The Youth Team Tournament is the ultimate all-around challenge, comprised of three team-oriented events: performance-event classes, a knowledge relay and Jeopardy-style competition.
Performance Classes: Designated team members participate in five classes: showmanship, hunt-seat equitation, Western horsemanship, barrel racing and walk-trot pleasure. Up to two contestants per team may compete in any one class, and top-placing contestants earn points for their team’s overall ranking.
Knowledge Relay: Participants navigate through an obstacle course while performing a variety of horse-related activities. Each team consists of up to five members, and participation from each age group—including even the youngest Walk-Trot exhibitors—is encouraged in this fun event that emphasizes the importance of teamwork.
Jeopardy/Hippology Competition: This portion of the contest puts team members’ horsey know-how to the test. Up to eight members per team compete together in a hands-on horse knowledge test. Questions range from general equine trivia to AjPHA rules and everything in between. Test scores are added to the team points.

Judges for the six full shows will be Judd Paul, Butch Campbell, Patty Campbell, Lori Gordon, Kristy Starnes, Lisa Moden, and three halter judges.

To enter, AQHYA members are to record a one- to two-minute video on what the American Quarter Horse means to them, no music allowed. Then, upload the video to YouTube and fill out this eligibility entry form by June 1. Finally, tune in to the AQHA Facebook page on June 11 to see if your video was a finalist.

The Foundation Annual Report contains complete statistics for 2017 scholarships and grants, a list of American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame inductees, a list of Foundation donors, financial statements and other information about programs and services.

“I’m careful who I choose on my team,” Ford said. “We give them (the students) a lot of attention. I have an amazing group of horses that have been donated to us. They’re cared for as show horses. They have the best veterinarians, the best farriers and they mean the world to us. Between the horses, the staff and the students it’s just a no-brainer. And yet, It still does become the luck of the draw.”

Saturday June 16th is the Bob Avila Clinic, limited to twelve riders, starts at 9:00AM Pacific time, followed by a fun, relaxing BBQ for all. Sunday, June 17th begins the day with an ‘unsanctioned’ jackpot reining competition, where the learning continues as NRHA Judge Tina Riley, from Cave Creek, Arizona, will take some time to review the penalties in reining that many don’t understand.

Mark Struthers and Lauren Hunkin are coaches from Ottawa University and they brought two Individual riders that qualified, Rebecca Bedard and Caroline Gaudette. “This is our first time at Nationals and we’re very excited,” Struthers said.

AQHA staff will teach this in-depth workshop, which will take a deeper look into marketing, promoting, organizing and managing AQHA shows. Staff will also cover the leveling program, bio-security, animal welfare, judging, stewards, AQHA Professional Horsemen, and the blossoming ranching program.

The NSBA Western Show Team Championship offers competition for both High School and Middle School riders with awards provided for Individuals and Teams. Competition guidelines allow teams to be formed, providing they are currently part of an organized show team. Organizations such as the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) or a like organization will be accepted.