In the AjPHA Youth Futurity Project, participants train their horses and document the process, culminating with a three-part competition at the APHA World Championship Show. This program encourages Youth to engage with horse training and gain a better understanding of equine development. The program offers three age divisions—yearling, 2-year-old and 3-year-old—with events that include fitting and handling, in-hand trail, longe line and riding classes based on the horse’s age.
Self-Trained Champs
AjPHA member Hannah Sipes from Waxahachie, Texas, won the overall champion title for the Youth Futurity Project 3-Year-Old division with Unsupervised, a 2023 Pony of the America’s gelding. This is Hannah’s second year showing “Waylon” in the Youth Futurity Project.
“I like the growth you can see in your horse because it’s not like having a horse that’s trained,” she said. “If you’re doing the work, and you’re putting in the effort, you can really see the growth in you and your horse.”
Overall champion honors in the 2-year-old category went to Kaidence Joyce of Port Orange, Florida, and 2024 brown overo gelding VS Cool Ride (pictured at top). At only 13 years old, Kaidence was all smiles as she pet “Dane” after bringing home a World Show title.
“We really liked his bloodline and his build,” she said. “He’s normally very sweet and laid back.”
Addie Jones of Glendale, Arizona, won the Yearling overall Youth Futurity Project award with the 2025 sorrel tobiano mare One Smore Kiss. Her futurity journey started after a late-night phone call from her trainer—Erica Owen—who had an opportunity for the young horsewoman.
“The futurity teaches you a lot. It’s helped me with my riding,” Addie said. “I know a lot of people may say that it doesn’t, but the touch and feel have helped me with that aspect.”
Tatum Neeley of Mexia, Texas, earned the 2026 Youth Futurity Horseman Award with MV San Cita Assertion. This special prize is awarded to exhibitor of the highest-placing 3-year-old horse that participated in the project all three years. “Frankie” is a 2023 sorrel solid colt by Gunny Olena and out of Tracies Sugar Girl.
“My favorite part about the Youth Futurity Project is how independent we get to be with our futurity horse: training, budgeting and handling,” Tatum said. “It’s a really great program for youth to get a sample of what it’s like to be in the horse business.”
Take a Shot
Addie encourages other Youth to try the futurity project.
“Do not hesitate. You should always take the opportunities you can. If it’s there, grab it,” she said. “It’s helped me a lot, and it’s been so cool to see my filly grow.”
The 2026 Youth Futurity project gave young horsemen and -women the ability to expand their knowledge about horse training and development through firsthand experiences. To learn more about how to get involved in the program, visit apha.com/youth/contests/youth-futurity-project.
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.