“As youth of our nation and our Association, we sometimes feel as if our voice is not heard or that we don’t have an opportunity to express our opinion,” said Hynes. “Even though many of us are very educated in issues that face our industry, we sit in the back, not expressing our knowledge to anyone. While in Washington, I was given the chance to do the exact opposite.”

“Sportsmanship means that you win and lose graciously and are never mean to other contenders, even if you feel they’ve done better than you. You still need to be nice to them and congratulate them,” Amanda said. “If someone has a bad run, pick out the positives for them and let them know that sometimes things happen. There’s always next time—it’s just a horse show.”

Wondering when you will enter the pen in Oklahoma City to make your bid for an AQHA Youth World Championship title?
Check out the working orders for the 2016 AQHA Youth World Show.

Last year, Sport Illustrated reported findings from a study done by the Sport and Fitness Industry Association that amid concerns of an emphasis on sport specialization, more kids than ever in the United States are not playing sports at all. It was reported that inactivity among children approached 20 percent in 2014, continuing a six-year decline. The study cites the pressure on parents to place their kids on competitive teams, invest in expert coaching and skill development, as well as the cost required for serious programs to compete against one another, which has made youth sports a lucrative industry.

Rick McLain and Alison Umberger have been named as candidates for the Executive Committee’s sixth committee member spot by the EC Nominating Committee. They were among four candidates recently interviewed by the nominating committee.

When Ford Youth World exhibitors ride in the reining prelims, they will be riding for their spot in the class’ finals and for a gold medal in the team competition. The concept of individual and team competition at the Ford Youth World mimics the style of an FEI-level reining event.

Some of the highlights for the upcoming show:

– Current stall count at almost 600
– PQHA will host AQHA’s Director of Shows, Patti Carter, and offer “Pizza with Patti” on Wednesday evening July 13th. Exhibitors will receive free pizza and have the opportunity to meet Patti and ask questions about AQHA
– Offering exhibitors over $30,000
– Cash awards and exhibitor prizes
– Free coffee, donuts and water each day of the show, plus a free food treat each day
– Random drawings for great prizes, including the 5 o’clock somewhere drawing
– Added money classes
– Food coupons for local restaurants
– Circuit awards, High Point awards and many more benefits.

Six young riders made big strides at the 2016 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show, taking home big titles along the way for jobs well done. We’re so proud of all of our exhibitors—entries were up more than 7.5% overall this year! Meet our 2016 Youth all-around and high-point winners:

Novice Youth and Youth Walk-Trot continue to sport the biggest entry increases, and Youth Solid Paint-Bred entries are seeing growth this year, too. More than $165,000 in scholarships, available in every world championship class, and a flux of first-timers are part of the reason the Youth World Show is growing in 2016.