2008 Youth World Cup

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2008 AQHA YOUTH WORLD CUP

WELCOME TO CANADA!

It was a busy first day for the 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup at the AgriPlex in London, Ontario!

There are 16 nations represented in this year’s competition: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States. Check out the Team Bio page to learn more about their riders.

Today’s opening ceremonies included a special performance of the Canadian Cowgirls mounted drill team, including a trick riding act. The Canadian Cowgirls also carried in each team’s national flag and presented it to them on the arena floor.

After lunch, teams drew for their competition horses, and they had their first practice rides to get to know them. Tomorrow includes their first clinics and a visit to Niagara Falls. (Click here for more about the event.)


Team Australia waits for the opening ceremonies to begin.	Team Austria makes an appearance in traditional dress.

Team Germany steps out on the Youth World Cup arena floor.	Team Italy arrives in football (soccer) fan style.

Team Sweden members Elin Engblom, Victoria Ohman and Elin Ekblom (left to right).	Team United Kingdom proudly bears their country's Union Jack.

The Canadian Cowgirls mounted drill team gives a performance and helped to honor the Youth World Cup teams.	First-time participant Team France accepts their nation's flag from the Canadian Cowgirl who carried it into the arena.

Team Austria receives their group of horses from Youth World Cup Committee Chairperson and AQHA Judge Patti Carter.	Team United States studies the group of horses they drew.

Team New Zealand's coach Dave Young watches his riders aboard their horses for the first time.	Team United States' coach Nancy Cahill is also one of the trail clinicians.

Team France's horses sport the French flag's colors on their tail bags.	Israeli rider Dan Saroussi, 17, tries out one of his team's horses.

Ontario Quarter Horse Association Princess Jasmyn Rivait is on hand to welcome the teams to Canada.	Dominican Republic's Luis LaHoz, 13, also competed in the 2006 Youth World Cup in Amarillo.