2008 AQHA YOUTH WORLD CUP

REINING, JUDGES ONE AND TWO

BY TONYA RATLIFF-GARRISON, FIELD EDITOR

Felix Schnabel and Chexy Brennas won first for Team Germany under both judges in the reining.

Kelly Truesdell and Chromed Little Lena came in second under both judges for Team Canada.

TEAM GERMANY FIRST

Felix Schnabel of Walldorf, Germany, placed first under both judges in what was perhaps one of the best reinings in AQHA Youth World Cup history. Owners gave up their show horses for a weekend to let the 32 riders show them in the reining on July 12. Felix rode Marilou Paradis’ Chexy Brennas to win Team Germany a third gold medal. The Journal caught up with Felix in the barn as he was unsaddling Chexy Brennas to ask him about his winning ride.

Describe your ride today?

It was really fun. I loved it. It was so amazing. When I think about it I get chills.

How was the horse for you?

She is the best horse I’ve ever ridden in reining, and I ride a lot of reining horses. But she’s really the best one. She was great.

Did the clinic help you in your ride?

Oh yes, of course. One of the guys told me how to spin the horse and how I have to keep my leg on her. It’s a skill I can take back to Germany.

Do you own horses in Germany?

Yes. I have six right now.

Are you enjoying your first Youth World Cup?

It’s really, really good. All the guys here are so cool and so nice. I like it.

Is there anyone you want to thank?

Everyone! My coaches, the manager, the owner of the horses. Everyone!

Fun Fact: Felix was first introduced to showing American Quarter Horses by his sister.

TEAM CANADA SECOND

How was your ride today?

This horse is really amazing. I was really lucky in the draw. His spins were awesome. I was so lucky to be facing the right direction when I finished. I was really happy with that. He stopped amazing. I just ran him down there and said whoa and trusted him. I put my hand down, and he just did it. It was awesome. I couldn’t be more happy with him. He was a good boy.

Because you’re a reiner in Canada, were you familiar with Chromed Little Lena?

Actually, I knew a lot of horses in the pool. There were even horses in the pool, if I drew them I couldn’t ride them because I’ve shown them before. But this one I didn’t know too much about other than I knew the owner (Linda Barnes). I’ve seen this horse show maybe once or twice but I couldn’t really remember anything about her. So I really didn’t know this horse. She was one of the few I didn’t.

What did you like about this horse?

She can really stop and spin, really, really well. She’s a very responsive horse.

This is your first Youth World Cup. Have you had fun?

We’ve had so much fun. I can’t believe how much fun this is.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

Oh, my gosh. I want to thank the clinicians this morning. They were amazing. The owners and trainers who donated their horses. They gave up their show horses for a weekend. We are so lucky that they gave up their nice show horses in the middle of the show season for us to ride. It is amazing.

Fun Facts: Kelly has served as treasurer and a director of Ontario Quarter Horse Youth Association and the president, chairman and a committee member of the Ontario Reining Horse Youth Association.

Go to the results page for the overall team standings.