The following teams are at this point in time planning to participate at the Youth World Cup 2012:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Switzerland
- USA
Team Austria
Sara Maier
14-year-old Sara comes from Wolkersdorf/Weinviertel. She grew up with horses getting her first horse when she was six. In 2008, she passed the Western Riding Certificate. Since autumn 2009, Sara has been showing her two horses Antarglow and Spirit successfully winning the 2010 AQHA Youth Cup. In August 2010, she lined up with the European Championship in Kreuth and won 3 times bronze in the disciplines Trail, Western Pleasure and Reining. In 2009, she was AQHA European Champion Reining with Antarglow (Ronie). In 2011, she claimed silver in Trail at the European Championships and silver in Reining at the Austrian Championship. Also she won the Trail, Reining and Western Pleasure and became All around Champion in Sommerein. “It is my first YWC,” she says. “I’m so proud to represent Austria at this prestigious event!”
Rene Brieger
18-year-old René Brieger comes from Zell am Moos at the Irrsee. He has been showing successfully since he was 13. With his two horses Shesa KC Leaguer and Marlanas Hot Krymsun, René was three times Reserve European Champion and multiple Austrian Champion. He also received the Superior Trail Youth. René already competed in the 2010 AQHA YWCi. “We had so muxch fun,” he said. “I met a lot of new friends, and I’m really looking forward to Kreuth now!”
Lisa Schlatter
18-year-old Lisa Schlatter started riding when she was four. With her mare Magic Peggy Sue and with the help of Andre Reiter Meier, she showed in various Championships becoming a multiple All Around Champion in Amateur Youth and Open, multiple Champion of Tirol Western Pleasure Youth and All Around soas well as Austrian Champion Reining Youth. With Reno Jetset Aintblue Lisa won the Longe Line Celebration and the NSBA European Championship Longe Line Non Pro and placed third in Longe Line Open. In 2011, Anne Marie Brieger started Reno Jetset Aintblue under the saddle, and Lisa placed fourth in the Youth Cup and became Reserve Austrian Champion in Youth Trail, Futurity Trail and Pleasure Cup.
Jennifer Schranz
With her 13 years, Jennifer is the youngest of the Austrian team.Her family lives in Unterwaltersdorf near Vienna and have been dedicated breeders of the American Quarter Horse for years now. Jennifer first started with reining. She trained with Vern Sapergia and Sylvia Rzepka and won several Youth shows in 2008. When her sister Marie came back from the 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup in Canada and was so enthusiastic about the all around classes, Jennifer started with Pleasure, Horsemanship, Western Riding, Showmanship, Trail and Hunter. Later on, she trained with Nina Leiner and Mark Schaffer. In 2010, she was AQHA European Champion Horsemanship Youth. She continued showing successfully in All around, especially after she got her grey Smooth Walking Terms (Gold in Western Pleasure at the Austrian Championship, Austrian High Point Youth Showmanship, Res. European Champion Horsemanship). Her latest success was the 2012 Golden Series Western Pleasure Champion in Weikersdorf.
Janine Petschnig
Janine is 17 years old and comes from Vienna. It is her first AQHA Youth World Cup. Her favourite disciplines are Reining and Trail. She’s been showing her two horses Dry Dust City and New Jack Attack successfully during the last years. Her biggest successes in terms of riding so far were the Austrian Young Rider Reining Championship and the Austrian Open Trail Championship, High Point Horse Austria Trail Youth and the Austrian QHA Trail Cup Youth and Open, as well as the Austrian QHA Championship in Trail Youth and several winnings in NRHA Y, Rookie and Lim.Non Pro classes.
Sophie Bauernfried
For 17-year-old Sophie Bauernfried who comes from Dietmanns, it’s the first AQHA Youth World Cup as well. She started riding western in her aunt’s training stable when she was eleven. Her favourite disciplines are Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Trail, Hunter and Western Riding.
