The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) has announced that the 2026 Youth Judging Contest will be held Friday, April 17, at Cooper Steel Arena on the Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
This year’s contest will once again feature a Skillathon, offering youth participants the opportunity to test their equine knowledge through a variety of interactive educational stations.
Participants will be divided into Junior and Senior divisions and will judge both conformation and performance classes. Youth ages 10 to 18 are eligible to compete as individuals and/or as part of a team for scholarships and prizes totaling $10,000. Scholarships are sponsored by TWHBEA and The Celebration.
As in previous years, participants will be invited to attend The Celebration in August, where contest winners will be recognized in center ring. The winning Junior and Senior teams will also have the unique opportunity to guest judge a class at The Celebration.
The entry deadline is Friday, April 10, 2026. Entry forms are available online at www.TWHBEA.com/youth/programs.
For more information, contact TWHBEA at 931-359-1574 or email programs@twhbea.com.
