Youth horsemen and -women from across the country gathered at the APHA World Show on June 21 to compete in the 2026 horseIQ Youth Showdown. This event encourages AjPHA members to continue developing their equine knowledge, putting it to the test in academic and hands-on settings.
Participants first answered 50 multiple choice questions in a written exam. It covered general equine knowledge; APHA history; equine health & anatomy; Paint Horse breed & genetics; and grooming, tack & equipment. Youth were given a list of resources from each of these categories to study beforehand, so they would be prepared to showcase their abilities when the competition started.
Next, they competed in 25 ID stations, where they answered multiple choice questions showcasing their knowledge.
The hands-on skills demonstration came next. The 8–13-year-old competitors demonstrated their ability to halter a horse and wrap a leg. Older competitors, ages 14–18, demonstrate how to develop a feeding program for broodmares based on forage and grain.
The Top Five 14–18 participants advanced to the finals, where they had 45 minutes to prepare a 3–5-minute speech on a randomly selected topic. The Top Two in each age group received trophy buckles and the Top 10 received goodie bags donated by Triple Crown. Top-ranking 14–18 participants earned scholarships, as well.
All Youth walked away with a deeper knowledge of horses, new friends and memories from an exciting day of competition.
Congratulations to our 2026 horseIQ Youth Showdown winners:
Youth 14–18
- Kate Borman—$2,000 scholarship
- Kinley Johnson—$1,500 scholarship
- Anna Young—$750 scholarship
- Makenah Allred—$500 scholarship
- Madyson Johnson—$250 scholarship
Youth 8–13
- Katriel Hwang
- Olivia Anderson
- Brennan Clements
- Vienna Kasten
- Savannah Vendenhemel
Proud Grandparents
Kenny and Nancy Boyd are proud of their grandson, Gabriel, who competed at the 2026 horseIQ Showdown. The Boyds have bred Paints and are no strangers to the World Show, but life pulled them away for a few years. Now, they are excited to return and see their grandson become more involved in the community. While this is Gabriel’s second year competing in horseIQ competitions, this is his first time at the APHA World Show.
“Everybody is so friendly,” Nancy said.
“It’s fun to visit with people from different parts of the country and see what everyone is doing,” Kenny adds.
Learn more about the horseIQ Youth Showdown at apha.com/youth/contests/horseiq-youth-showdown.
Article by Jordan Mueller
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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.