For team bios with photos click here: YWC Team AUSTRIA
Team Canada
Joannie Backes Joannie, an 18-year-old from Carlsbad Springs, Ontario, started showing horses when she was just five. She has had the advantage of riding a wide variety of young horses, many of which were raised by her family. She has also had the fortune of showing numerous Quarter Horses in many events since 2007. Over the past couple of years, Joannie has achieved awards
including being a semi-finalist and a finalist at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, numerous regional top ten finishes, earning an OQHA Supreme Championship, earning her AQHA Youth Championship, and receiving many AQHA , OQHA and EOQHA year-end high point awards. When not in the show pen, Joannie is busy breaking and training horses that are being raised on her family farm. She has enjoyed volunteering with the Take a Horse to School program (in connection with
the Children’s Wish Foundation) and with her area Quarter Horse association. While enjoying activities such as hip hop dance, and swimming, her true passion is horses. Joannie looks forward to bringing her skills and experience to Team Canada as she rides for her country in Germany.
Quinn Brandt Quinn is a 15-year-old from Steinbach, Manitoba. She started riding lessons at the age of five and has been involved with horses ever since. Quinn became involved in 4-H at a young age and has since shown dressage and jumping and has grown to be a top competitor in the Quarter Horse circuits in the all-round events. Her skill in the show ring has been recognized with numerous open and youth Manitoba year end awards, winning the top Youth Exhibitor at the 2011 Manitoba 50/50 Futurity as well as being a Canadian National Champion and Reserve Champion.Quinn is active in her community. She enjoys a wide variety of sports including volleyball, basketball, badminton and ringette. When not competing in school sports, Quinn is often found volunteering for the other school teams or helping at one of the school sponsored volunteer events. Quinn has
also spent time volunteering with her local 4H and at events sponsored by her church. Quinn’s strong leadership skills and her dedication to all that she does makes Quinn an ideal member of Team Canada.
Carly Epp Carly is 18-years-old and from Caledon, Ontario. She has been riding since the age of six. By the age of ten, her parents bought her first horse and she staring competing at the open shows. Shortly after, Carly got her second horse when she was 14 years old and started competing competitively. In this short period of time, Carly has been very successful in competing in both English and Western events. Carly has placed in the top 10 at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, was tied for Ontario Rookie of the Year (2010) and received many reserve and champion area year-end awards. Carly’s horse showing success has carried over into other areas of her school life as well, where she has received many academic achievement awards. Carly has also found the time to volunteer by tutoring other students, participating in studies at The Hospital for Sick Children, assisting with school orientations, and helping out at Brownie Camps. Carly is looking forward to the experience of a lifetime: representing Team Canada at the 2012 Youth World Cup.
Rianna Storey Rianna returns to Team Canada for the 2012 Youth World Cup. She was a rider for Team Canada at the2010 Youth World Cup and successfully helped lead Canada to an impressive 6 th place overall, while proudly winning a silvermedal in the horsemanship class herself. Rianna is an 18-year- old from Cambridge, Ontario. She has been showing Quarter Horses for many years. She started in the lead-line classes as a young girl and has now developed into a competent, well-versed
horsewoman in many events. Rianna’s abilities in the show ring have led to many awards such as Congress Champion, Youth AQHA Supreme Champion, two-time Youth AQHA Performance Champion and three-time Provincial All-Round Champion. Some of her 2011 accomplishments include earning an AQHA Championship, earning four Superior Champion awards and qualifying for three events for the AQHA World Show. Outside the show ring, Rianna volunteers for her
provincial Quarter Horse Association. She has been a director for the Ontario Quarter Horse Youth Association and has been the vice-president since 2009. She also volunteers on a weekly basis at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre. Rianna looks forward to be competing in Germany and to being Team Canada’s biggest fan.
Haley Stradling Haley is an outgoing 15-year-old from Aldgergrove, British Columbia. She has been riding both English and Western all of her life and currently loves showing cutters and hunter/ jumpers. She has won many awards both in the hunter/jumper events and the cutting ring; including being the BCRCHA Junior Youth Champion for 2010, the 2010 AQHA Regional Cutting Junior Youth Champion, and most recently the BCQHA 2011 Youth Year End Champion. Her success in the cutting ring multiplies itself in the hunter/jumper ring. Haley also enjoys dancing, volleyball and basketball. She volunteers on a regular basis in numerous capacities. Haley is the one that is always there to lend a helping hand as she is the one to go the extra mile to help others out. One of Haley’s goals is to represent Canada at the 2012 AQHA Youth World Cup in Kreuth, Germany.Her
positive and caring attitude, compassion for others and her kind-heartedness has helped make this goal a reality.
