Seven Youth Attended the AQHA Meetings and Challenge Championship Races through Youth Racing Experience

Seven American Quarter Horse Youth Association members selected for the 2026 AQHA Youth Racing Experience gained a closer look at the racing industry while attending AQHA meetings Friday and the AQHA Racing Challenge Championships Saturday at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Held October 15–18, the national program combined practical experience with educational opportunities, introducing young people to the daily responsibilities and career opportunities within American Quarter Horse racing.

This year’s selected participants were Gretchen Wynthein of Fishtail, Montana; Lainey Kate Barker of Shallowater, Texas; Madison Fletcher of Cedar City, Utah; Madison Jaynes of Belton, Texas; Megan Waugh of Fort McMurray, Alberta; Molly Tibbits of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Savannah Hanson of Pikeville, Tennessee.

The participants attended AQHA meetings Friday, October 16, gaining exposure to the discussions and committee work that help guide the industry. They returned Saturday, October 17, for the AQHA Racing Challenge Championships, where five championship races brought together regional qualifiers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The group also gathered for a photographs at the racetrack with several AQHA members, including CEO Dave Dellin, First Vice President Jim Brinkman, Chief Racing Officer Janet Van Bebber, and AQHA member Ross Roark.

Selected youth receive an all-expenses-paid trip through the program, which pairs participants with professional racehorse trainers to learn about daily life in a racing barn. The experience allows youth to build on knowledge gained through a regional racing program or take their first steps into the industry.

Educational sessions cover racetrack operations and careers, including the work of stewards and announcers, starting-gate crews, jockeys and test-barn personnel. Attendance at an AQHA Racing Committee meeting also introduces participants to the association’s role in the sport.

Along with the educational and practical components, participants competed for cash awards.

For more information about the AQHA Youth Racing Experience, visit AQHA.com/youth-racing-experience.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news.

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