American Quarter Horse Youth Association members are invited to participate in contests outside of the arena at the Ford AQHYA World Championship Show, which is slated for July 28 – August 7 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Through horse judging, speech, art and photo, scrapbook, boots and jeans, stall decorating and team spirit contests, members are increasing their equine knowledge, as well as developing skills that will last a lifetime. Registration forms are available online and are due back to AQHA by July 15.
Youth horse judging teams are invited to enter the horse judging contest, which is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 1. New for the 2022 contest, youth can compete as a three- to four-member team or as an individual. All team members are eligible for individual awards. A limited division will also be offered for the first time to allow for an introductory level of competition in the contest. Participants evaluate a variety of four-horse halter and performance classes that are either staged for the contest or are actual Ford AQHYA World entries being judged concurrently during the show and horse judging contest.
Exhibitors who want to show their more artistic side can enter the art and photo, scrapbook or boots and jeans decorating contests. The decorated jeans and boots should reflect this year’s AQHYA theme, “Build for the Future.” On Tuesday, August 2, entries will be judged on how the boots and jeans represent this year’s theme, the state/provincial/international affiliate, artistic creativity, use of materials and presentation.
Entries for the art and photo contest will be displayed in the hallway outside of the show office during the Ford AQHYA World for exhibitors to view. Scrapbook entries can be either traditional or digital scrapbooks, but entries must be submitted digitally. The winners of the art and photo contest and scrapbook contest will be announced on Tuesday, August 2, in the Jim Norick Arena.
The public speaking contests offer three options for involvement with an impromptu speech, prepared speech and 13-&-Under public speaking contests. The topic for the prepared-speech contest is publicized to give competitors time to practice for the event. Impromptu topics are drawn five minutes prior to the contestant’s turn to compete. The speech contests start at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, in the Sales Pavilion located in Barn 3. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 3, in the Jim Norick Arena.
All affiliates are automatically entered in the stall decorating and team spirit contests. Stalls will be judged July 31 – August 3. Winners in each division will be awarded based on maintenance and cleanliness, expression of the AQHYA theme, originality and craftsmanship.
Other events that count toward the Team Spirit Award include entries in the scrapbook, art and photo, and the Wrangler Jeans and Justin Boots decorating contests. The Team Spirit Awards will be announced on Friday, August 5, in the Jim Norick Arena.
CLICK HERE to read more from AQHA.
