Youth Classic Cart Series

History

The Youth Classic Cart Series was established in the 2019-2020 season, becoming the third additional division introduced to the NASHHCS. It was established with the intent of involving the Youth of our industry and creating an opportunity for scholarships to be granted to participants continuing their education.

In 2024 the Youth Classic Cart Series began tracking points by region for our Youth members, extending an invitation to the top 5 (five) point earners from each region to compete at the World Finals.

In the 2026-2027 Season, the Youth Classic Cart Series began tracking points in three age divisions: Peewee, Junior and Senior, allowing the Junior and Seniors will compete separately at the World Finals,

About

The Youth Cart Division introduces the next generation to the tradition, skill, and dedication of the draft horse industry while providing young exhibitors the opportunity to develop confidence, horsemanship, and a passion for competition.

Membership

Membership in the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series may be held by any individual, firm, or partnership, who is interested in the promotion of the draft horse and the competitive showing of draft horses.

1. A one-time (youth lifetime) registration and fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) is required before any points are awarded to the exhibitor.
2. Non-members may compete, but no points will be awarded.
3. The Youth Cart Division points will be tracked:
   • Peewee: up to 8 years old
   • Juniors: 9-14 years old
   • Seniors: 15-18 years old
4. This fee allows youth to compete in the Youth Cart and Youth Classic Riding Divisions

Age Divisions

Points for the Youth Classic Cart will be tracked according to these age divisions and the Youth members age, as of January 1 of the competition year. Regardless of the show rules and age groups, the Classic Series will track points based on these ages:

• Peewee: 8 and Under
• Junior: 9-14
• Senior: 15-18

* Youth members will age out of the Youth Classic Cart Series at the end of the competition season in which they are 18 on January 1st of the calendar year.

Rules

1. Participation in the Youth Cart does not require the participant to have a Youth Cart membership. Points will be tracked only for exhibitors with a Youth Cart paid registration.
2. Points for the Youth Classic Cart will be tracked according to these age divisions, regardless of the show rules and age groups:
   • Peewee: 8 and Under
   • Junior: 9-14
   • Senior: 15-18
3. A Youth Cart member’s age is determined as of January 1 of the competition year.
4. Youth members will age out of the Youth Cart at the end of the competition season in which they turn 18.

Show Rules

1. The show must register with the NASHHCS and follow the Qualifying Show guidelines.
2. There is no minimum premium amount required for Youth Cart classes.
3. Youth Cart exhibitors are not required to be registered members of the Youth Cart Division to compete in Youth Cart classes; however, points will only be awarded to paid members of the Youth Cart Division.
4. A Youth Cart show does not have to offer a Six-Horse Hitch, Classic Cart, Classic Halter or Classic Riding class in conjunction with its Youth Cart class.
5. Only one set of points will be awarded to each Youth Cart class
6. Youth Cart members will follow the existing rules and age groups set forth by the show to participate in classes for points, including Senior, Junior, and Peewee.
7. The class must be a draft breed class including Clydesdales, Shires, Belgians, or Percherons.
8. For points to be awarded, shows must register all Youth Cart classes with NASHHCS and list each Youth Cart class, including Senior, Junior, and Peewee, on their registration.
9. The show must accept all entries from Youth Cart members and place the Youth Cart class top to bottom, assigning placing and points to each entry.
10. At the completion of the show, the show must submit results online through NASHHCS website listing the places of every youth exhibitor in the class by membership name or number.
11. Submit results within 10 days of the conclusion of the show.
12. The Youth Cart will follow the same competition season as all other divisions of NASHHCS, ending Labor Day.

World Finals

Youth Cart requirements to Compete at the Classic Series Finals

1. The top 4 (four) Juniors and the top 4 (four) Seniors in each of the Western, Central, and Eastern regions will be eligible to compete at the Classic Series Finals.
2. Peewees (8 and Under) are not eligible to compete at the Classic Series Finals.
3. In the event an eligible participant declines, the next-highest overall point earner will become eligible (this selection is not region-specific) until 12 positions are filled.