AQHA Answers FAQ’s About New 13 and Under Classes at Youth World

1. How many 13-&-Under classes will be introduced at the 2018 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show?
   • Answer: There will be a total of seven classes. The classes are the seven core classes: western pleasure, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, showmanship, ranch riding and trail.
2. Will the winners of the 13-&-Under be world champions?
   • Answer: Yes, there will be both a 13-&-Under world champion and a 14-18 world champion in each of these seven core classes. Each world champion will receive a coveted golden globe.
3. How will leveling work within these new classes?
   • Answer: The 13-&-Under classes will only be for the core classes within Level 3. Adequan® Level 2 18-&-Under classes will stay the same as they were at the 2017 Ford Youth World. The Adequan® Level 2 will not be separated into 13-&-Under and 14-18 divisions, instead they will remain 18-&-Under Adequan® Level 2  classes in 2018.
4. Are there different qualifying points for the 13-&-Under classes?
   • Answer: Yes, you can view those qualifying points  here.

5. What will be the format of the 13-&-Under classes?
6. • Answer: The Level 3 13-&-Under classes will run in a one-go format in 2018. In the future, the format of the classes will be evaluated and could change.
7. Why were these new classes introduced?
   • Answer: To promote the inclusion of younger age groups, encourage involvement of younger horsemen and horsewomen, to continue to grow AQHYA and promote the breed.
8. What will AQHA do to make sure the schedule will accommodate these new classes and the growing Adequan®Level 2 classes?
   • Answer: The exact changes to the schedule have not yet been finalized, but AQHA and the show department are working hard to ensure the schedule will accommodate these new classes.
9. Will the new 13-&-Under classes affect the 14-18 world champion titles or awards?
   • Answer: No, each winner of the core classes will receive the same awards and recognition as before. There will be the same media and coverage on each of the world champions of the core classes.
10. How will the 13-&-Under classes affect state or provincial qualifying?
    • Answer: The 13-&-Under exhibitors may qualify via the same method through their affiliate as do their 14-18 and 18-&-Under counterparts. The addition of Level 3 13-&-Under classes allows more exhibitors from each affiliate to qualify, which means each state or province can bring more riders to experience and participate in the Ford Youth World.

For more information on the Ford Youth World, visit www.aqha.com/youthworld.