Just a few short weeks away from the prestigious American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) World Championship Show! The pinnacle event for youth competitors is hitting the OKC Fairgrounds August 1-10 and we at CLN can’t be more excited. As the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors 18 years and younger, no other competition comes close!
August 1-10, 2025
OKC Fairgrounds
3001 General Pershing Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Classes
In most years, youth exhibitors 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. The other road to qualifying is for competitors to participate and compete through their state or provincial affiliate. It’s a celebration of high-level competition, meaningful connections, and community – and it continues to be a cornerstone event for the next generation of Quarter Horse leaders.
Chase Your Dream
There is a large selection of classes for competitors to compete for a world championship title, with separate opportunities for riders 14-18 years of age and 13 and under. At the show’s core are seven classes: western pleasure, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, showmanship, ranch riding, and trail.
History
The American Quarter Horse Youth Association (formerly American Junior Quarter Horse Association) World Championship Show debuted in 1972 in Amarillo, Texas, making it the first world show hosted by the American Quarter Horse Association. By comparison, it wasn’t until 1974 that AQHA hosted the inaugural AQHA World Championship Show for open and amateur exhibitors. The AJQHA World Show later moved from Amarillo to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it remained for decades before moving to Fort Worth, Texas. In 2008, the AQHYA World Show made the move to its eventual home, State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
Evolving Excellence
As AQHA has added classes over the years – such as performance halter and ranch riding – so, too, has the AQHYA World Show added classes and the recognition of more world champions. In 2017, AQHA added the Level 2 Youth Championships, hosted concurrently with the AQHYA World Show. And in 2018, AQHA crowned for the first time seven 13 and under world champions in the association’s core events: western pleasure, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, showmanship, ranch riding, and trail.
Honoring Champions
Today, the AQHYA World Championship Show is the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors aged 18 and under. The event honors 42 world champions and 33 Level 2 champions.
Opportunities for Youth Competitors
There’s something to admire about brands and associations that truly care about the future of youth competitors. This year’s AQHYA World Show will see the introduction of the Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund! This award will help young people kickstart their future by offering cash awards for their success at the AQHYA World Championship Show in the arena, plus judging and speech competitions. This addition further extends the prize package for the 2025 AQHYA World Show to a record-breaking total of over $1 million.
“The future of our industry depends on the next generation of riders. As lifelong AQHA competitors, our executive team at Kimes Ranch grew up showing American Quarter Horses and we are passionate about fostering youth participation. AQHYA played a pivotal role in bringing our team together as young riders and we are committed to ensuring it continues to unite and inspire future generations. By creating opportunities and providing incentives, we strive to keep this tradition alive for our children and their children to come.”
-Matt Kimes
Cofounder and president of Kimes Ranch
The Road to OKC
As the countdown to OKC gets closer, youth riders everywhere are putting in the hours and getting ready for one of the biggest weeks of the year. While I didn’t grow up in horse shows, the love of Quarter Horses transcends every discipline. It’s so special to be part of a community that loves horses as much as you do! Whether it’s your first time competing or you’re in town looking for an event to attend, it’s a week you won’t forget. See you in Oklahoma City!
Last Updated on 07/07/2025 by Carly Billington
About the Author:
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
