By Isabel Schween
The 2021 APHA World Championship Show is going to be an action-packed competition full of awards, celebrations and special events with exclusive activities for AjPHA Youth participants. This year, Youth competitors are invited to participate in the Youth Leadership Conference, horseIQ Judging Contest, Stick Horse Class, Coloring Contest, Boot Scramble and more all while being offered access to our Youth Lounge.
Kicking off our first youth activity, the annual Youth Leadership Conference will be hosted on June 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the APHA headquarters located in Fort Worth, Texas, just five miles from the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The Conference is open to all Youth and is an exciting opportunity for youth to enhance their leadership skills while interacting with their peers. Registration is now open and event information can be found online here.
The APHA horseIQ Youth World Championship Judging Contest will take place June 26 in the Will Rogers Coliseum. This year’s contest will feature two age divisions: Youth 13 & Under and Youth 14-18. Competitors will be able to test their skills behind the judge’s table by evaluating halter and performance classes. Awards will be presented for both age divisions shortly following the conclusion of competition. More information and the registration form can be found online.
For artistically inclined Youth, APHA will be hosting a Coloring Contest during the World Show. Entries for the competition will be open from June 25 through July 4, and the contest will have three age divisions: Youth 7 & Under, 8-13, and 14-18. Each respective division will have a custom coloring sheet which can be picked up in the Richard Bass Building. If you are not attending the World Show and want to join in on the fun, youth can also enter the Coloring Contest on APHA’s Facebook page. Winning artwork for each age division will be featured on APHA’s official Facebook page and winners will receive a $25 PH Barn Door gift certificate.
The Youth Stick Horse Class will be held on June 30 in the John Justin Arena following the conclusion of the Youth Walk-Trot Trail 5-10 class. The event is open to all Youth competitors aged 7 & Under. The entry form is now available online and no entry fee is required. All participants will receive a Gist trophy buckle sponsored by Double C Acres, Bob and Joyce Cassata & JR and Melissa Cook.
APHA will also be hosting a Boot Scramble at 12:30 p.m. on June 29 in the Watt arena, as an exciting way for Youth competitors to test their athletic skills. This event will be open to Youth of all ages, and promises to be an exciting race for all those who participate. Awards will be given to winners in each age division (13 & under and 14-18), and registration for the contest can be done through the horse show office.
Additionally, all youth competitors will have access to the Youth Lounge, located in the Watt Arena. The Youth Lounge is a designated area for Youth members to meet, play games, and enjoy their free time during the show day. The Lounge is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the entirety of the World Show, and there is also a neighboring Business Lounge (located in the Richard Bass building) for parents to enjoy while the kids spend their down time together.
This is just a taste of the slew of activities AjPHA has planned for its World Show attendees. For updates, additional information, and reminders, make sure to follow along with the APHA Facebook page and official website. We look forward to seeing you in Fort Worth. Full details regarding the APHA World Show are found at apha.com/worldshow.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.