
Four AQHYA members earned a total of $5,000 in scholarships through the 2025 AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program, presented by SmartEquine and John Deere.
September 23, 2025 | News and Publications
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Racing
The 2025 AQHA Youth Racing Experience allows AQHYA members a first-hand glimpse into the American Quarter Horse racing industry.