USA WINS 2002

YOUTH WORLD CUP

Team USA's victory at the 2002 American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup, held in Amarillo, Texas, wrapped up eight days of clinics, leadership activities and equine competition.

Last week more than 150 youth from 16 countries traveled to Amarillo, Texas, for the competition. The event centered on educating international youth members, developing horsemanship skills and forming lasting relationships with youth from around the world. At the week's end, the participants competed for the top spot in nine events.

Youth members from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States participated in the clinics taught by AQHA Professional Horsemen, leadership activities led by the American Quarter Horse Foundation and competed on donated horses from AQHA members.

"It is amazing to watch these young people put aside their cultural differences and come together in devotion to the American Quarter Horse," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "We understand that these youth are someday going to be the leaders of the equine industry, and the experiences and relationships that the Youth World Cup provides them will enhance their decisions for the future of the equine industry."

Teams received special recognition for the care of their team horses and spirit shown during the week. The CARE Award (Compassion, Awareness, and Respect for Equines) went to Team Switzerland for their devotion to the health and care of the donated horses.

The Spirit Award was given to

The Netherlands due to their exuberant spirit throughout the week

The award winners included:

High-Point Team Overall - Team USA: Members - Tonna Brooks, Caroline Gunn, Dawn Piper, Joseph Pluhar, and Travis Wright, Coach Nancy Cahill, Manager Wanda Waters

Reserve High-Point Team Overall - Team Italy: Members - Gennaro Lendi, Carlotta Prevedoni, Alice Pascarella, Moira Cavanna, Beatrice Brusa, Coach Lara Maiocchi, Manager Michael Colvin

High-Point Individual Awards:

Cutting: Elad Kalifa, Team Israel, Doris Monnich, Team Netherlands

ShowmanShip at Halter: Caroline Gunn, Team USA

Reserve: Dawn Piper, Team USA

Hunter Under Saddle: Dawn Piper, Team USA

Reserve: Beatrice Brusa, Team Italy

Hunt Seat Equitation: Dawn Piper, Team USA

Reserve: Moira Cavanna, Team Italy

Western Pleasure: Chad Whittingham, Team Canada

Reserve: Dawn Piper, Team USA

Western Horsemanship: Tonna Brooks, Team USA

Reserve: Rahel Locher, Team Switzerland

Western Riding: Jessy Goossens, Team Belgium

Reserve: Fenna Elzinga, Team Netherlands

Trail: Jessy Goossens, Team Belgium

Reserve: Jacob Ladd, Team New Zealand

Reining: Gennaro Lendi, Italy

Reserve: Joseph Pluhar

AQHA Members donated horses for the week of clinics and competition.

High-Point Horse Awards included:

High-Point Overall Horse - IM NORMAN owned by Jason Wanderer of Los Angeles, Calif.

Reserve High-Point Overall Horse - THE IRON CHIP owned by J.E. and Allyson McBride of Dallas, Texas

Cutting: VICTORY PLAY owned by Ralph Depew of Perryton, Texas