2026 AQHYA World Championship Horse Judging Contest Results
Winners of the 2026 AQHYA World Championship Horse Judging Contest were named August 4 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
The 2026 AQHYA World Championship Horse Judging Contest hosted nearly 170 youth participants on August 4 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. First- through third-place individuals and teams in the 14-18 division were awarded money from the Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund.
Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association Blue, with team members Ava Fry of Loan Oak, Texas; Grace Fry of College Station, Texas; Kaylee Scott of San Angelo, Texas and Grace Spooner of Decatur, Texas; took home the title of AQHYA 14-18 horse judging world champions.
The AQHYA world champion 14-18 individual was Grace Spooner, representing TQHYA Blue taking home the coveted gold globe trophy.
The AQHYA horse judging 13-&-Under champions were North Carolina 4-H, with team members Leah Grove of Bailey, North Carolina; Ellie Hudson of Morganton, North Carolina; Annie Manning of Nashville, North Carolina; and Grace Matthews of Siler City, North Carolina.
The 13-&-Under individual high-point title was awarded to Callie Beach of Shallowater, Texas, representing Lubbock County 4-H.
Graham Harris of Chandler, Texas, representing Brownsboro FFA, secured the limited individual division title.
View the full results www.judgingcard.com.
This year’s competition was sponsored by AQHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine.
About Classic Equine
Since 1996, Classic Equine has been dedicated to protecting performance horses with advanced, science-based design. Everything they create is made to support your horse’s natural movements, so you can ride confidently. They are horsemen and -women themselves, which means they design gear they trust and use daily. From saddle pads and cinches to leg protection and more, their products keep evolving with the latest innovations—always focusing on your horse’s comfort and performance. Because the habits you build today shape your success tomorrow, they’re committed to helping you and your horse perform at your best. Learn more at classicequine.com.
About the AQHYA World Show
The AQHYA World Championship Show is the world’s largest single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors 18 and under. This is the pinnacle event for youth competitors around the world who 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, or earn an invitation through their state or provincial affiliate. The show includes Level 3, Adequan® Level 2 and Level 1 Champion of Champions classes.
AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text “AQHA In the Know” for the latest Association updates.
