Youth athletes from across the country came together in Fort Worth, Texas, at the APHA World Championship Show for the 2026 Youth Team Tournament. A friendly competition with equestrian knowledge-building at its heart, the Youth Team Tournament featured teams of six that had to complete a variety of challenges. Some competitors participated with friends, but most groups included a blend of participants from around the country.
Teams participated in educational workshops before completing their Youth Team Tournament races. World Show veterinarian Caitlin Dobecka, D.V.M., taught participants about horse health and anatomy. APHA Competition Department leaders Elizabeth Lawhorn and Sandy Jirkovsky discussed the judges’ perspective and the value of horseIQ in becoming a better rider. APHA media team members Dylan Davidson and Kensie Darst-Todd shared about social media safety and how to be a good online ambassador. Information from these workshops was featured in the Youth Team Tournament quiz challenge.
The Youth Team Tournament preliminary round featured a relay race, scavenger hunt, team interview and trivia cornhole challenge. Six teams advanced to the finals, where they tackled a relay race featuring challenges inspired by on-the-farm tasks. This included obstacles like wheelbarrowing a member of their team across the show pen, scooping “manure”—simulated by plastic golden eggs—and navigating a blow-up horse through a pattern. The Youth team finalists also went head-to-head against adult teams in an epic bragging-rights battle.
“We added the workshops because we wanted our Youth to take more away from the Youth Team Tournament,” Director of Youth and Amateur Activities Reagan Bennett said. “Then, they got to put their knowledge to the test later when they competed against some of their parents, trainers and Amateurs.”
By bringing together new participants and seasoned members, events like the Youth Team Tournament help foster community, sportsmanship, mentorship and increased appreciation for Youths’ vital role in the organization.
Congratulations to our 2026 Youth Team Tournament Winners
Team White took home the championship buckles, with an impressive demonstration of grit, athleticism, teamwork and tenacity. The all-female team consisted of participants hailing from Arizona and California and credited their victory with their ability to communicate, hard work and consistency.
Champion: Team White—Brandel Remington, Ruby Miller, Hailey D’Agostino, Addie Jones & Quetzal Heacock
Reserve Champion: Team Gray—Lucy Berghorst, Adalyn Gilbert, Karley Eager, Natalie Snapp, Lila Schinker & Alexandra Winiewicz
Bronze Champion: Team Purple—Phoebe Blain, Kortlyn Broadbent, Abygail Rolland, Marley Ramos, Ella Booth & Palmer Liggett
Article & photos 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.