Team USA riders selected for the 2016 Youth World Games
[source: APHA.com]
More than 20 accomplished AjPHA members applied for the opportunity to represent the United States in the 2016 Youth World Games, taking place during the European Paint Horse Championships in Kreuth, Germany, August 29–September 4. After a thorough review process, five applicants rose to the top of a competitive pool of talent.
“I was thrilled to see such an enthusiastic interest in Team USA and to receive so many applications from highly qualified young riders and leaders,” APHA Director of Youth Activities Christine Henry said. “I’m especially impressed with the scope of experiences and accomplishments our applicants listed; from raising 4-H livestock to fiddle playing to jobs and academic accomplishments, it was wonderful to see how involved our AjPHA members are within their communities while still finding the time to ride, practice and show their Paints.
Pat Trebesch of Aubrey, Texas, will coach Team USA again this year. Pat has coached Team USA for several years, amassing two Youth World Games wins.
Congratulations to the following members of Team USA:
Amanda Nelson—Showmanship
Amanda Nelson is a 16-year-old equestrienne from North Logan, Utah, with world and reserve world championships under her belt. Amanda is the vice president of the Utah Junior Paint Horse Club. She is also a member of the Skyview High School FFA chapter and the ping pong club. She’s earned a spot on the academic honor roll for four years and received her FFA Greenhand degree.
MacKenzie Chapman—Horsemanship
MacKenzie Chapman, 16, of Bellevue, Michigan, will represent Team USA in horsemanship. MacKenzie is a multiple world and reserve world champion rider, and she’s earned multiple year-end Honor Roll awards. She has served on the AjPHA Youth Leadership teams since 2012 and is the current AjPHA president-elect. Outside of APHA, MacKenzie is vice president of the Baseline 4-H Club, a swine-project participant and a member of her high school’s National Honor Society.
Lucie Lundquist of Medina, Washington, will compete in hunt-seat equitation for Team USA. Lucie is a 17-year-old world and reserve world champion rider. In addition to her equestrian activities, Lucie is a writer and designer for her school’s newspaper, participates in her local Young Life club and volunteers. She also runs varsity cross country and has earned two varsity letters in the sport.
A versatile rider from Southampton, New Jersey, 16-year-old Anna Lia Sullivan has the talent to represent Team USA in any Youth World Games event, should another team member be unable to compete. Anna Lia is a Northwest Paint Horse Championship winner and reserve champion, and she’s earned AjPHA Youth Champion and Youth Performance Versatility awards, along with several Paint Alternative Competition year-end category wins. She’s the vice president of the Garden State Junior Paint Horse Club, a national director for AjPHA and the 2015–2016 New Jersey State 4-H Equestrian of the Year. Outside of APHA, Anna Lia finished fifth in horsemanship at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Nationals and has earned multiple New Jersey 4-H state championships.
For more information on the Youth World Games, contact Christine Henry.