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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New for 2025! Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund

At the AQHYA World Championship Show, first through third place in all Level 3 classes, in addition to high, reserve and third high 14-18 individual and 14-18 team judging contest placings, as well as champion, reserve and third place in the impromptu and prepared speaking contests will all be awarded the cash prize in addition to the class or contest prize package. The new Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund will be available to the winning competitors when they turn 18, regardless of the age at which they won the award.

The award will be paid out as follows:

  • $5,000 will be awarded to: first-place exhibitor in all Level 3 finals classes, high individual 14-18 individual judging contestant, first-place 14-18 judging team and first place in youth impromptu and prepared speaking.
  • $2,500 will be awarded to: second-place exhibitor in all Level 3 finals classes, second-place individual 14-18 judging contestant, second-place 14-18 judging team and second place in youth impromptu and prepared speaking.
  • $1,500 will be awarded to: third-place exhibitor in all Level 3 finals classes, third-place individual 14-18 judging contestant, third-place 14-18 judging team and third place in youth impromptu and prepared speaking.

Once they turn 18, those that have been awarded the funding can use it to further their education at a college/university, junior college, community college or accredited trade school or, if they choose to forego secondary education and to go straight into the workforce, they will also have access to the award.

 

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 adviser, 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, working western rail, and ranch riding. A total of two or four sets of reasons, depending on division, will follow class judging and will be given on at least one halter and at least one performance class.

2025 Horse Judging Contest Rules

2025 Horse Judging Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

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 during the Youth World Show.

2025 Art/Photo Contest Rules & Rubric 

2025 Art/Photo Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

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.

2025 Scrapbook Contest Rules & Rubric

2025 Scrapbook Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

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. 

2025 Prepared Speech Contest Rules & Rubric

2025 Speech Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

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. 

2025 Impromptu Speech Contest Rules & Rubric

2025 Speech Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

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 choose to present a method demonstration, illustrated talk, or traditional speech. 

2025 13 & Under Public Speaking Contest Rules & Rubric 

2025 Speech Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

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 the year’s AQHYA theme, while also uniquely representing their affiliate. 

2025 Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Decorating Contest Rules & Rubric 

2025 Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans Contest Entry - COMING SOON

 

Stall Decorating Contest

All affiliates are automatically entered into the Stall Decorating contest.  Affiliates will participate in the stall decorating contest, which will feature stall decorations reflecting the year’s AQHYA theme.  Awards are given to first through third place in each division. 

2025 Stall Decorating Contest Rules & Rubric

 

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. 

2025 Team Spirit Contest Rules

 

 

2024 Results