Equestrian Youth Opportunities at the NWSS
Equestrian Management Apprentice
The Equestrian Management Apprentice program provides professional, hands-on experience to equestrians and involves them in the networking and educational opportunities of Stock Show while supporting the overall mission and activities. Details and applications will be available beginning August 1st with applications due September 30th.
2027 Equestrian Management Apprentice Specifications – available 8/1
Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup
Event Date: Saturday & Sunday, January 9-10, 2027 | Events Center, CINCH Arena
This event provides an opportunity for local equestrian youth to learn and compete during NWSS through relevant hands–on educational activities with their equine partner and top equine professionals. Details and applications will be available beginning August 1st with applications due October 31st.
2027 Mentor Matchup Specifications – available 8/1
Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase
Event Date: Sunday, January 10, 2027 | Events Center, CINCH Arena
This event provides local youth within the equine industry an opportunity to showcase their talents in freestyle reining and be recognized during a prestigious event at the National Western Stock Show. Selected youth will perform prior to the Invitational Freestyle Reining. Details and applications will be available beginning August 1st with applications due September 30th.
Interested youth must be between 14 – 21 years of age and will be selected based on the procedure for the Invitational Freestyle Reining. Youth will submit a completed application and a short video showing the horse/rider pair’s potential for a freestyle reining performance no later than September 30th. Riders must have a current NRHA membership card and horses must have a current NRHA license to be considered. Selections will be based on quality, talent, creativity and entertainment.
Selected Riders to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram
2027 Youth Freestyle Reining Specifications – available 8/1
Youth Equestrian Showcase (YES) Scholarship Program
The National Western Stock Show Youth Equestrian Showcase (Y.E.S.) scholarship program is intended to recognize and support our local equestrian youth and involve them in the educational opportunities of the NWSS. Details and applications will be available beginning August 1st with applications due September 30th.
2027 Equestrian Management Apprentice Specifications – available 8/1
Internship Opportunities
Stock Show College Internship Opportunity
The National Western offers internship positions in a multitude of areas. The Horse Show internship is a hands-on intense educational experience with the potential to build lifelong connections. These interns will be part of a strong team producing a world-class event and will spend time learning various aspects of the Horse Show. They will have direct contact with staff, exhibitors, and guests as well as production teams including announcers, producers, performers, and other staff.
Equine Event Internship
Spring-Summer (June-August)
Western National Roundup
Event Date: January 2027
Western National Roundup provides a place for youth to compete nationally while encouraging teamwork. This national youth development conference hosts 4-H & FFA youth from around North America and offers them workshops, networking, and fun in addition to national competitions. National Western proudly hosts the national horse judging and hippology contests.
Contact the Colorado 4-H State Office for more information.
