Team USA crowned overall champions in the 2024 Youth World Games
Team USA rode to victory at the 2024 Youth World Games on June 26 at the APHA World Championship Show. In this every-other-year competition, Youth exhibitors from around the world team up in friendly competition for personal awards and team accomplishments.
“It’s amazing,” Team USA said collectively, after winning the Youth World Games.
“We got to experience a bunch of new cultures that we wouldn’t have seen, and they got to see this World Show, which is amazing,” Team USA’s Mia Pedrick elaborated.
This year, 36 exhibitors from 12 countries traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, to compete in this premier competition. Exhibitors hailed from Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and Japan.
“I’m having an unreal time,” Team United Kingdom’s Jessica Dunlop said. “It’s been great fun supporting the team up in the stands and riding here.”
Exhibitors were paired with talented Paint Horses donated for use in this special event. Exhibitors randomly selected their mounts and practiced just once before their events.
“All of the horses were super nice,” said Saskia Moeskops, team coach from The Netherlands. “We could not have wished for any better horses for the five riders I brought.”
Team members showed in ranch riding, hunt-seat equitation, showmanship and Western horsemanship. Individual class results, and overall team placings were compiled. After four days of rigorous competition, Team USA clinched the top spot.
Congratulations to all of our Youth World Game participants!
Youth World Games Overall Team Results
Champion Team: Team USA
- Mia Pendrick
- Makenna Noon
- Izzy Hostetler
- Awbrey Alvarado
- Peytyn Goodin
Reserve Champion Team: Team France
- Clara Lasbleiz
- Maeva Tridon
- Shawna Tartarin Bony
3rd Place: Team Netherlands
4th Place: Team Canada
5th Place: Team Ireland
6th Place: Team Germany
7th Place: Team United Kingdom
8th Place: Team Scandinavia
9th Place: Team China
Sportsmanship Award: Nissa Claesen of Belgium
Most Valuable Paint: Just Enuff Shine
Article by Alison Chaney
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The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.