The Youth National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (Youth Nationals) celebrated its 13th anniversary when it returned to Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque on July 23-30. This year's event showcased more than 1,000 of the nation’s best Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians from the United States and Canada competing in 124 classes with their talented young riders.

Divisions included English, Western, dressage, driving, equitation, halter, horsemanship, hunter, native costume, reining, saddle seat, show hack, showmanship, sidesaddle, trail and working cow.

The largest class was Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior to Ride 14-17 with 80 entries. It was won by Tamar Monarch+ and Nicole Perry of Temecula, CA. The second largest class was Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Owner to Ride with 75 entries, won by JJ Shahq+++/ and Erica Zick of St. Joseph, MO.

The United Professional Horseman’s Association sponsored a prestigious UPHA Arabian Breeds Challenge Cup in three divisions: walk/trot 10 and under, 13 and under and 14-17 that attracted 60 riders. Winners in the respective divisions included: Paige Ross of Des Moines, IA, on Action Packed+//; Jane Clare Miller of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, on SA Gointoafire; and Alexis Scott of Des Moines, IA, on Conway.

Horse show competition and activities were open to youth, defined as competitors up to 18 years of age. Awards included red rose blankets, neck garlands, tri-colored ribbons, trophies, plaques, championship jackets, belt buckles, horse blankets, saddles and bridles.

“The quality in the walk-trot division was great,” says hunter division judge Rebecca Fleck. “It was nice to see so many perfectly matched pairs and really happy horses.” Working western judge Judy Wright was impressed with the high reining scores. “These kids have the quality and expertise to show NRHA. It was nice to see more horses in snaffle bits.”

Youth activities gave exhibitors and their families plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun during the week-long competition. The week’s festivities started with the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) annual convention on Saturday July 22, which featured Olympian and United States Equestrian Federation President David O’Connor and the election of the 2005-2006 AHYA officers.

The second annual Arabian Horsepower brought 200 kids and parents out to visit stables escorted by youth tour guides. At each stable stop, they learned about saddles, conformation and/or feeding and had a chance to pet many gentle Arabian horse ambassadors.


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