For Nicole Kuklinski, Josie Miller, Olivia Prinsen, Sophia Hoskins and Ishaia Lustila, just getting to the Congress is a victory. They will represent the Upper Peninsula Quarter Horse Association, which encompasses the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in the National Youth Activity Team Tournament on October 17.

Their road to the Congress began in February at the association’s annual banquet. That’s when the team’s first fundraiser for the 2010 Congress Youth Team took place. “We have about 60 members who attend our banquet each year, and each member of our youth team brings a basket that we auction off, “ said Zoe Miller, the team’s advisor. “The girls worked really hard all summer having fundraisers to raise the money for their team outfits, entry and stall fees.”

Team members worked the gates and handed out ribbons and two of the association’s circuits. They held cookouts at the shows and held a bean bag toss tournament. “One of our more popular fundraisers has been our Dog Showmanship class, which has been a real hit,” Miller said.

UPQHA held four qualifying shows to select its team members, which were held at Escanaba, Michigan. “Our shows aren’t real huge in the Upper Peninsula. We know that we’re not the biggest team here, but we’re having fun,” said Nicole Kuklinski.

The five girls will compete in six events in the contest. Since teams can include up to two exhibitors in each class, which includes Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Reining and Barrel Racing events for a total of twelve team members maximum, the UPQHA team is one of the smaller teams in the contest.

The top ten placing individuals in each event receive points toward a team total, with the top ten teams recognized at an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the contest.

A total of 70 teams are competing in the 2010 NYATT tournament. The National Youth Activity Team Tournament has been held since the second All American Quarter Horse Congress in 1968.