Youth Contests: Embrace Your Talent and Win Big - APHA: American Paint Horse Association

Contests

AjPHA contests provide our Youth members with opportunities for success both inside and outside the show arena. These contests are designed to be beneficial for our members’ growth and achievement, and the best part is that all AjPHA members are encouraged to participate—whether they have a horse or not! Learn more about all of our contests below.

Youth Judging Contest winners taking pictures at the backdrop.
Youth Team Tournament champion team with their buckles.
Youth World Games teams in the arena.

Youth Contests

Make Your Mark: Art & Photo Contest

Are you an aspiring artist or dreaming of becoming a Paint Horse paparazzo? Show off your talent, win awards and have thousands of people see your artwork and photos at the APHA World Show by entering this contest!

horseIQ Virtual Triathlon

The horseIQ Virtual Youth Triathlon is a three-part event that will test your skills and knowledge of the horse industry for the chance to win some great prizes!

Youth Member of the Year

The Youth Member of the Year is awarded annually to a well-rounded member that exemplifies the spirit of community involvement, volunteer work, scholarship and leadership.

horseIQ World Championship Youth Judging Contest

Hosted at the APHA World Show, young equestrians showcase their skills in evaluating halter and performance classes for conformation, movement and class standards.

horseIQ Youth & Collegiate Judging Contest

Hosted during the APHA/WCHA Halter Million, youth and collegiate judging contests will evaluate halter and performance classes for conformation, movement and class standards.

Youth Team Tournament

APHA brings even more fun and camaraderie to the APHA World Show by offering a unique team tournament open to ALL youth. The tournament includes three components leading up to a grand finale finals competition.

Youth Futurity Project

Youth have the chance to earn prizes and recognition with APHA for their equine futurity projects. This program helps teach and encourage youth to learn horse-training skills by raising and training one of their own.

Youth World Games

Youth from around the globe compete as part of a team representing their home country in this unique competition. Teams of five compete aboard randomly drawn donated horses in equitation, horsemanship, showmanship and ranch riding. Participating Youth meet new friends and make great memories all while competing for Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles, prizes and lifelong bragging rights!

Club Contests

Youth Club of the Year

The purpose of the AjPHA Club of the Year is to recognize outstanding AjPHA regional clubs.

From the Heart Award

The From the Heart award was created to encourage AjPHA regional clubs to participate in the AjPHA Executive Committee project, which encourages AjPHA members to reach out to their community through education and service.

From the Heart Club Contest winner.
A group of youth members at World Show.

Join AjPHA

Join the American Junior Paint Horse Association family! With members worldwide and great benefits and Youth programs to get involved with, you don’t want to miss out. Join AjPHA today!

Youth member leaving the arena at World Show.

Show Your Paint Horse

AjPHA members can compete and participate in APHA-approved shows and incentive programs at other events such as Chrome Cash, PBRIP, PAC, E-Shows and more!

Youth presidential buckle presentation.

Leadership

Leadership is a great way for AjPHA members to make a difference and gain valuable skills. Opportunities include serving on the AjPHA Executive Committee and as a national director. Become a leader today!