International flavor will surround the 2014 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show with the inclusion of the AjPHA Youth World Games.
Held biennially in conjunction with the premier Youth Paint show, the Youth World Games brings together some of the best young riders from around the world for an unforgettable showdown. This year marks the sixth time the event has taken place at the Youth World Show.
“This event is such an amazing opportunity for the Youth of our association to get to know their peers from around the world,” Director of Youth and Amateur Activities Shelly deBarbanson said. “The friendly competition is a great addition to the Youth World Show and, for many of our international competitors, the highlight of their year.”
Teams from Germany, Australia, Holland, Canada and the United States are confirmed to compete in this year’s games. Youth World Championship Show takes place June 27–July 5 in Fort Worth, Texas; World Games activities and competition take place during that time.
How it Works
Countries select teams of four riders and an alternate to compete in the Youth World Games. Representatives from each team compete in horsemanship, hunt-seat equitation, showmanship and trail. Volunteer horses are drawn at random and riders have only 30-40 minutes to become acquainted with their mount before competing in their respective class.
Pre-Class Preparation
International teams will be paired with volunteer host barns and practice horses; the international competitors will practice their respective events alongside riders from their host barn. Teams will also enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of the numerous fun activities available at the Youth World Show.
Stellar Support
The Youth World Games would not be possible without the generous help of volunteers, host barns and sponsors.
“We’re off to a great start on collecting sponsorships for the Youth World Games, thanks to the incredible help of Team USA Manager Pat Trebesch,” Shelly said. “We’d like to thank the generous sponsors who have already contributed to this excellent opportunity for AjPHA members from around the globe to experience the Youth World Show.”
Special thanks to the following Youth World Games sponsors:
· Ron & Nancy Shelly
· MM Show Horses
· Robert & Mary Parrott
· Diane Paris
· Karen Kennedy
· Daranne Folino
· Jim & Elaine Baker
· Simons Show Horses
· Gralla Farms
· Maggie Griffin
Interested in supporting the Youth World Games and our international AjPHA members? Many opportunities to get involved with this exciting event are available. Email Shelly deBarbanson for more information.
##
[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]