National Horse Contests

Several opportunities exist for youth to participate in competitive events beyond the state level. Top senor division individual/team rankings from the annual Idaho 4-H Youth Horse Contests determine subsequent advancement to various national horse contests (based on that contest’s eligibility restrictions).

Idaho currently utilizes the Eastern 4-H National venue in Louisville, Kentucky (instead of Western in Denver) due to similar overall costs and an extensive array of supplemental equine activities available. Note: each state may only submit entries to one site annually.

Below is a summary of the various national horse contests (including location, typical dates and contests offered):

• Eastern 4-H National
  • Louisville, KY
  • Dates: early November
  • Eligibility: 14-18 as of Jan. 1
  • Events: Demonstration (team and individual), Hippology, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Public Speaking
• American Quarter Horse Congress
  
  • Columbus, OH
  • Dates: October
  • Eligibility: 14-18 as of Jan. 1
  • Events: Demonstration (team and individual), Hippology, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Public Speaking
• American Quarter Horse Youth Association
  
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Dates: early August
  • Eligibility: 8-18 as of Jan. 1
  • Events: Horse Judging and Public Speaking
• Morgan Grand National
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Dates: early October
  • Eligibility: 8-18 as of Jan. 1
  • Event: Horse Judging
• Arabian Youth Contest
  
  • Tulsa, OK
  • Dates: late October
  • Eligibility: 8-18 as of Jan. 1
  • Event: Horse Judging
• AYA & AJPHA Youth World Championship
  
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Dates: June
  • Eligibility: Junior Division — 8-13 Senior Division — 14-18 as of Jan. 1
  • Event: Horse Judging