Day 7 From AQHA Youth World Cup

EC Blog by: Team USA member Sydney Hoffa

The day started off like any other day. We picked stalls, longed horses, filled water buckets, and swept. Then, the Hunt Seat Equitation clinic began. This was manned by Brent Maxwell and Nancy Cahill. Then, the Hunter Under Saddle clinic began. This was manned by Brent Maxwell and Charlene Carter. There was a free ride from 4:30-5:30 indoors for the USA. The clinics were very informative!

During the late afternoon, Ellexxah Maxwell, Hayley Riddle, Charles Lee, James Heitzner (Canada), and I went out on an approved trip to the cross country course to see wild kangaroos. We trekked out in the mud past the Australian and Canada barn. We tried to jump a small stream and then spotted a few of the gray kangaroos. They hopped away in the distance, as we were a bit too loud to get close. But we laughed and talked and took a majestic picture facing the sunset.

Then, we tried to jump one of the jumps. Charles had good form but could only get three quarters of the way over. James just plowed into the side before toppling over. We laughed until we cried. It was so funny! As we looked into the sunset, I realized that these memories will last forever with my new family and friends. I am so proud to be a part of a team that has bonded so close, so fast.

EC Blog by: Team USA member Ellexxah Maxwell

The final day of prep for Youth World Cup 2016 was today, and the team can’t help but feel excited for the upcoming show day. Things are getting warmer in Tamworth, and we even shed our winter coats today!

Between clipping, banding, washing, and riding we were getting in some team fun! Writing thank you notes to our sponsors took up the afternoon. To those who have sponsored us be looking for our thank yous in your mailbox once we’re back in the states.

It was a slow day for Team USA, but we were out in the sun and letting the horses enjoy the warm weather. Michelle Tidwell did a very informative clinic on the penalties of Ranch Riding and slowed the pattern down for exhibitors who had never shown the class.

As the sun set, we couldn’t help but feel patriotic going in to tomorrow and had to take a moment to enjoy the wonderful opportunity given to us.

So to those at home, put on your red,white, and blue and scream till your neighbors call the cops. Tune in to cheer us on for gold!