Alternate Riders are:
Amanda Daly Amanda is a 15-year-old from Pritchard, British Columbia. She has been riding since she was in diapers and has become anaccomplished young rider. Amanda has experienced success in the AQHA all around events, as well as the cutting pen. This past year saw Amanda as the AQHA Region One Youth All Around Champion as well as the BCCHYA Youth Champion. When away from the Quarter Horse shows, Amanda keeps busy participating in school events. She has been on the school volleyball and basketball teams, as well as serving on her school council. She has also been an active member of her local 4-H for the past four years. Amanda is excited to use her leadership skills as she joins her teammates in representing Canada in the 2012 Youth World Cup.
Stefanie Lepp Stefanie is an 18-year-old from Rivers, Manitoba. She has been riding since she was five, starting with lessons on jumperponies, then riding with a reining trainer, and then participating in her local 4-H equine club. In 2007, Stefanie became involved showing at provincial Quarter Horse shows and has worked her way to becoming the young horsewoman she is today. Stefanie enjoyed instant success in the AQHA show pen and has earned herself numerous Manitoba year end awards, numerous circuit championships in Manitoba and Minnesota and multiple top ten placings at the Canadian Nationals. When not showing, Stefanie is continuing her studies as an accomplished pianist, working on her family farm, training dogs and volunteering with numerous animal clinics, a puppy daycare facility, and with her 4-H club. Stefanie is looking forward to bringing her skills to Team Canada and helping the team to do the best it can.
Youth Leadership Members are:
Laura Anne Berensci Laura Anne is a 15-year-old from Paris, Ontario. She has shown Quarter Horses for the last couple of years and has had the privilege of showing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Laura Anne’s favorite class to show is hunter under saddle but has also shown in all-round events in AQHA shows and in her area saddle club. She has also been on the Ontario Saddle Club Youth Team Tournament for the past four years and enjoys working and showing as a team. When not busy with her horse, Laura Anne attends Paris District High School where she is an active member of her students’ council. She has also volunteered for numerous school activities and is busy on the council of the Big Creek, Ancaster and Norfolk saddle club. Laura Anne looks forward to bringing her strong leadership skills and her determination and perseverance to her team as she represents Canada at the Youth World Cup.
Brittany Ruecker Brittany is an 18-year- old from Balcarres, Saskatchewan. She attended her first Quarter Horse show in 2006, entering the Grassroots classes. Although she has had the chance to ride many horses, it was not until 2008 that she was able to get her first Quarter Horse and has been showing it since. Brittany has won sportsmanship awards with SQHA, was highpoint Grassroots youth, SHF Heritage Circuit reserve champion in Western, champion in English, and was western and English champion in the Youth Equestrian Tournament Mane Meltdown. This is Brittany’s last year as a youth exhibitor, but it is only the beginning of her future endeavours. Brittany spends much of her “non-horse” time volunteering in her community. She helps out with the local 4-H club, plays piano and is a Ukrainian dancer; talents she enjoys using to help entertain the people at her town’s integrated Care Centre, she helps instruct young Ukrainian dancers, is part of her school student council, and is a referee for volleyball games. Brittany is thrilled to bring her skills and enthusiasm to Germany as Team Canada in such a prestigious event.
Megan Daly Eat, Dream, Ride describes Megan Daly. Megan is a 16 year old from Pritchard British Columbia. She has been riding all her life and loves to show. Megan grew up on a farm and has had the opportunity to ride many different horses: from minis to cutters and penners, to all round quarter horses. She loves to show cutting, English, jumping, reining, ranch sorting and cattle penning, trail, horsemanship, western pleasure and showmanship. Megan’s love for showing earned her a spot on the Pacific National Exhibition team and helped lead them become the champions in 2011. She was also won many awards at the AQHA Regional show, earned high point at her local 4-H shows and was the Reserve Youth Champion for both the BC Cutting Horse Association and the Interior Cutting horse Association. When not riding horses or working on her family farm, Megan enjoys taking dance classes and wrestling for her school team. She volunteers with her local 4-H club and at the hospital in the labour and delivery rooms. Megan is quick to offer a helping hand to those who need her. Team Canada welcomes Megan as a leader.
