The 2020 AjPHA Youth World Games are headed back to Europe! In its second time being held internationally, the event will take place in Kreuth, Germany, in late August 2020, in conjunction with the 2020 European Paint Horse Championships.
The biennial Youth World Games invites all countries to bring teams of four exhibitors and an alternate to compete in showmanship, Western horsemanship, hunt-seat equitation and ranch riding. Exhibitors will be assigned randomly selected mounts, and must show off their horsemanship abilities in the show pen after only a brief warm-up session.
“In 2016, this event drew a record amount of participation with 14 teams representing 16 countries. We had more than 35 horses graciously donated for use in the Youth World Games classes. We are excited to see continued development and expansion of this unique competition,” Director of Youth Activities & APHA Events Christine Henry Gillett said. “Additionally, we are very appreciative for the support and guidance from Paint Horse Club Germany, specifically Isabell Weber-Elsner and Andreas Barrenberg. Without their help and support, this event would not be possible.”
While the Youth World Games’ main feature is world-class competition, the event also cultivates building relationships with fun and educational activities like a “YWG: Ride the Pattern” clinic hosted by APHA Sr. Director of Shows, Education & Judges David Dellin, a welcome reception, AjPHA activities including an AjPHA business meeting and a group team-building activity, plus planned day trips for competing teams and supporters. A daily schedule will be released upon finalization.
Enter, Compete, Win!
The deadline to enter a team for the Youth World Games is March 1, 2020. The team entry form and $100 entry fee must be received in the APHA office by that date. Entry forms will be released at a later date.
A country may enter one team composed of four exhibitors, an alternate exhibitor and a coach. All team members must be AjPHA members in a good standing and citizens of the country they are representing. Teams are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Each country sets their own requirements regarding team selection. In the event a country cannot assemble a full team, adjacent countries may combine to form a team.
New for 2020, teams will be responsible for helping APHA gather donated horses to cover mounts needed for the competition. Since each team will have one exhibitor in each class, they will be responsible for securing a donated horse(s) for each class.
Support the Youth World Games!
Interested in supporting the 2020 Youth World Games with a cash or in-kind awards sponsorship?
Contact Irene Stamatelakys at [email protected].
The 2020 AjPHA Youth World Games promises to be a truly unique and unforgettable experience for all AjPHA members involved. For more information, contact Director of International Membership Irene Stamatelakys at [email protected].