August 2, 2001

Largest Youth Championship Show/Convention Begins Free Clinics Friday, Saturday - Show Starts Sunday

AMARILLO, Texas ­ 'RISE TO THE CHALLENGE' that's the theme for the 2001 version of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show. With nearly 30,000 Members, AQHYA is the world's largest single breed youth organization. The highest point of competition within the Association is the annual Youth World Show, which begins Friday, August 3 with the AQHYA Convention. The AQHYA World Championship Show takes place in Fort Worth, Texas at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

During the week, AQHYA will crown 30 world champions in events ranging from English classes to western stock classes to halter competition. In all, 925 youths comprising 1,923 entries are set to compete in the weeklong championship event.

Although competition doesn't officially begin until Sunday, August 5 with the colorful parade of teams in which all competitors march into the John Justin Arena with their teams, the AQHYA Convention kicks off tomorrow.

Also on Friday, a free "Heroes and FriendsTM" clinic, sponsored by Professional's Choice, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Watt Arena. The Heroes and FriendsTM Team comprises professional horsemen, Bob Avila, Todd Bergen, Ted Robinson and John Slack. The world champion horsemen will demonstrate safety and training techniques geared toward reining and working cow horse. The clinic is open to the public and the first 200 attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

On Saturday, August 4 beginning at 10:30 a.m., another free clinic will take place. Presented by professionals Alex Ross, Guy Stoops, Gil Galyean, Jon Barry, Dale Livingston and Suzy Jeane, Saturday's clinic will focus on western pleasure. Panel members will demonstrate what judges are looking for in the western pleasure horse, including desired movement and head carriage. Reservations are not necessary for either clinic.

The AQHYA World Championship Show began in 1972 in Amarillo, Texas. In 1974, the event moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it remained through 1991. The following year - 1992 - it moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where it has been ever since. Admission to the show is free. For a listing of classes and show times, please visit AQHA's Web site at www.aqha.com or call AQHA at 806-376-4811.

Hourly updates will appear on AQHA's Web site. The AQHYA World Show Media Relations Room will open Friday, August 3. To reach Tom Persechino or Cindy Perez call 1-817-877-2523 or 817-336-6182 can stay updated on the show's activities by visiting AQHA's Web site.

The AQHYA World Championship Show is presented by AQHA Corporate Partners Breyer, Centaur HTP Fencing, GMC Sierra, Justin Boots, Markel Insurance, MBNA America, MD Barns, Montana Silversmiths, Nutrena, Professional's Choice, Sooner Trailer, Tex Tan and Wrangler.