2005 AQHYA World Show Sees Jump in National Qualifiers
Amarillo, Texas – The American Quarter Horse Youth Association is excited to announce an increase in national qualifiers for the 2005 AQHYA World Championship Show.
The Youth World Show, held August 6-13, is the largest single-breed horse show in the world devoted exclusively to youth. This year 1,143 AQHYA members have qualified nationally to compete in Fort Worth, Texas. The Youth World is the pinnacle event for AQHYA members, and contestants are drawn from across the globe to compete for 32 world championship titles.
Youth can qualify for the world show either nationally or through the state they represent. To qualify nationally, exhibitors must earn a specified number of points in their event of interest by competing in qualifying shows throughout the year. Points are assigned to competitors based on their placing in each class.
The second way for AQHYA members to qualify is through involvement in their state affiliates. Each state has its own criteria that members must meet. Youth can earn their way to Fort Worth by participating in fundraisers and leadership activities, as well as showing.
There has been an increase in national qualifiers in more than half of the 30 classes offered. The hunter under saddle, working hunter, hunter hack and equitation over fences classes have seen the most dramatic jumps in numbers, averaging about 14 more national qualifiers per class than last year.
One of the main goals of AQHYA is to increase the participation of youth in horse activities. These numbers show that participation and interest in the American Quarter Horse continue to rise.
“Through participation in AQHYA, youth are making an investment in their future and ensuring a future for the American Quarter Horse,” said Christy Bramwell, AQHA Senior Manager of Youth Activities.
AQHYA boasts a membership of more than 30,000 young people, including members from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. AQHYA is the largest, single-breed youth association in the world and provides a variety of programs to youth 18-and-under which encourage participation with the American Quarter Horse breed.
For additional information on AQHYA and the Youth World, contact AQHYA at (806) 376-4811 or visit
www.aqhya.com.
