Day 3-7 at AQHA Youth World Cup With Team USA- First Two Gold Medals!
Click here to view day 7 blogs from Team USA members Sydney Hoffa and Ellexxah Maxwell.
Day 6
EC Blog by: Team USA member Charles Lee
Team USA survived possibly the coldest day in Tamworth this week. Reports are even saying it is the coldest day in 21 years! It was REALLY cold, but that did not stop Team USA from having another successful day. We attended a Western Horsemanship and Ranch Riding clinics. All of our riders participated in these clinics with the clinicians being Brent Maxwell, Charlene Carter, and our manager Michelle Tidwell. Even though some of us did not ride a horse in the clinic, they were very informative for horsemen who want to build on their horses’ skills.
Sydney and I helped Team Canada with the reserve horses. This time, I rode a horse called “Lucy” with James Heitzner from Canada. She was very sweet and easy to please. She was probably going to be used for Western Horsemanship if selected. We also celebrated Calley’s eighteenth birthday with a delicious cake and dinner. I believe it was a great day to bond with our family. I am super excited to be able to continue making memories and being apart of the Elite Ten. Go TEAM USA!
EC Blog by: Team USA member Ellexxah Maxwell
Team USA is heating up the action as we get closer to show day! Yesterday consisted of clinics held on Ranch Riding and Western Horsemanship; clinicians were Charlene Carter, Michelle Tidwell, and Brent Maxwell.
Between all the laughs and shenanigans that go on back at Team USA’s stalls, we are revved up and ready for competition! Tune in to cheer on Team USA on the live webcast! USA! USA! USA!Day 5
EC Blog by: Team USA member Sydney Hoffa
While Austria Arnold was prepping to show in Cutting, the rest of the team was prepping to cheer. We donned Uncle Sam costumes, crazy hair, USA themed headbands (that description doesn’t do it justice), and flags. Lots and lots of flags. Brock Murphy loped the horse around while Austria watched the cows work and took notes.
As each horse and rider went, the anticipation grew. Then, Austria laid down an amazing run. There were five more runs to go, but we all knew who had won. We were shivering, but we were proud. Honestly, there’s no better sight than your team mate standing behind the American flag. She was given a belt buckle and also a flower wreath that went around the horse’s neck. As she took her victory lap, people screamed and yelled.
Emotions were high as Austria was about to go into the second class. We were cold, but we didn’t care. We were there for her and for our country. She was 11th out of 13 to go. She worked three cows beautifully; once again we knew she had won. For the second time, we watched Austria take her rightful spot behind the American flag. Not only was she crying, but also other people on the team shed a tear or two.
Austria said, “I was around 10 or 12 at the TQHA banquet when I first heard about the World Cup team. I knew I wanted to be a part of it then. Hearing the national anthem brought tears to my eyes.” It was such a special moment for the team; it’s almost impossible to describe. Imagine that every dream you ever had came true, all at once, and add a little bit of patriotic pride to the mix. That’s about what it felt like.
We partied like it was 1999. To celebrate our victory, we came up with a special routine. We walked into dinner and karaoke night with our jackets zipped and hoods up to hide our outfits. We thought we were the most prepared ones. Let’s just say we had fun. We performed a personalized version of “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus. Our song was “Party with Team USA!” We had our ‘Miley buns’ and our light up American flag sunglasses on, and we did our best. After every country performed their songs, the floor opened to the entire place and quickly filled. There were line dancing, some breaking it down, and a Congo line. People from different countries taught each other dances, and we danced until the buses came. There were lots of laughs, and it was one of the best days/nights that I have ever had.
Day 4
EC Blog by: Team USA Member Charles Lee
As we continue our journey through the Youth World Cup, I want to take some time to describe the gastronomy of Australia. If I could describe it with one word, it would probably be unique. Now, there are certain kinds of food, such a Vegemite, that I’m not fond of, but Australia beef is pretty good. Yesterday, we ate at a restaurant called Hog’s Breath Cafe. It was really good to finally eat beef!
Day four was the beginning of the clinics for the Youth World Cup. Brent Maxwell gave two clinics about Showmanship and Trail. The clinics were very informative and the patterns were pretty difficult to maneuver.
Some of the leadership kids from Team USA also got to ride and care for some of the reserved horses. Syndey and I were really excited to be able to work with a horse and ride for the first time while here at the YWC. It was an indescribable feeling to work with one. I rode a gelding named “Fred,” and she rode a mare called “Dotty.”
While watching the riders from other countries ride during the Free Ride Time, I noticed that “Fred” was was traded to Team France. I was really sad, but all of the hard work that I put into Fred will probably help Team France.
Tomorrow begins the first of the competition, Cutting along with more clinics. We will also be cheering Austria Arnold on as she rides her horses. Sydney Hoffa will report back soon!
Day 3
EC Blog by: Team USA member Sydney Hoffa
I’ve been told the third day of travel is the hardest. But, I’ve found out that it’s also the most exciting and chilling (and not just because it’s fifty degrees colder here in Australia than it is back home.)
The opening ceremony was actually indescribable. Sure, it was cold, but we all had goosebumps for different reasons. First, walking into the arena while the national anthem plays, with your team by your side, is the closest to feeling like we’re at the Olympics that any of us will probably ever have. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
After all the teams were introduced, some wearing interesting costumes, we were seated and treated to an Aboriginal dance and a performance of a singing vet with his trick horse. Then, the flag ceremony began. 14 horses carried flags from each country and one carried the Youth World Cup flag. From risky moves to beautiful pinwheels, it was an inspiring thing to see.
Between the laughs, Team USA looked at each other with pride. We are ready. I don’t know about you, but I believe that we will win. Later, the five riders mounted and the first free ride began. Every rider rode each of the five horses.
Later, we spent the evening gossiping in our hotel rooms and teaching New Zealanders how to place the game of Concentration.
Quote of the day: “I can’t think of anything better than drinking hot chocolate, in Australia, with you guys.” -Brock Murphy