Della Cryderman Team Canada Coach Della Cryderman has been breeding, training and showing Quarter Horses for over thirty years and presently owns and operates a equine training facility. Her focus for Cryderman Training Stables is to prepare horses and their exhibitors for national and international competition. While the majority of the horse/rider combinations that she coaches show American Quarter Horse circuits, she also coaches several dressage and jumping horses/riders. Cryderman has travelled and shared her knowledge with riders who have committed to furthering their skills, and given many clinics ranging from first time riders to numerous youth and amateurs who became AQHA Superior Award winners, AQHA Champions, AQHA Versatility Champions, All-American Congress and AQHA World Show finalists. Cryderman’s daughter, Jessie Godin was a gold-medalist member of Team Canada while competing at the Youth World Cup hosted by Australia in 2004. Cryderman served as President of the Thunder Bay Quarter Horse Club for 15 years and as President of the North Superior Quarter Horse Council for 10 years.
Karen Westerback Team Canada Manager Karen Westerback has been involved with Quarter Horses for approximately 20 years and competes as an amateur on AQHA show circuits in Canada and the U.S. She has achieved two AQHA Amateur Superior Awards and is an AQHA Amateur Champion. Westerback is employed as a Youth Services residential worker for youth who are at risk with the law, helping to develop therapeutic plans for release from custody. She has served her local Quarter Horse associations over the years as Secretary, Vice-President and Youth Advisor, and has been actively involved in major fund-raising events and organizing. In the past year, she has acquired a new role as a ring steward for several large AQHA show circuits including the Minnesota Corporate Challenge and the Bob Yanz Masters.
For team bio with photos please click here: Team CANADA
Team Czech Republic
Denisa Kalavská: 16 years old, studies at Gymnasium Hejčín, Olomouc, her show record includes 2011 reserve-champion Western Horsemanship, MEC Poland, 2011 4th place Reining Youth, MEC Poland, 2011 reserve-champion Reining Youth WRC Czech rep., 2008 Champion WRC Czech Rep., Western Horsemanship Youth, 2008 reserve champion Trail Youth WRC Czech rep., reserve-champion Western Horsemanship Youth, MEC Poland and reserve-champion Western Trail Youth, MEC Poland; 2007-Champion WRC Czech Rep., Western Horsemanship Youth. Her hobbies are skiing, socialising, dancing and traveling
Johana Jarosova: 18 years old, rides at Ranč Vráto, České Budějovice. Her favourite disciplines are Western Horsemanship, Calf Roping and Cutting. Her show record includes 2011 Golden Star Cup I, 4th Trail youth, Austria 2011 Golden Star Cup I. 5th Western Pleasure novice amateur, Austria, 2011 PRCZA California ranch roping senior, Czech Rep. 2010 MIDDLE EUROPEAN CUP 1st Western Horsemanship youth, 2010 MIDDLE EUROPEAN CUP 6th Western Pleasure youth, 2010 VWB I. 5th Trail youth, 4th Western Pleasure youth and 5th Western Horsemanship youth, 2010 WRC Western Pleasure senior open, Czech rep.. 2010 VWB I. 1st Western Pleasure youth and Western Horsemanship youth, 2010 AWA 1st Trail youth and open, 2009 MČR 4th Trail youth, 2009 MČR Western Pleasure finále, 2009 WRC 3rd Western Horsemanship open, Czech rep. 2009 WRC 2nd Western Pleasure open, Czech rep, 2009 WRC 2nd Trail open, Czech rep., 2009 WRC 3rd Western pleasure open, Czech rep. Her hobbies are music, classic quitar, bass quitar, rodeo, bible.
