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.

Bursary Letter

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

Membership Form

2024 Important Dates

♘ February 15 2024 - Start of Qualification for AQHYA World Show 
♘ March 1 2024 - AQHYA Affiliate Information Form Deadline 
♘ May 4 & 5 2024 - MQHA Equine Review 
♘ May 15 2024 - Registration due for Youth Excellence Seminar 
♘ June 1 2024 - The Shannon Burwash Memorial Awards for Equine and Agricultural Studies Scholarship 
♘ June 1 2024 - AQHYA Officer and Director Candidate Speeches and Workbook Deadline 
♘ June 28 - July 1 2024 - MQHA Canada Day Classic
♘ ​June 29 2024 - AQHYA World Show Entry Deadline to AQHA 
♘ July 1 2024 - Wrangler Youth Leader of the Year Nomination Deadline 
♘ July 9 – 11 2024 - AQHA Youth Excellence Seminar 
♘ July 31 - August 11 2024 - AQHYA World Championship Show - Oklahoma City
♘ August 2 - 5 2024 - MQHA Summer Sizzler 
♘ August 25 2024 - Entry Deadline for the 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress 
♘ August 30 - 31 2024 - MPHC Southern New Brunswick Show
♘ September 1 - 2 2024 - MQHA Fall Classic
♘ September 29 - Oct 27 2024 - All American Quarter Horse Congress - Columbus, OH 
♘ November 16 2024 -MQHA Annual Banquet
♘ December 31 2024​ - AQHLead Application Deadline 
♘ Canadian AQHA Youth of the Year
♘ Canadian Youth Rising Star Award

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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