Youth Programs and Opportunities
Youth World Cup
A major initiative of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is coordinating and supporting Team Canada at the biennial American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Cup competition. The Youth World Cup is an educational and leadership-focused event that brings together youth from around the world to showcase their horsemanship skills in a positive and friendly, competitive environment.
Each participating country may select up to five competing riders, two alternate riders, and three non-competing youth leadership members.
The host country provides a pool of horses with varying ability levels, grouped into lots of five horses each. During the opening ceremonies, participating teams draw to determine their assigned horse group.
Teams then assign riders to compete in classes, including:
- Western Horsemanship
- Western Pleasure
- Western Riding
- Hunter Under Saddle
- Hunt Seat Equitation
- Showmanship
- Trail
- Reining
- Cutting
Points earned in each class are combined to determine the final team standings. Two sets of medals are awarded each day based on the judges’ scores.
Funding for Team Canada travel expenses is shared through support from AQHA, the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, provincial and regional Quarter Horse associations, corporate and individual sponsors, and participating team families.
Awards for Youth
In 2019, the Canadian Quarter Horse Association introduced a series of awards recognizing outstanding members of the national Quarter Horse community. Two awards are specifically dedicated to youth members, with both a winner and runner-up selected in each category.
Canadian AQHA Youth of The Year
This award recognizes youth who are actively involved and engaged with AQHA programs and activities.
Nomination Requirements
- Must hold an AQHA membership for a minimum of one year
- Must demonstrate involvement in AQHA youth programs
- Preference is given to youth who volunteer their time to promote AQHA initiatives and activities
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes youth who may not already be involved with AQHA but have shown exceptional potential as future horse industry leaders and professionals.
Nomination Requirements
- Youth applicants must be between the ages of 10–17
- Must demonstrate commitment to the equine industry through agricultural or horse-related programs and activities
- Participation examples may include clinics, 4-H, Pony Club, rodeo, training programs, or educational horsemanship activities
- Applicants must provide two references verifying their involvement and qualifications
- Preference is given to youth who do not currently hold an AQHA membership
The winner receives a complimentary one-year AQHA Youth Membership, including AQHA youth welcome materials and promotional items, in addition to the award presented for this category.
Scholarships
The Canadian Quarter Horse Association encourages Canadian youth to continue their education and supports scholarship opportunities that help students achieve their academic and career goals. Preference is given to eligible full-time post-secondary students who are Canadian residents studying at Canadian colleges or universities.
The Shannon Burwash Memorial Awards for Equine and Agricultural Studies
In May 2014, Dr. Wayne Burwash established the Shannon Burwash Memorial Award for Equine and Agricultural Studies through The Calgary Foundation to honour Shannon Burwash’s passion for horses and her lasting contribution to the equine industry.
Since the program began, scholarship applications have consistently exceeded the available funding, while the cost of higher education continues to rise. Scholarship support remains one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future of the equine and agricultural industries.
Rather than being spent directly, donations to the scholarship fund generate interest income that is used to provide annual scholarship awards. This support helps deserving students pursue post-secondary education while developing into future leaders within the horse industry.
This scholarship program has continued to honour Shannon Burwash’s legacy since her passing in 2013. By 2019, the fund successfully reached its original goal of $125,000 and continues to welcome additional donations to help increase the number of scholarships awarded each year.
Dr. Wayne Burwash also demonstrated a personal commitment to the initiative by matching donor contributions up to $62,500. The Canadian Quarter Horse Association greatly appreciates the generosity and ongoing support of all donors who have contributed to the program’s success.
Supporting the Future of the Horse Industry
Shannon Burwash was a respected leader and passionate supporter of the Canadian horse industry. In her honour, scholarships continue to be awarded to deserving students pursuing post-secondary education while remaining actively involved in the equine industry and community.