Katerina Bastova: 18 years old, the Czech Republic’s most experienced rider from last youth teams. She studies at the Prague School of Art. Her show record includes 2008 Rookie of the Year Youth, 2009 All Around Youth, 2009 European Championship finalist Western Pleasure and Hunter under Saddle, 2010 and 2011 AQHA Youth High Point Czech Republic. Katerina’s hobbis are tennis, skateboard, snowboard and dancing.
Nikola Malkova: 17 years old, her achievements include 2011 Youth All-Around Runner Up, CZQHA Show: 2011 1st place Showmanship At Halter Youth, 1st place Showmanship At Halter Novice Youth, 1st place Trail Novice Youth, 1st place Western Horsemanship Novice Youth, 3rd place Trail Youth, Heart Of Europe Show: 1st place Showmanship At Halter All Breeds, 2nd in Showmanship At Halter Youth and Hunt Seat Equitation Youth. Her hobbies are Cheerleading, figure skating, piano, snowboarding, gymnastics and show aerobic
Klára Veškrnová is replaced by Tereza Hrdinova.
Tereza is 14 years old. She has been training western style of riding, all around classes, since 2009 under the trainer Monika Brunova. She is attending the last year of the basic school. Tereza is looking forward very much to her first international experience at the YWC and appreciates what she has learned so far in the clinics with the team trainer Pierre Ouellet. Her best results are from the Czech Republic: multiple first, second and third places in prestige Czech all around shows under the open breed western riding club WRC and QH Show in these classes: horsemanship, showmanship, pleasure and trail. Her favourite classes are showmanship, trail, reining. Apart from riding, her hobbies are: drawing, photography, skating, skiing, swimming, playing guitar, travelling.
Team Germany
Fabienne Kramer: 18 years old, from Lindenfels, FN Gerna Champion Reining 2011 and 2012, 2010 youngest NRHA Bronze Trophy Non Pro winner, 2009 and 2011 NRHA Youth – 18 Year End Champion, two gold medals at the 2010 AQHA Youth World Cup
Sophia Raschat: 18 years old, Munich, was part of the German team for the AQHA Youth World Cup in 2006, 2008 and 2010, multiple DQHA German Champion and AQHA European Champion.
Maxi Schmidt: 18 years old, from Bavaria, multiple All Around Champion, European Champion Reining, High Point Horse All-Round, Golden Series Champion Horsemanship,
Alexandra Riegel: 17 years old, from Augsburg, multiple All Around Champion, VWB Champion
Daniela Wagner-Winter: 17 years old, from Ingolstadt, DQHA Int. Champion, European Youth Team Cup Champion, AQHA Youth Team Cup Res. Champion 2010, AQHA European Champion Showmanship Youth, DQHA High Point Champion in Western Pleasure, Showmanship and Horsemanship
Non Competitors
Pia Lipps: 18 years old, AQHA European Champion Youth Hunt Seat Equitation and Youth Showmanship at Halter 2011.
Ann Kathrin Klama: 17 years old, from Heilbronn, 2009 AQHA High Point Champion Reining 13 & under, 2011 European Champion Hunter Under Saddle,European Champion Geldings 3& over, Q11 Reserve Champion Hunter Under Saddle and AQHA High Point Champion Hunter Under Saddle and Halter.
Naemi Künkler: 16 years old, from Dernbach, All around Champion Novice Youth and Youth
Lea Henzgen: 17 years old, from Binningen, AQHA Res. European Champion Western Riding Youth und Western Horsemanship Youth
For team bio with photos please click here: YWC 2012 TEAM GERMANY
Team Israel
Tal Rainer: Tal is 18 years old and lives in Meitar, close to Beer Sheva the capitol of the Negev. Unfortunately this is her last year as a youth competitor, like all of our 18 year old riders she will be joining the Israeli army after high school . Tal has been riding horses for almost 9 years, 3 of them English and the rest of them Western. She has learned a lot the last years by competing in a lot of events and on different horses. She showed in the European Championship on a leased horse in 2009 and was a member of the Israel Team at YWC in 2010. She does not own her own horses but leases Dees Bar Blues Ott and does a good job on her. In the past year Tal showed some younger horses with good results.Tal is looking forward to showing at the Youth World Cup and hopes to bring in some points for her team.
