APHA hosts Youth Team Tournament

FORT WORTH, Texas—For the past several years, the American Paint Horse Association has hosted a Youth Team Tournament for its junior members. Held June 26-30 at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center, this year's tournament will take place during the first five days of the 2000 World Championship Paint Horse Show.

Intended as a creative and fun way for APHA youth to compete both on and off their horses, the tournament features four team-oriented events: Hippology, Parade of Teams, Talent Contest and Performance Classes. However, teams are not required to compete in all four divisions.

The Hippology competition kicks off the tournament with youth vying for points in equine science quizzes. One entry per team, consisting of three to four members, is allowed. Participants will each have two minutes to answer equine-related questions at five "knowledge stations." With participation and team points up for grabs, youth won't want to miss this competition.

The Parade of Teams, held the evening of June 28, is a chance for the teams' creativity to shine through. All members of a team can compete in a two-minute presentation displaying the team name and the state represented. Originality, creativity and enthusiasm are the three criteria on which the team will be judged.

On June 29, the APHA hosts the Talent Contest. One entry, consisting of four or more members, per team is allowed. Entertainment is the key to this division; singing, dancing and performing skits are only a few of the ways teams can rack up points.