Europe’s Premier Western Event, The AMERICANA, Creates Innovative Youth Competition Offering $11,000+ in Prizes

Augsburg – The AMERICANA NoLeaf Junior Program 2015/2016 is a special program designed to support youth exhibitors and young riders who are not only talented in riding but also respect their partner, the horse, and ride him accordingly.

“We want to accompany talented young riders on their way and help them prepare their horses and themselves in an optimal way,” says AMERICANA Show Manager Sandra Quade and NoLeaf Manager Franzi Bechberger. “Our sponsors will take care of the winner during one full show season. He or she will get a start-up package of training with a professional trainer, show outfit, and a photo shoot. We would also like to thank the owners of the Palomino Farm, Thorsten Kohn and Kristina Kroff, for sponsoring the beautiful and valuable All-Around/Reining trophy saddle.“

Video of training session necessary for application – Deadline June 15

Participants of the Americana NoLeaf Junior Program 2015/2016 must be between 16 and 25 years old. Their nation of origin, show experience, membership in an association, or the breed of their horse does not matter. All that is required is good horsemanship and riding.

Youth and young riders interested in participating should apply with the AMERICANA NoLeaf Jury (application form can be found at www.americana.de or www.NoLeaf.de). Please fill in the questionnaire, write a short biography, and send in a video of one of your training sessions (maximum 15 minutes). The deadline for application is June 15, 2015. A preliminary jury consisting of Franzi Bechberger, Sandra Quade, professional trainer and judge Maik Bartmann and professional trainer Markus Suchting, will choose the top eight applicants, who will ride in the Americana NoLeaf Junior Program 2015/2015 final on September 6, 2015 at AMERICANA. The pattern will be published shortly.

The project is supported by renowned professional trainers Maik Bartmann, Markus Suchting, Linda Leckebusch, Malte Doring, Alex Ripper, Nico Hormann, Sylvia Rzepka, Max Ruggeri and Ann and Bernard Fonck. Some of them will be in the final jury of AMERICANA. Each ride will be scored and commented officially by the judges so that the visitors can easily follow the scoring.

Package for the Champion

The winner will get a package including the following:

* NoLeaf All-In-package for show and training

* Official Americana NoLeaf Junior 2015/2016 Champion Buckle

* All-Around/Reining saddle, sponsored by Quarter Horse breeder Palomino Farm

* Beautiful headstall, sponsored by an old AMERICANA friend from Bolivia

* Voucher for Physiotherapy SaarLorLux

* Viertelmeilenwerk voucher

* Profi Tack voucher

* Art&Light: individual photo shoot

* Clinic of his/her choice with one of the professional trainers of the Americana NoLeaf jury: Linda Leckebusch, Maik Bartmann, Markus Suchting, Malte Doring, Alex Ripper, Sylvia Rzepka, Max Ruggeri, Bernard and Ann Fonck, Nico Hörmann

Also, if the Americana NoLeaf Junior Champions wishes, AMERICANA will help him/her get an internship with one of the trainers of our jury.

The Reserve Champion will earn:

* Clinic of his/her choice with one of the professional trainers of the Americana NoLeaf jury

* Official Americana NoLeaf-Junior 2015/2016 Reserve Champion buckle

* Voucher for Physiotherapy SaarLorLux

* Art&Light: individual photo shoot

Europe’s premier Western Fair grows and grows…

For years, AMERICANA has been known as Europe’s premier western event as well as the leading western fair and exhibition. The 2013 AMERICANA was the most successful so far with 282 exhibitors from 12 nations and 45,000 visitors. This meant good business for the exhibitors: two third of the companies present said their presentation had been successful or even highly successful. 26 percent said they were really content with their sale. “This was simply sensational,” said project manager Karlheinz Knobl who was impressed at what he saw during the event. “Many exhibitors said that there had never been so many visitors at their booth. Some of the companies were sold out pretty fast.“ No wonder the demand for booths at 2015 AMERICANA has once more increased. At the beginning of January, two thirds of the exhibition space sold in 2013.

Everything for the Western Horse and Western Rider

This year, more than 300 exhibitors will present their goods at AMERICANA. Here, visitors will find everything for western and leisure riding: saddles, headstalls, bits, boots, hats, jeans, horse care products, equipment for barn and pasture, trailers, cars and much more. AMERICANA is a real treasure for horse lovers. No wonder many of them wait and save their money until next AMERICANA to find what suits their wishes best. At no other fair, will you see such a variety of products to choose from, have a look at the prices and find special fair rates as well.

Whatever you are looking for in western riding and western lifestyle, at AMERICANA, you will find it. Also, don’t miss the AMERICANA Forum and its attractive program with trainers and specialists of the various disciplines. Here you’ll find valuable information as well e.g. on horse breaking, saddles or various breeds.

Run for Evening Shows

Never has the request for tickets of the AMERICANA evening shows been as high as this year. At the beginning of January, about twice as many tickets were sold than in January 2013. Visitors who would like to see the evening shows should hurry now. All the AMERICANA tickets can be ordered online (www.americana.de).