Youth test their knowledge at inaugural horseIQ Youth Showdown  

By Laurel Cox

The first-ever horseIQ Youth Showdown took place on June 22 at the 2025 APHA World Championship Show with 30 participants. The competition provided Youth the opportunity to showcase their equine knowledge through a written exam and a hands-on demonstration. The Youth 14–18 division also included a speech contest for the Top Five finalists. The Top Three winners of the 14–18 division were awarded scholarships totaling $3,250, courtesy of Reisinger Ranch, Kimes Ranch and Tom Crowley. 

“Being a Top Five finalist of the first Youth Showdown is super important to me,” fourth- place winner Teagan Kallus said. “It’s taken years of knowledge to get the confidence to speak on stage, and it means a lot to be one of the people to set down the foundation for this great competition.” 

Congratulations to the winners of the first-ever horseIQ Youth Showdown! 

Youth 8–13 Division 

1st: Cadence Blackwood 

2nd: Brennan Clements 

3rd: Katriel Hwang 

4th: Kate Champion 

5th: Charlott Lawrence 

Youth 14–18 Division 

1st: Charlize Colon 

2nd: Emily Allen 

3rd: Bryleigh Colbert 

4th: Teagan Kallus 

5th: Anna Young 

 “My sincere thanks go to our generous sponsors—Mark Reisinger of Reisinger Ranch, Kimes Ranch and APHA Judge Tom Crowley—for their invaluable support and to the horseIQ platform for its critical role in the competition’s success,” Director of Youth & Amateur Activities Reagan Bennett said. “I’m eager to see even more participants next year as we expand the event and increase scholarship opportunities to uplift these outstanding Youth.” 

##

[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted. Please credit the Paint Horse Journal and provide a link provided back to apha.com.]

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.