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horseIQ Youth Showdown

June 21, 2026 | Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas

Youth Showdown

Overview

Purpose: The horseIQ Youth Showdown empowers Youth to demonstrate their equine knowledge, practical skills, and communication abilities while rewarding excellence and fostering a deeper connection to the horse industry

Show off your horse knowledge at the horseIQ Youth Showdown featuring hippology, hands-on skills and public speaking! Scholarships will be awarded to the Top Three in the Youth 14–18 division as well as prizes for first through tenth in each division.

Eligibility

To be eligible:

  • All Youth are invited to enter. AjPHA membership is not required.
  • All contestants must be between 8 and 18 years old as of January 1 of the current year.
  • Western attire is required for all contestants (long-sleeve shirt and jeans or slacks; blazer or tie are optional)

Contest Details

Age Divisions

  • 8–13
  • 14–18

Entry Fees

  • Received by June 1: $40/person
  • Received June 1–20: $45/person
  • Entries close June 20

Hippology Exam with Identification Stations

  • All contestants begin with the Hippology exam.
  • The exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and 25 identification stations.
  • Each contestant will have 90 minutes to complete the exam in full.
  • The Top 10 from each age division advance to the next round.

Hands-On Skills

  • Contestants are asked to complete a variety of skills that are crucial as a knowledgeable horseman.
  • Skills are based on age division; examples include grooming, polo wraps, how to halter and how to tie.
  • The Top Five from the 14–18 division advance to the next round.
  • This is the final portion for Youth 8–13 contestants.

Impromptu Speech Contest

  • The Top Five Youth 14–18 contestants are assigned a speech topic, relating to a current issue within the equine industry.
  • After the topics have been assigned, lunch is provided and contestants have 30 minutes to prepare a speech.
  • Speeches should be between 3–5 minutes.
  • This section is open to public attendance.

Bring Your Best to the HorseIQ Youth Showdown

Join us for an exciting competition that puts your equine knowledge to the ultimate test. Show your skills, make new friends, and see who will be crowned champion!
Enter Now

Awards

Awards are presented through 10th place, plus buckles for the top two individuals in each age division. A minimum of $2,500 in scholarships are awarded across the Top Three in the Youth 14–18 division.

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Resources