Dor Yoets: Dor is 18 years old, and lives in the Arava Desert , in the south of Israel. He is the only boy on the team and takes great care of the ladies. Dor started riding at the age of 12. When he was 15 his parents bought him his first Quarter Horse. Dor started showing horses at the age of 13 and very quickly became a regular winner at the horse shows riding on his own horse and on his trainer’s horses. In 2011 Dor rode a leased horse in the European championship in 2011 and made the finals in Hunt Seat Equitation. Like Tal he will be joining the Israeli Army when he finishes High school and we all wish him a safe return. Dor is looking forward to representing the Israel team to compete at the Youth World Cup in Germany and maybe to bring home some wins and to meet other youth competitors from all over the world.
Keren Shamir: Keren is another 18 year old rider and she lives in Reut in the center of Israel. Keren loves all around and rides New Mexico Belle winning many classes in the Israeli circuit. She started riding at the age of 9 and owned her own Quarter horse at 14 . She is a certified instructor with a great fun personality. She is looking forward to competing at the YWC for the Israel team and bringing home a ribbon or two. She just loves showmanship, trail and horsemanship. She too will be walking proudly in the uniform of the Israeli Army next year.
Zlil Chen: Zlil is 17 years old and lives in Shoam in the center of Israel. Zlil has been riding horses since the age of 7 and started competing when she was 11 years old. She competed mostly in all around in trail, pleasure, horsemanship showmanship hunter under saddle , Hunt Sear Equitaion and western riding. For the Youth World Cup Zlil hopes to compete in trail and western riding – her favorite events.
May Idel: May is our youngest rider on the team being 16 years old. She has always been riding because her father breeds Quarter Horses and was our youngest rider on the Israeli youth Team joining at the age of 10 1/2 – there was no saying no to this one. May also lives in Meitar and she too loves showmanship trail and western pleasure. She recently received a new horse from dad and hopes to show him in the Israeli circuit next year.
Gefen Levi: Gefen is our reserve rider on the team and rides on a farm near the Dead sea. She lives in a town called Maale Edomim which is close to Jerusalem. She has been riding for 6 years.
Team Luxembourg
Liz Stors: Liz is 16 years old and lives in Luxembourg. She started riding before she could even go by her own. Since 2008 she shows at the European Championship of American Quarter Horses. Here she was in multiple finals, like Trail, Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Equitation and Western Riding. She also has multiple Champion and Reserve Champion Titles in Luxembourg, Belgium and France in Open and Youth. Liz is training her horse by her own.
Jim Stors: Jim is 14 years old. He started riding in his early childhood. He likes showing in Reining and Cow Classes. He has multiple 1st places in Reining Youth and Novice Youth in Luxembourg, Belgium and France. In 2010 he won the Youth Ranch Sorting Champion title at the Regional Experience Region 11. Jim trains his horse by his own.
Jens le Clerq: Jens started riding at the age of 9. He lives in Belgium. After riding dressage for several years, he turned to western. When his pony deceased, his parents bought him a quarter horse foal. He’s still training this horse with the help of his trainer. They are a good team are practicing a lot. Jens hopes that he can learn a lot at the Youth World Cup. His favourite classes are Trail, Western Pleasure and Showmanship.
Sylvie Peeters: Sylvie is 17 years old. She is the proud owner of 3 horses- 2 quarters and a pony. “I have already some experience but off course I still need to learn a lot about horses and how to get a better rider. I am glad to be in the Luxemburgish team. We are going to ride as good as we can and hope we will get some good results for the team. I am sure we are going to learn a lot from all the trainers and have a really great time in Germany.”
Julie Koch: Julie was introduced to horses at the age of three. First, she rode ponies and she did jumping. In 2006, her parents imported their first quarter horse in France. One of the mares they had acquired was a Luke at Me daughter, Lukin Lika Dream aka Lucy. Julie liked this horse and started to ride her and she quickly enjoyed it. She first went to AQHA shows with her mother to help her prepare for classes, and acted as a groom. A few years later, she was ready to show and entered the youth classes riding Lucy. Her favorite events are Hunter Under Saddle and showmanship.
