As part of our new partnership with AQHA, several of us traveled down to Oklahoma City from July 29th thru August 8th for the 2009 AQHYA World Championship Show. Talented youth riders and their horses came from all over the U.S. from states as far away as Alaska to compete for the opportunity to be crowned a World Champion.
The theme of this year’s world show was ‘Rock Your World’ and that is just what the youth did! Over 800 exhibitors had qualified to compete in events ranging from western pleasure, to reining and cutting, hunter under saddle, barrel racing and many more. In addition to the competition, many other fun events were held including a horse judging competition, horse bowl (think the equine version of Jeopardy), and even a talent show (we got to help judge!). One of our favorite events was the Parade of Teams, where the riders representing each state got together to show their state pride. Kind of like the Parade of Nations in the Olympics, but with a bit more flair! The teams dressed up in costumes and performed short skits in front of an audience full of parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles and local supporters.
Teams really went all out for this event; we saw everything from astronauts and aliens to an Elvis impersonator and Fred Flintstone – there was even some country line dancing. They held nothing back to impress the audience and show off their state pride. It was amazing to see how many kids had traveled from near and far to come to this show and their enthusiasm and excitement was unparalled! You can check out some behind the scenes footage from the Parade of Teams at http://www.aqha.com/youth/activities/yws/2009behindscenese/paradeofteamsvideo.html.
Congratulations to all of the 2009 AQHYA World Show exhibitors. You definitely Rocked the World in Oklahoma this year….see you again next year!
