Horse Youth Programs

Equestrian Youth Opportunities at the NWSS

The Horse Show strives to support the National Western’s overall mission of supporting youth and education within our agricultural industry. We host several events and programs in a variety of areas for local youth to experience different parts of this premier horse show and earn scholarship money.

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.

Up to two participants will be selected each year to complete one 18-month term focusing on the operations of the annual NWSS by shadowing the staff and committees during the planning, decision, and execution phases. It is intended as an introduction to career and volunteer opportunities within the equine industry.

Selected individuals to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram

2026 Equestrian Management Apprentice Specifications

Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup

Event Date: Saturday & Sunday, January 10-11, 2026 | 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.

Mentor Matchup matches selected youth with industry professionals who act as their “coach” for the day. They will be given one-on-one practice time followed by a competition. A Champion and Reserve Champion will be named and awarded scholarship money of $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Up to 10 individuals, ages 14-21, will be selected to participate. Selections will be based on:

Horse and rider connection and potential
Desire to be involved in the equine industry
Professionalism
Humane and respectful treatment of all animals and individuals

Competition tasks will be determined once finalists are selected and may include: ranch trail obstacles, reining maneuvers and cattle work such as roping, boxing, sorting and/or fence work.

Selected Riders to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram

2026 Mentor Matchup Specifications

Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase

Event Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 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 30, 2025. 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

2026 Youth Freestyle Reining Specifications

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.

Up to six finalists will be selected to compete for Champion and Reserve Champion and over $3,000 in scholarship money.

Read the specifications carefully BEFORE submitting an application. By signing and submitting an application, you agree to all the specifications.

Selected individuals to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram

2026 Equestrian Management Apprentice Specifications

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)

This internship will provide students an opportunity to be immersed in event planning through various tasks preparing for the annual NWSS Horse Show as well as third-party managed equestrian events hosted at the National Western Complex throughout the year (Complex Events).

Applicants may receive credit through their school, university or institution. This internship is unpaid. The target date to complete hours is between June 1st to August 30th with flexibility. Applications have closed for summer 2025.

For more information or to apply for the winter NWSS Internships, check out: Internship Program.

Western National Roundup

Event Date: January 2026

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.

Equestrian Youth Opportunities at the NWSS

Equestrian Management Apprentice

Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup

Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase

Youth Equestrian Showcase (YES) Scholarship Program

Internship Opportunities

Stock Show College Internship Opportunity

Equine Event Internship

Western National Roundup

Tickets are now on sale

Grounds Admission

Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza

Invitational Ranch Rodeo

Performance Horse Showdown

Colorado vs. the World Rodeo

Invitational Freestyle Reining

PBR Bull Riding

Pro Rodeos

Monarch Casino Gambler’s Choice