Any youth exhibitors not placing in the top 3 of the AQHA Youth Aged Geldings or Youth Aged Mares is eligible to compete in the DO-OVER class for a chance to win $500 in cash. A DO-OVER class will be held immediately after the completion of the corresponding Aged class, with two new judges. The winner of each DO-OVER class wins $500.

The 2016 ApHC World Sale presented by dac® will feature first-class performance prospects, proven performers and breeding stock. The sale will be managed by Superior Productions. There is a consignment fee of $250 and a sales commission of 8%. The consignment deadline is September 19th – a late fee will be accessed for consignments received after this date.

Entries at the 2016 Youth World Championship Show were up 9 percent over 2015, due in large part to significant increases in the Walk-Trot and Novice Youth divisions. Exhibitors and horses were drawn to the show from all over the United States and Canada for their chance to earn scholarships ranging from $1,300 to $4,500 per class. With 153 exhibitors earning scholarships during the event—83 of which were first-time recipients—the 2016 Youth World Show put a new meaning behind the phrase “getting the most bang for your buck.”

Paint Horse Championship classes are designed to encourage participation at the local level and offer a competitive avenue for Paint exhibitors. To compete in the 15 designated EuroPaint Zone Championship classes, owners/lessees, exhibitors and their Paints must reside in Zone 12 and may not have earned a medal at the European Paint Horse Championships within the last five years.

“As youth of our nation and our Association, we sometimes feel as if our voice is not heard or that we don’t have an opportunity to express our opinion,” said Hynes. “Even though many of us are very educated in issues that face our industry, we sit in the back, not expressing our knowledge to anyone. While in Washington, I was given the chance to do the exact opposite.”

“Sportsmanship means that you win and lose graciously and are never mean to other contenders, even if you feel they’ve done better than you. You still need to be nice to them and congratulate them,” Amanda said. “If someone has a bad run, pick out the positives for them and let them know that sometimes things happen. There’s always next time—it’s just a horse show.”

Wondering when you will enter the pen in Oklahoma City to make your bid for an AQHA Youth World Championship title?
Check out the working orders for the 2016 AQHA Youth World Show.

Last year, Sport Illustrated reported findings from a study done by the Sport and Fitness Industry Association that amid concerns of an emphasis on sport specialization, more kids than ever in the United States are not playing sports at all. It was reported that inactivity among children approached 20 percent in 2014, continuing a six-year decline. The study cites the pressure on parents to place their kids on competitive teams, invest in expert coaching and skill development, as well as the cost required for serious programs to compete against one another, which has made youth sports a lucrative industry.