Introducing Team USA For AjPHA Youth World Games

The 2020 AjPHA Youth World Games, taking place for the second time during the 2020 European Paint Horse Championship in Kreuth, Germany invites all countries to bring teams of four exhibitors and an alternate to compete in Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, Hunt-Seat Equitation and Ranch Riding. Exhibitors will be assigned randomly selected mounts, and must show off their abilities in the show pen after only a brief warm-up session.

Many accomplished and talented AjPHA members applied for the opportunity to represent the United States. After a very thorough review process, five outstanding applicants rose to the top of a competitive pool of talent. We are proud to announce Team USA’s competitors for the 2020 Youth World Games:

Lauren Gralla, Horsemanship
Age: 17
Hometown: Norman, OK

You can say showing American Paint Horses was Lauren’s destiny. Lauren was raised by parents who met in the show pen, well more specifically the training barn! Lauren has amassed her own list of accomplishments, garnering 2019 Reserve World Champion in the 18 & Under English Equitation at the AjPHA Youth World Show. She adds this to a long list of achievements most notably, 2014 Rookie of the Year and Highpoint 13 & Under in the nation for both 2015 and 2016.

Lauren learned one of life’s most significant lessons from her trainer Sara Simons of Simon’s Show Horses. “Sarah has instilled in me the importance of working as a team with my barn mates, even though we also compete against each other.” We are proud that she brings not only her talent as a rider, but compassion and sportsmanship to Team USA!

Antonia Dinulescu, Equitation
Age: 17
Hometown: Dallas, TX

Each year since she was five, adrenaline and passion would pump through as she set foot at horse camp. She carries that same drive with her today and every day that she competes. The most intense feeling of accomplishment came for Antonia when she received the email inviting her to represent Team USA in Equitation for the 2020 Youth World Games. She has earned that slot through countless trips around the pen honing her skill. Antonia has collected, to her credit, a world title and multiple reserve titles at the AjPHA Youth World Show in several english events. Antonia would like to thank Chad and Shane of Christensen’s Show Horses for helping her accomplish those goals and teaching her about perseverance and determination! Lessons that will undoubtedly be an asset to Team USA.

Mannetta McAvaddy, Showmanship
Age: 17
Hometown: Buena, NJ

Manetta originally started showing at local 4-H and open shows, diligently working and educating herself over the past 14 years to eventually compete on the APHA circuit in Zone 7. She has found success with her mount Invited Sensation, affectionately known as Calvin, claiming the #1 slot her zone for Youth 18 & under in 2019, their first year competing together! It was a special win for the team and Mannetta attributes their success to trainer Amy Suess’ tutelage. “Amy has taught me so many valuable lessons in the five years I have been training with her but something that will always stick with me is to learn from my mistakes.” Mannetta’s dedication to self and equestrian development is a huge asset that we welcome to Team USA.

Katelyn Daniells, Ranch Riding
Age: 16
Hometown: Decatur, TX

Katie attributes her love of horses and showing the American Paint Horse to her mom, a diverse equestrian herself who rode cutting horses, barrel horses and also showed Arabians. That diversity shows through in Katie’s ability. Some of her favorite classes other than Ranch Riding are Working Cow Horse and Ranch trail. “They really push a horse and rider to the next level and they are great classes to showcase horse and rider teams.” While Katie appreciates her trainer Kinzee Shull’s advice in the show pen, she more so values the real life ranching experience and job shadowing opportunities that Kinzee provides! Off the ranch, Katie found herself in the winners circle twice at the world show in 2019. We have no doubt that these real world experiences will serve her well as she competes for Team USA.

Josie Eckert, Alternate
Age:17
Hometown: Andrews, IN

Before she could walk, Josie was riding horses. While Josie didn’t make her APHA debut until 2016, she has definitely made her mark as a competitor with several world show finalist and championship titles. Uniquely, Josie competes with Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) on the team RT Equestrians. Undoubtedly, this experience paired with her time showing American Paint Horses will give her a leg up for Team USA! Josie’s best advice while showing: Enjoy every moment you have with your horse.

Pat Trebesch, Coach
Hometown: Aubrey, TX

For the past 50 years, Pat has been a champion of our industry, training, judging and coaching individuals to world and national titles. In 2000, Pat and Nancy decided to move to Texas to continue to their business. Lately, Pat has been mostly training two-year-old and three-year-old horses while coaching for Team USA. Coach Trebesch played an integral part in the 2016 move to and alternate with Germany that involved 13 other countries! He’s excited to head back to Germany and coach Team USA in 2020!

Dustin Boehmer, Manager
Hometown: Mason, MI

Dustin has spent the past 20 years training, judging, coaching and exhibiting in various organizations to success at a local, state and national level, but his agricultural experience began many years prior. As a youth, Dustin earned the American Degree and received other national and state titles with both FFA and 4-H. Dustin accredits much of his success as a coach to those leadership experiences. For the past two years, he has coached the Interscholastic Equestrian Association team, dmb Performance Horses to national qualification and individual riders to National Championships and Top Ten placings. Dustin is excited to start this new role with Team USA and offer his expertise to this fine group of individuals!

While the Youth World Games’ main feature is world-class competition, the event also cultivates building relationships with fun and educational activities like a YWG: Ride the Pattern clinic hosted by APHA Sr. Director of Shows, Education & Judges David Dellin, a welcome reception, AjPHA activities including an AjPHA business meeting and a group team-building activity, plus planned day trips for competing teams and supporters. A daily schedule will be released upon finalization.