AQHA Competitions Overview
Competitions and Contests
Learn more about opportunities to compete in AQHYA events with your American Quarter Horse.
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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.
AQHYA World Championship Show Contests
AQHYA members can compete in a variety of contests at the AQHYA World Championship Show.
From public speaking to art and everything in between, there's a competition for you at the AQHYA World Championship Show.
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!
Horseback Riding Program
The AQHA Horseback Riding Program rewards participants with great prizes.
This program allows AQHA to reward youth members who simply enjoy riding, whether they own a horse, lease a horse or take lessons.
November 18, 2025
Winners of the AQHA World Championship Collegiate Horse Judging Contest were named on November 11 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
November 14, 2025 | Showing
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Ranching
After an extensive search, AQHA hires David "Dave" Dellin as new Chief Executive Officer.
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.
AQHYA Video
January 24, 2018
Youth You Hold My Heart
Learn more about joining AQHA, the world's largest equine breed registry and a community of family and friends who love the American Quarter Horse. Visit www.aqha.com/join today.