Team New Zealand
Riders
Georgia Simpson-Higgins, 18, Nelson, South Island; Georgia started riding when she was about two years old and has gone on to participate in two previous world cups, being 2008 in Canada and 2010 in Oklahoma City. Georgia’s best memories in both of these would be winning the four medals she has so far and making fantastic friendships with team members and other youth from all over the world. Georgia has completed high school and has taken a gap year to work as an intern for Quarter Horse trainers in Texas for the 3 months prior to this YWC. Georgia intends to return to New Zealand to attend university next year to study veterinarian science.
Kayla Drake, 17, Makara, Wellington, North Island; Kayla started showing Quarter Horses at a young age, and it has become her family’s passion, with her father, mother and sister all competing. Kayla enjoys training and showing her horses in Western Pleasure, Hunter and Trail, and also enjoys the large extended family atmosphere at the shows. Kayla competed at YWC2008 Canada, and thinks the best part was being there for her country and meeting people who all had the same interest – the love of the Quarter Horse. Kayla enjoys spending any spare time with her friends and family and is looking forward to meeting lots of new and happy people at YWC2012.
Josh Robins, 16, Cardiff, Stratford, North Island; After attending horse shows for a few years where both of his parents were showing Quarter Horses Josh decided one day when he was 10 to have a turn in the competition arena and realised it was a place he enjoyed being. Josh enjoys showing in a wide range of events, with reining and working cowhorse being his favourites. The highlight of his show career to date has been achieving silver in western pleasure during the first performance competition at the YWC2010 in Oklahoma. Josh attends Stratford High School and plays in his schools first XV Rugby team. He also enjoys rugby league and working out at the gym. Josh is looking forward to the YWC to meet new people and catchup with friends from YWC2010.
Kelsey Hare, 15, Paeroa, Coromandal, North Island, Kelsey lives on the family dairy farm at Paeroa. Kelsey began competing at 5 years old in lead rein classes while attending western horse shows with her mother and her interest in Quarter horses developed when she got her first Quarter horse at the age of 7 and has stayed dedicated to the breed ever since and now at the age of 15 can see Quarter Horses always been a part of her life. Kelsey competes in a range of events including Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, Trail, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure and Reining. Kelsey has won many nationals titles and high points. She competed in the 2011 Trans-Tasman Challenge against Australia but this is her first AQHA YWC which has been a dream of hers ever since she knew about the event. Kelsey looks forward to the experience and knowledge she will gain from the YWC. When Kelsey is not riding or showing she likes to spend her time riding her motorbike with her brother, practicing Karate and spending time with her family.
Ellen Osborne, 16, Matamata, North Island, Ellen is in Year12 at Matamata College, and started riding when she was 9 before moving onto Quarter Horses when she was about 12 years old, when her Dad loaned her Quarter Horse to show for the season. This introduced Ellen to a whole new level of competition in western performance and she has since then enjoyed showing quarter horses because they are such awesome all rounder’s. Ellen’s favourite events are Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation. Ellen competed in the 2011 Trans-Tasman Challenge against Australia. Outside of showing Ellen enjoys sports such as hockey and cross country running and also listening and playing music. This is Ellen’s first time to a Quarter Horse Youth World Cup and she is really looking forward to the atmosphere and level of competition that it offers as well as all the new people she is going to meet.
Alternate Rider
Jed Southcombe, 16, Fielding, North Island; Jed is in Year 12 at High School and started showing Quarter Horses after attending shows with his Dad. His favourite events are Horsemanship, Trail and Reining as he likes the challenge of patterns. Jed competed in the 2011 Trans-Tasman Challenge against Australia, where he won gold in Trail and Reining. Jed has achieved many high point awards and last year won AQHA High Point International Rookie for New Zealand. When he is not working his horses Jed enjoys riding his motorbike, working with his dog on the farm, going to the gym and spending time with his friends. This is Jeds first AQHA Youth World Cup and he is looking forward to YWC2012 to learn from great trainers, and meet new friends.
