Maritime Quarter Horse Youth Association

MQHYA offers activities for youth 18 and under throughout the year such as team tournaments and other fun events.

​Learn more about the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Youth Association.

MQHYA Ralph Gillis Memorial Bursary

For over 40 years Ralph called Bar Ditch Farms his home. The farm quickly grew into one of the largest boarding, breeding, training, and coaching facilities in Cape Breton leaving Ralph with lifelong friends and extended family. The jokes and stories he told will live on forever, as well as our memories of a great horseman who helped shape our local community and riders.

Click here for 2026 Bursary Information!

For the full application form contact Jeremy Hoyt, [email protected]

​Want to be an MQHYA member?
Fill out application form:

Membership Form

2026 Important Dates

♘April 18 & 19 - Youth Clinic Weekend 
♘ April 30 - AQHA Travel Grants for the YES Seminar Due
♘ May 2 & 3 - MQHA Equine Review 
♘May 15 - AQHYA ASPIRE Award Applications Due
♘ June 1 - AQHYA Office & Director Application Due
♘ June 27 - July 1  - MQHA Canada Day Classic (Youth Team Tournament and a Youth Meeting, see show booklet for more information) 
♘July 8 - 10 - AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar
♘ July 30 - August 3  - MQHA Summer Sizzler (Barn Olympics, see show booklet for more information)
​♘July 29 - August 9 - AQHYA World Championship Show
♘ August 15 - Deadline for Congress entries 
♘ November - MQHA Annual Banquet

Helpful Links

Interested in participating in the NYATT at the congress?  Read more

AQHA Youth and Young Adult Overview
CQHA Youth Programs and Opportunities
Youth in the Industry: How Young Exhibitors are Supporting their Horse Showing Habits
Sacrifices Successful Exhibitors Make to Get to the Top…and Stay There
We Ask The Industry: What Has Been Your Favorite Moment in Your Youth Career?​
AQHYA Affiliate Resources: Leaderships Skills in Action




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