Youth Performance Event
Demonstrating training, handling, and alpaca partnership through obstacle and showmanship classes.
Event Date
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Event Time
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Judges
Wade Gease & Diana Timmerman
Registration Deadline
January 20, 2026
Youth Performance participants will need to check in on Friday, February 13, 2026 between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Check with your child's school now to see if this will be an excused absence. Some schools will give an excused absence for FFA / 4H competitions with a note from your child's FFA / 4H Director.
Competition Preparation
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AOA guidelines and show rules will be followed throughout
the show. Please download the AOA Show Handbook and review
the performance section.
AOA SHOW HANDBOOK - Prepare yourself and your alpaca by practicing.
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Not sure how to train your alpaca for the obstacles?
Visit the TXOLAN Sweetheart Spectacular Youth Connection
Facebook page:
Facebook Group
Videos available include:
- Proper halter fit
- Correctly walking your alpaca for performance competitions
- Training your alpaca to jump
- Training for maneuverability and flexibility
- Training your alpaca for teeter board
- Training your alpaca to maneuver through a limbo bar and narrow obstacles
- Teaching your alpaca change of pace
- Training your alpaca to go over a bridge
- Training your alpaca to back
- How to tie a quick release / safety knot
These videos cover all required obstacles and skills to help participants prepare for performance competitions.
Hope to see you there.
A Four Part Show
- Showmanship – Emphasis on handler’s show abilities
- Obstacle – Demonstrates the alpaca’s ability and willingness to accept training
- Public Relations – Demonstrates the alpaca’s and handler’s ability to handle day-to-day obstacles
- Costume Class
Additionally, there will be a Youth Alpaca Judging workshop and exhibition.
Show Fees
Performance entry fee: $20. (One fee per exhibitor. Exhibitors may enter multiple classes.)
Non-AOA member fee does not apply to Youth Performance. This fee applies to non-member adults only.
Showmanship / Performance Awards
- 1st through 6th place ribbons awarded, depending on number of entries
- Versatility ribbons
- Participation ribbons for all remaining competitors
Show Rules
- Online registration must be completed.
- Alpacas must be registered with ARI. No pending ARI registration papers accepted.
- Entries must include a copy of the ARI Certificate, Buyer’s Permission to Show (if applicable), completed registration, and full registration fees.
- Entries must be registered online by January 20, 2026.
- Veterinary documents required for entry.
- Owner must submit a copy of the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate), including ARI number, alpaca name, microchip number, and negative BVD results.
- All alpacas must show proof of a negative PCR or VI (prior to 1/1/2010) test for BVD.
- Halter Show Class Divisions 501 to 510 are optional and require entry in Age-Color-Gender-Breed Halter class.
- Exhibitors may enter only three alpacas per breed type, gender, age division, and color designation.
- Classes may be divided or combined according to AOA show rules.
- Color designation refers to the ARI Color Chart. Actual fiber color at the skin line must be used.
Mandatory Exhibitor Disclosure (completed online during registration)
Under AOA Show Division Handbook Rules, certain alpacas and exhibitors are disqualified if a business or financial relationship exists between them and an AOA Certified Judge.
Each year, judges must disclose exhibitors and alpacas that cannot be shown in their ring at AOA Certified shows.
Starting in 2007, exhibitors must also disclose business and financial relationships with judges and acknowledge animals that cannot be shown under specific judges.