Entries open July 26 at 8 a.m. and close August 9 at 5 p.m. CDT.

PLEASE NOTE: Teams must have been declared by July 14. New teams will NOT be accepted at this time!

AjPHA Virtual Youth World Games Rules & Regulations

Eligibility and Selection Procedure

• Competitors must be 19 years of age or under as of January 1, 2021 as the COVID-19 Stimulus plan will be extended to Youth World Games contestants.
  • Please note, competitors that are 19 years old as of January 1st must remain in the youth division for the remaining of 2021. If they choose to compete in the Amateur Division in 2021, they will not be eligible to compete.
• Competitors and team managers/coaches must be current members in good standing of the American Paint Horse Association at the time of the event.
• A team will consist of three to five competitors and one team coach and/or manager. Each country’s Regional Club or Affiliate Association shall govern its system for team qualification and will name the official team coach and/or manager.

Rules of the Competition

• All rules stated in the Official APHA Rule Book will also apply to the World Games competition.
• The Youth World Games will consist of the following 4 classes:
  • Showmanship at Halter
  • Western Horsemanship (rail and pattern)
  • Hunt Seat Equitation (rail and pattern)
  • Ranch Riding
• Teams must submit one video entry in each class. Teams with five members may submit two video entries in one of the classes
• Overall placings will be based on each team’s top four classes.
• Each team will find their own APHA-registered Paints for the competition. Both Regular Registry and Solid Paint-breds are eligible.
  • There are no ownership requirements―but horses cannot have won an APHA or AQHA World or Reserve World Championship in any class.
  • A horse may be used in a maximum of two classes

Attire

• Competitors must be appropriately attired for Youth World Games competition according to the rules outlined in the Official APHA Rule Book. All equipment and attire must be legal, but silver and sequins will not count over a good working outfit. A Western hat or English helmet is required. Shirts must have collars and long sleeves.
• Although not required, teams may wear matching show outfits, shirts, blouses, jackets, or vests that incorporate the country’s colors.

Judging

• The World Games competition will consist of a single go-round. Overall Team placings will be based on each team’s top four classes. Awards will be given through 6th place in each class.
• In instances where class procedures vary between countries, the pattern or procedure used for the class will be at the judges’ discretion.
• Judging will be according to the Official APHA Rule Book. During Youth World Games competition, the exhibitor’s ability is being judged; therefore, no penalty will be assessed because of the horse’s conformation or way of going. Results as shown by performance of the horse are NOT to be considered more important than the method used by the exhibitor in obtaining them.