American Quarter Horse Youth World Championships Underway in Fort Worth

The world’s most talented equestrian youth and American Quarter Horses take center stage at this year’s Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show July 30 through August 7 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

The Ford Youth World is the world’s largest single-breed show for youth. This year, the show has 2,397 entries, and the Oklahoma City economy will get a $10.8 million boost during the show’s run. Exhibitors from 44 states, three Canadian provinces, Germany, the United Kingdom and Venezuela will be competing for custom-designed trophies, Montana Silversmiths champion belt buckles, neck wreaths, gold medallions, logoed Cripple Creek jackets, Professional’s Choice products, WeatherBeeta embroidered blankets and the honor of being crowned a youth world champion.

The 858 exhibitors will have plenty to see and do in Oklahoma City when not in the ring competing for world champion honors in the 33 equine events.

In addition to the exciting competition, spectators and exhibitors will enjoy shopping in 70,000 square feet of trade show space. The trade show, located in the spacious Cox Pavilion, opened July 29 from noon to 5 p.m. Then from July 30 – August 6, the trade show operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On the final Saturday of the show, the hours will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

At 4 p.m. on August 5, free ice cream will be offered at the trade show.

If you need a break from the Oklahoma summer heat, cool off at White Water Bay with a special rate just for AQHYA members. For $17.25 per person, AQHYA members can kick off their boots and enjoy the water slides and pools. The water park is conveniently located near the fairgrounds. Visit the AQHA booth for more details. Also, don’t forget to sign up at the show office for a Nutrena feed mill tour. The tours will be from 1-3:30 p.m. August 3 and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. August 5.

On Wednesday, August 4, AQHYA members will have a chance to mingle. Following the talent show, there will be a DJ for entertainment in the Sales Pavilion. Members will also get to participate in a scrapbook contest, speech contests, horse bowl, talent show and judging contests.

Working cow horse exhibitors will have the opportunity to practice with cattle beginning at 8 a.m. August 5. Youth exhibitors can work cattle down the fence at the 4C Equine LLC Arena in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Cary Chambers of 4C is opening up his arena, Carol Rose is supplying the cattle and three clinicians will be on hand to give advice and watch the runs. There’s no need to reserve your space, just show up and practice.

Watch all the action in the arena on the Pfizer Animal Health live webcast hosted by America’s Horse TV.

To see the Ford Youth World schedule and all the online coverage, visit www.aqha.com/youthworld.