Youth Team Tournament
APHA’s annual Youth Team Tournament combines fun, education and camaraderie at the APHA World Championship Show with an annual, multi-part competitive series that tests teamwork skills, equine knowledge and competitive drive. No horse is required, and it’s open to ALL Youth age 10–18!
June 19, 2026, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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.
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.
Entry Fees
- Received by June 1: $25/individual or $150/team
- Received June 1–18 at noon: $35/person or $210/team
Tabulation and the Grand Finale Finals
Points will be awarded in all components of the competition based on the following:
- 1st place: 12 pts
- 2nd place: 9 pts
- 3rd place: 8 pts
- 4th place: 7 pts
- 5th place: 6 pts
- 6th place: 5 pts
- 7th place: 4 pts
- 8th place: 3 pts
- 9th place: 2 pts
- 10th place: 1 pt
The Grand Finale Finals
- All teams will be brought into the arena and introduced at the beginning of the Grand Finale Finals.
- The top six teams, based on accumulated points, will compete in a surprise finale event.
- The finale will be conducted as a clean-slate finals. Awards will be presented to the top six teams at the finals award ceremony.