AQHYA World Championship Show Contests

AQHYA members have the opportunity to compete in a variety of contests – in and outside the arena – each year at the AQHYA World Championship Show.

competitive horse judging contestants judge a halter horse class

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Horse Judging Contest

Join AQHYA, 4-H and FFA judging teams from around the nation at the AQHYA World Championship Show Judging Contest. Interested coaches should contact their AQHYA affiliate youth advisor, state horse extension specialist or state FFA advisor for qualifying rules.

The judging contest consists of eight classes with four horses in each class. Two to four halter classes, composed of geldings and mares, and four to six performance classes selected from the following: western pleasure, reining, trail, western riding, western horsemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, hunter hack, and ranch riding. A total of four sets of reasons will follow class judging and will be given on at least one halter and at least one performance class.

2022 Horse Judging Contest Rules

2022 Horse Judging Contest Results

Art/Photo Contest

AQHYA members have the chance to show off their artistic side in the art/photo contest. The contest will consist of two categories - art and photography. Each contestant may enter up to three entries in the contest. Entries will be displayed in Section 300 in the Norick Arena during the Ford Youth World.

2022 Art/Photo Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Art/Photo Contest Results

Scrapbook Contest

Affiliates may spotlight their youth activities by entering the scrapbook contest. Scrapbooks must be submitted digitally. Video or traditional scrapbooks will be accepted, but traditional scrapbooks must be captured via video.

2022 Scrapbook Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Scrapbook Contest Results

Prepared Speech Contest

The prepared speech contest gives contestants a chance to showcase their knowledge of the horse industry while delivering a prepared speech based on the AQHYA World Championship Show theme for the current year.

2022 Prepared Speech Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Speech Contests Results

Impromptu Speech Contest

The impromptu speech contest challenges contestants' knowledge of the horse industry while encouraging them to think on their feet. Contestants draw a topic and have five minutes to prepare a speech to deliver to the judges.

2022 Impromptu Speech Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Speech Contests Results

13 & Under Public Speaking Contest

The public speaking contest is designed to increase 13 & under youth members’ public speaking skills while having fun! In this contest, participants can chose to present a method demonstration, illustrated talk, or traditional speech.

2022 13 & Under Public Speaking Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Speech Contests Results

Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Decorating Contest

Each affiliate may decorate and enter one pair of Wrangler jeans and one pair of Justin boots to reflect this year’s AQHYA theme, “Build for the Future,” while also uniquely representing their affiliate.

2022 Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Decorating Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Boots and Jeans Contest Results

Stall Decorating Contest

Affiliates will participate in the stall decorating contest, which will feature stall decorations reflecting this year’s AQHYA theme, "Build for the Future." Awards are given to first through third place in each division.

2022 Stall Decorating Contest Rules & Rubric

2022 Stall Decorating Contest Results

Team Spirit Contest

All affiliates are automatically entered in the team spirit contest. Affiliates earn points from youth participation and attendance at the following contests and events: Parade of Teams, Ride the Pattern clinics, stall decorating contest, Wrangler jeans and Justin boots decorating contest, scrapbook contest, art and photo contest.

2022 Team Spirit Contest Results