For team bio with photos please click here: Team_New_Zealand
Team USA:
Coach: Nancy Cahill, AQHA Professional Horsewoman
Riders:
Brittany Donald: Having been raised on a ranch in Corpus Christi, TX, Brittany began exhibiting horses when she turned 8. At the age of 9, she won her first Palomino World Championship in showmanship. Over the next few years, Brittany expanded her events to include trail, horsemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation and equitation over fences. Brittany has won three AQHYA Reserve World Championships, four Congress Championships and three Congress Highpoint awards.
Avery Ellis: Avery began her horse riding career when she was 6, learning how to ride in an English saddle on a longe line with no reins. Avery credits her balance and confidence to that exercise. At the age of 10, Avery rode her first Quarter Horse, “Smoky,” and hasn’t looked back since. Avery enjoys all of the all around events and is excited and honored to be a part of Team USA.
Logan Pluhar: Logan was introduced to horses at a very young age, watching her brothers Zane and Joe competing. Riding became her passion and Logan has shown over 12 different horses in 10 AQHA events, qualifying for Youth World the past three years. Her favorite events are reining and horsemanship. Logan is excited to be working as a Team representing the United States. Logan is the current treasurer of AQHYA and President of Texas Quarter Horse Association.
Paige Stopperich: Paige was introduced to quarter horses when her parents purchased her first horse at the age of 8, and has had great success, earning multiple Youth high-point awards and an AQHA Championship award, in showmanship, trail, hunter under saddle, horsemanship and equitation. Her favorite event is trail; she enjoys the challenge of new patterns. Paige is thrilled to be chosen to represent the USA, and believes it will be an experience of a lifetime!
Emily Winegar: Emily moved from California to Texas when she was nine. Horses have always been a part of her life, and reining became her chosen event enjoying the speed and the finesse. In 2009, Emily’s hard work resulted in an AQHA Youth World Championship. Working with her family business, Emily has shown lots of young horses and enjoys the challenge of training and showing. During the Youth World Cup, Emily is looking forward to being able to gain new knowledge about different quarter horse disciplines.
Leadership:
Jenny Bivins: Jenny’s genuine dedication to the quarter horse has resulted in many successes in the horse show arena, including a Congress Championship in Hunter under Saddle. Outside of the show pen, Jenny has served on numerous quarter horse boards, and is very active in her community. Jenny believes in giving back, spending countless hours mentoring fellow students at school, volunteering at local food banks and using her contagious personality to bring cheer to all ages.
Britt Lynch: Britt has shown quarter horses for many years, and has had lots of success, winning over 25 All-Around Championships. In addition to working hard on her riding skills, Britt had dedicated herself to supporting her peers by serving on numerous boards in her state of Georgia, and nationally with AQHYA. Britt is the current Vice-President of AQHYA.
Mark Mowbray: As a five year old, Mark began his career on horseback, quickly enjoying the quiet disposition of the quarter horse. Over time, horsemanship became Mark’s favorite event, fascinated by the partnership between him and his horse to work together as a team. Community service is also important to Mark. He has worked tirelessly with AQHYA to reach out to his fellow members as a Region 5 Director. Working with local charities in his home state of Maryland, Mark’s leadership skills make him a valuable member of Team USA.
Sarah Pendergraft: Over the past 10 years, Sarah has progressed from her local 4-H shows to competing at the past 5 AQHA Youth World Championships. Although Sarah enjoys showing in all western events, western riding is her favorite. Living in Arkansas has allowed Sarah to play an active role in her State quarter horse association and she is the current president of ArQHYA. Nationally, Sarah is currently serving as Sentinel of AQHYA.
Charley Thiel: Charley is known for her infectious smile and her dedication to working as hard as necessary to be successful. Always quick to introduce herself, Charley strives to make the most of life’s experience. She has had many successes as a result of her dedication including an AQHYA World Championship in Hunter under Saddle and two Congress Championships. Meeting international competitors at the Youth World Cup is an exciting opportunity for Charley.
For team bio with photos click here: Team USA
Team Switzerland
For team bio with photos please click here: YWC Team Switzerland
Competing Team Members:
Melina Hugelshofer
Jasmina Hunziker
Robin-Lisa Feldmann
Sabine Mohler
Florence Blattner
Non-Competing Team Members
Julia Nater (Substitute)
Jana Padovan
Ursi Bucher