APHA Youth World Games

August 25–30, 2026 | Rieden/Kreuth, Germany

Overview

Purpose: The APHA Youth World Games unites international riders in the spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange while showcasing equestrian skills

In the APHA Youth World Games, Youth from around the globe compete as part of a team representing their home countries in this unique biennial competition. Teams of five compete aboard randomly selected donated horses in equitation, horsemanship, showmanship and ranch riding. Participating Youth meet new friends and make great memories all while competing for great prizes and lifelong bragging rights!

Eligibility

To be eligible:

Exhibitors must be 12–18 years of age as of January 1 of the show year.
Exhibitors and team managers/coaches must be current APHA members in good standing at the time of the event.
Entries are limited to one team per country, consisting of three to five exhibitors and one team coach/manager.
- Each country’s regional club or affiliate association governs its system for team qualification and will name the official team coach/manager.
- If a team has three exhibitors, then one exhibitor may show in two classes. Otherwise, the team’s four primary exhibitors compete in one event each.

Contest Details

APHA’s Youth World Games offers an exciting opportunity for Youth equestrians from around the world. The event takes place every two years, alternating between the APHA World Championship Show in Texas and the European Paint Horse Championship in Germany.

The Games

The APHA Youth World Games consists of four classes: showmanship, Western horsemanship, hunt-seat equitation and ranch riding. Each team has one entry per class.
Exhibitors draw their horse from the pool of designated horses. Exhibitors will show a horse they have never ridden and must show the horse they draw unless changed by a majority decision of APHA/YWG staff.
- At least one alternate horse is designated per class.
Exhibitors are limited to one 15-minute schooling session the day before the competition; outside of the practice session, exhibitors are not allowed to touch, groom, tack up, ride or practice with their selected horse in any way.
Overall placings are based on each team’s top four classes.
Exhibitors must be appropriately attired according to the rules outlined in the Official APHA Rule Book.
- A Western hat or safety helmet or English helmet is required.
- Shirts must have collars and long sleeves.
All equipment and attire must be legal, but silver and sequins will not count over a good working outfit.

Represent Your Country in the Youth World Games!

Represent your country on the international stage in this one-of-a-kind biennial event. Team USA applications have closed; for all other teams, email international@apha.com for more information. Teams can indicate their intent to participate using this form.

Team Commitment Form

Judging & Awards

Judging

The APHA Youth World Games are judged according to APHA Rule Book guidelines.
In instances where class procedures vary between countries, the pattern or procedure used for the class will be at the APHA/YWG staff and judges’ discretion.
During APHA 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.
The APHA Youth World Games competitions consist of a single go-round.
Placings in each of the four classes are used to determine the final team rankings; points are awarded to the team based on individual rider placings as follows:
1. 1. 10 pts
  2. 9 pts
  3. 8 pts
  4. 7 pts
  5. 6 pts
  6. 5 pts
  7. 4 pts
  8. 3 pts
  9. 2 pts
  10. 1 pt

Awards

Champions take home custom Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles; other prizes are awarded, too. All exhibitors have the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships, create lasting memories and experience the spirited ambiance of the APHA World Show or European Paint Horse Championship.