APHA, in partnership with the American Paint Horse Foundation, are bringing a full slate of Youth activities to the 2026 APHA World Championship Show—no horses required! The event takes place June 19–July 4, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Check out the Youth-centric lineup of fun!
Youth Team Tournament
“Horsepower for the Mind: Where Knowledge Takes the Reins”
June 19, 2026
This annual, multipart competitive series tests teamwork, equine knowledge and competitive drive. Teams participate in APHF’s “Paint Your Future” workshops, focusing on career development, veterinary science and interactive learning; a timed relay race; and team challenges including a media interview, scavenger hunt and cornhole contest. The Top Six teams advance to the championship round during the Grand Finale. The Youth Team Tournament is open to all Youth, age 10–18 (as of January 1), and entries are due by June 15.
horseIQ Youth World Championship Judging Contest
June 20, 2026
In the horseIQ World Championship Judging Contest, young equestrians showcase their skills in evaluating halter and performance classes for conformation, movement and class standards. This contest is open to Youth age 18 & under. Awards are presented to top teams and individuals in the Youth 14–18, Youth 13 & Under and Youth Limited divisions.
Help Support the Judging Contest
Bonus: Youth College & Career Fair
Stop by our inaugural college and career fair, taking place June 20 from noon to 5 p.m. Meet representatives from equine-focused colleges and universities in a relaxed atmosphere and explore what’s possible with a career in the equine industry.
horseIQ Youth Showdown
June 21, 2026
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. Open to Youth age 8–18, the Showdown features hippology, hands-on skills tests and public speaking. The Top 10 in each age group receive prizes, and scholarships are awarded to the Top Five in the Youth 14–18 division, too. Entries are due by June 20.
Help APHF Support the Showdown
But That’s Not All …
Check out the full list of Youth activities taking place at the 2026 APHA World Championship Show:
- June 19–July 4
- AjPHA Coloring Contest
- June 19
- Youth Team Tournament
- Story time at the APHF Booth
- Ride the Pattern Clinic
- Signup begins for free Pro Horseman assistance for do-it-yourself exhibitors
- June 20
- horseIQ World Championship Youth Judging Contest
- College & Career Fair
- Stick Horse Contest
- Youth Futurity Project
- Youth Futurity Project Ride the Pattern Clinic
- Make your own keychain
- Ice cream party
- June 21–23
- IEA Western National Finals
- June 21
- horseIQ Youth Showdown
- Youth Futurity Project
- Dog race
- June 23
- Youth Boot Scramble
- AjPHA General Membership Meeting
- June 24
- Make your own horse treats
- Help with Honoring Freedom Night flag presentation
- June 27
- Meet Paint Horse Pete
- Social media scavenger hunt
- June 28
- Paint your own Breyer model
- June 29
- Make your own friendship bracelet
- July 1
- Make your own horse treats
- July 4
- Meet Paint Horse Pete
Questions about these contests? Email youth@apha.com
To view the full schedule and learn more about the APHA World Championship Show, which offers top competition in more than 300 classes and over $1.5 million in cash and prizes, visit apha.com/worldshow.
Special thanks to the American Paint Horse Foundation for their support of the 2026 Youth Team Tournament and horseIQ Youth Showdown. APHF is a non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) that supports educational programs, preserves equine heritage and helps expand equine-assisted services. They aim to make a lasting difference for both people and horses, fostering a better future. Learn more and donate at apha.com/foundation.
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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.