Youth Division

History

In 1985, four youth members of the AQHA met to discuss the concerns of the Australian Youth Quarter Horse Association (AYQHA) in the hope of expanding its horizons and developing a strong camaraderie of youth across all states of Australia.

Since then, the AYQHA membership has grown to 310 members and every AQHA National Show is a chance for the youth to gather together and celebrate their shared interests in the Quarter Horse breed.

The Youth Division is very dedicated to working towards servicing the needs of all youth by arranging and funding such events as Training Clinics, Youth Camps and Sponsorship of Youth in international competition.

The Youth Division is working with the AQHA Board towards their goal of a bigger and better Youth organisation for all Youth Members. As part of this effort, they aim to network with Youth Members all over the country to promote incentives to encourage and support both new and current members.

The AYQHA also has its own page in the monthly magazine Quarter Horse News produced by the AQHA. This page contains up-to-date news and information about the Youth Division.

Who can be a Youth Member?

The definition of a Youth is a junior exhibitor 18 years of age and under as at the 1st August of each show year. Youth members are allowed to ride either their own or someone else's horses in competition. To compete for points as a Youth Member, you must be a current financial member of the AQHA.

Many shows hold special youth classes. Usually, there are 11 years and under, 12 to 14 years and 15-18 years categories. Youth members are also eligible to compete in open classes if they wish.

There is also a Novice Youth category to encourage more youth competitors starting out on their show careers. Novice Youth classes are only open to Youth Members with less than 10 open or youth class points and/or less than 25 Novice Youth points.

Records of points won are kept for each show year and there are a number of High Point Awards presented each year by the AQHA at their Annual Awards Night.

Membership forms are available in the forms area.