Youth Activities

IBHA is above all else a family-oriented organization.

There are many different facets of the IBHA but here are a few that are geared toward our younger members!

Showing

IBHA offers a full slate of Youth Activity classes for competitors ages 18 and under! These may be shown with one, two, or three divisions, as determined by show management:

18 & Under
13 & Under / 14-18
11 & Under / 12-14 / 15-18

There is also a Youth Walk-Trot division for those ages 5 though 11. Classes currently approved for this division are Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Western Trail, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Barrel Racing, and Pole Bending. Please consult the rule book for additional information.

For those not yet ready to ride on their own, there is a Leadline class for youth ages 8 & under!

Team Tournament

Each year at the IBHA World Show, charter clubs are invited to send a Youth Team to represent them and participate in the Youth Team Tournament and Stall Decorating contest. Youth Teams participate in the Grand Entry at the official start of the World Show (as pictured below), and each exhibitor earns points for their team in the Youth Activity or Youth Walk-Trot classes they have entered. It is a great way to have some friendly competition while making new friends!

Stall Decorating Contest

Youth Teams also have the opportunity to participate in a Stall Decorating contest at the World Show!

Decorating is to be centered around a pre-determined theme that is chosen annually at the National Convention. 2020's theme was "Party Like a Rock Star! Buckskins Rock" and below are photos from each of the four competing teams.

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