Exhibitors from across the country flocked to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the 50th anniversary of the American Quarter Horse Association’s Youth World Show.

The Ford AQHYA World Championship Show is the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors 18 years and younger. 

This is the pinnacle event for youth competitors around the world. In most years, youth exhibitors must qualify for the event by earning a predetermined number of points to secure a spot in each of the classes, representing English, western and halter disciplines. The other road to qualifying is for competitors to participate and compete through their state or provincial affiliate.

The Ford AQHYA World crowns 18-&-under world champions in a large slate of classes, but in 14-18 and 13-&-under, world champions are crowned in the following core classes: western pleasure, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, showmanship, ranch riding and trail.

Events held in conjunction with the Ford Youth World include:

• Adequan® AQHA Level 2 Youth Championships, which are open only to Level 2-eligible youth who qualify nationally or through their affiliate. 
• Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions.
• AQHA youth high-point presentation.
• Team spirit contest.