The Ford AQHYA World Championship Show kicked off for the 50th consecutive year July 28 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
The American Quarter Horse Association kicks off the Ford AQHYA World Championship Show, celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary! Classes began with performance halter geldings at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, in the Jim Norick Arena. The Performance Arena started at 11 a.m. with the new Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions 14-18 showmanship class. The show runs through Sunday, August 7, at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
“We are excited to host the 50th anniversary of the Ford AQHYA World with more than 4,400 entries and 157 first-time exhibitors,” said Justin Billings, AQHA chief show officer. “We are grateful to welcome our AQHYA members from 39 states and four countries and wish them the best of luck in OKC. As we reflect on how far this show has come over the past 50 years, we are also looking forward to featuring some new additions to this show – the Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions; all-around titles for both the 14-18 and 13-&-Under divisions; Adequan® Level 2 core classes for 13-&-Under exhibitors; and optional jackpots with cash payouts, all for the first time in Ford AQHYA World history!”
Special Events and Contests
AQHYA members are invited to participate in contests outside of the arena at the Ford AQHYA World. Through horse judging, speech, art and photo, scrapbook, Justin boots and Wrangler jeans decorating, stall decorating, and team spirit contests, youth are increasing their equine knowledge, as well as developing skills that will last a lifetime.
Members are also invited to attend the ice cream socials, which are scheduled for nearly every day of the show. There will also be a photo booth at the ice cream socials where you can take pictures of yourself with your friends. Come hang out and utilize the photo booth July 28 – August 3, August 5 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and August 6 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on the Jim Norick Concourse, thanks to our corporate partners and sponsors. The fan-favorite candy shop is from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on August 4 outside the Show Office and is free to exhibitors and families, courtesy of AQHYA.
The 2022 recipients of the Youth Activities Scholarship will also be named during the show. This unique scholarship is awarded to a youth member in their last year of eligibility based on their application and competition at the Ford AQHYA World. To show your support for our youth members, donations can be made to the Youth Activities Scholarship fund.
The ever-popular Parade of Teams is slated for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, to recognize the hard work and dedication of AQHYA members from around the world.
Additionally, the video from the free Nutrena Ride the Pattern Clinics, presented by AQHA Professional Horsemen, will be posted on AQHA’s YouTube channel throughout the show, with tips from the Pro Horsemen appearing on the AQHA Facebook throughout the show. To show your support for the AQHA Professional Horsemen, gifts can be made online to support the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Endowment. Nutrena will graciously match the donations made during the Ford AQHYA World, dollar for dollar.
Ford AQHYA World Digital Program
If you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for access to the Ford AQHYA World digital program delivered straight to your inbox.
Live Webcast, Videos and Photos
If you are competing at this year’s Ford AQHYA World, be sure to share the link to the free, live webcast with your friends and family who can’t join you in Oklahoma City this year. A link to the webcast is available at www.aqha.com/youthworld during the show.
Equine Promotion, the Ford AQHYA World’s official videographer, will email exhibitors a link to their run so they can download the video and share it on social media. Stop by the Equine Promotion booth to confirm your email address. Exhibitors can also purchase full class videos from Equine Promotion’s booth on site at the show.
When you share the video to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, use the hashtags #AQHYAWorld, #BuildfortheFuture and #GetThatGlobe to let your fellow AQHYA members, friends and family know how your AQHA world show is going.
Photos can also be purchased from the official show photographer, Shane Rux Photography.
Show Coverage
AQHA is the official source for the Ford AQHYA World results, information and more. The American Quarter Horse Journal will be covering the show on AQHA’s social media channels. Follow AQHA social media for the daily “Gold Globe Report” and “Gold Globe Highlights,” brought to you by the Wrangler Network, recapping highlights from each day of competition.
For more information on the Ford AQHYA World and the tentative schedule, visit www.aqha.com/youthworld.
About the Ford AQHYA World The Ford AQHYA World is the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to youth exhibitors age 18 and under. This is the pinnacle event for youth competitors from 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 and Adequan® Level 2, and Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions classes.
To learn more about the Ford AQHYA World, visit www.aqha.com/youthworld.
Ford Motor Co. is the title sponsor of the Ford AQHYA World. Ford has been a partner of AQHA since 2002.
Adequan®, the official equine joint therapy of AQHA, is the proud title sponsor of the Adequan® Level 2 youth classes. When you choose a joint therapy for your horses, choose Adequan®.
Read more about Nutrena, the official feed of AQHA and title sponsor of the 2022 Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions classes.
By AQHA Press Release
