In a little over a week, our youth will be heading to Oklahoma City to represent Iowa at the Ford Youth World Show at State Fair Park. We have 20 youth members participating in the show this year. As a reporter, I messaged all of the Youth World participants and asked them one of two questions.
First, I asked the exhibitors who would be attending the World Show for the first time the following question:
If this will be your first year at Youth World, what are you most looking forward to?
- Shelby Cochran: I am looking forward to meeting new people and hanging out with my friends. Competing against great riders and horses.
- Emily Morris: This is my first year and I’m excited about seeing all the people from the different disciplines since I do reining only!
- Dani Nemmers: I would say I’m looking forward to the experience of competing in another level and seeing all of the amazing talent that will be there showing. Also just getting to know more of the Iowa team!
- Kendra Nemmers: This is my first year and I am most looking forward to the experience and seeing how I do with my horse in that setting. I’m also excited to get to know the other people from Iowa that I haven’t met yet.
- Lily Anderson: This is going to be my first year and I’m most looking forward to being able to show and watching everyone else compete in their respective classes.
- Lu Lounsbury: I’m looking forward to be able to show with all of my Iowa friends and meet new people. And I’m super excited to see what Zeb and I can do in the show ring.
The second question was posed to previous World Show exhibitors:
If you have been to Youth World before, what is your advice to new team members?
- Shana Wood: This will be my third year at the world show. My advice is to have fun and enjoy the experience!
- Dylana Luett: My advice would be to just have fun and enjoy being at the AQHA youth world show! It’s an amazing experience!
- Brooke Granzow: This will be my fifth AQHYA World Show and the advice I would like to give to new members is to: never take anything for granted! Some things won’t go as planned and some things will go way better than expected. It’s all part of the amazing adventure of competing at such a prestigious show. Remember to smile and stay positive. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
- Brittany Abernathy: My advice is to go out and have fun no matter what the results are! Meet as many new people you can and enjoy all the vendors! Also cheer are on all your teammates they will truly enjoy it!
- Abby McCormick: My advice to new team members is to enjoy your time at the world show! It goes by so fast. One moment you’re in the show pen and the next you’re on your way home. Also, don’t get discouraged if your ride isn’t as perfect as you planned. Keep your head up, because there is always next year!
- Kala Twogood: My advice would be to have fun and if you have a question ask! It can be very overwhelming your first year but don’t be afraid to ask someone on the team questions cause most likely they know or can help point you in the right direction. It is a great experience with great people!
Having twenty members represent our state at the World Show shows that IQHYA is a force to be reckoned with August 5-13. I feel I can speak for everyone in our organization when I wish our competitors great rides, fast times, perfect patterns, and lots of fans and air conditioning. We look forward to celebrating your successes!
Cara Klyn
IQHYA Reporter