Youth Team Tournament

June 19, 2026 | Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas

Overview

Purpose: The Youth Team Tournament fosters teamwork, friendship, education and skill-building through a fun, horse-free competition.

This annual, multi-part competitive series tests teamwork, equine knowledge and competitive drive. No horse is required, and it’s open to ALL Youth age 10–18!

Eligibility

  • All Youth between ages 10–18 (as of January 1 of the competition year) are invited to enter. Enter as an individual or as an entire team.
    • AjPHA, 4-H, FFA, AYA, IEA and other interested Youth groups are encouraged to participate!
  • Incomplete teams or individuals will be automatically combined with other incomplete teams or individuals. Participants may only compete on one team.
  • APHA/AjPHA membership is not required. 

Contest Details

The Event

The Youth Team Tournament consists of four components and a grand finale championship. All teams will participate in: 1) Paint Your Future Workshops (featuring guest speakers), 2) Timed Relay Race, 3) Team Challenges (media interview, scavenger hunt and cornhole); and 4) Grand Finale Recognition. The Top Six teams advancing to the championship round will be announced during the Grand Finale in the John Justin Arena. The championship features head-to-head relays and trivia showdown.

2026 Theme: “Horsepower for the Mind: Where Knowledge Takes the Reins”

From “Paint Your Future” workshops focused on career development, veterinary science and interactive learning to team-based challenges that help build collaboration and problem-solving skills, participants will build skills that prepare them for the equine industry and future leadership roles. This educational experience empowers youth to build confidence, explore industry pathways and turn their passion into potential while strengthening teamwork and communication.

Entry Fees: 

  • Received before June 1: $25/person or $150/team
  • Received June 1–18 (noon CDT): $35/person or $210/team

Team Up for the AjPHA Youth Team Tournament!

Join forces with fellow Youth members for a fun, team-based competition at the APHA World Championship Show. Work together, show your Paint Horse pride, and go for the win!

Tabulation & Finals

Points will be awarded in all components of the competition based on the following:

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Place Points Place Points
1 1st 12 6th 5
2 2nd 9 7th 4
3 3rd 8 8th 3
4 4th 7 9th 2
5 5th 6 10th 1

The Grand Finale Finals

  • All teams enter the arena and are introduced at the beginning of the Grand Finale Finals.
  • The Top Six teams, based on accumulated points, compete in a surprise finale event.
  • The finale is conducted as a clean-slate finals.
  • Awards are presented to the Top Six teams at the finals award ceremony.

Resources