THANK YOU to all our Sponsors of the 2018 Youth World Cup Team!

AQHA UK would like to thank all the sponsors who responded to the article about our Youth Team in the Equestrian Trade News earlier this year. The seven teenagers pictured will be heading to Texas at the end of June to compete against 18 other countries in the AQHA Youth World Cup 2018. They will ride in a number of disciplines, both western and English, on American Quarter Horses provided by the host nation. They have coaching and clinics from top US and International trainers in the run up to the competition, using that time to get to know their horses, before taking on the rest of the world!

We have followed up a number of exciting offers and are pleased to say that this team will be flying the flag for a number of UK and international companies.

Ariat Europe will be supplying their FEI team polos, light weight jackets and western boots. In addition, some of the riders competing in the English classes will be sporting the Ariat Heritage Field boots, breeches and show jackets. Our thanks to Melanie Selman. www.ariat.com

The polos and jackets are currently with Staroak Designs Ltd (Penny Connah) who will be printing these up with our AQHA UK logo, names and ‘Youth World Cup 2018’. Staroak will be sponsoring the team caps to match the Ariat kit with some added bling for the girls. www.staroakdesigns.com

Shires Equestrian have supplied each team rider with a fantastic set of luggage which includes the Team Shires holdalls, hat bags, grooming kit bags and garment bag. Thank you to Chairman Malcolm Ainge. www.shiresequestrian.com

Teamrider will be supplying a red, long sleeved shirts which will be embroidered and used at the opening and closing ceremonies. Many thanks to Linda Titherley for all her help. www.teamrider.co.uk

The team from The Riding Habit met up with our youth team at the Fenland Show to measure up and fit Uvex lightweight helmets. Many thanks to Lucia and Jamie Wilson. www.theridinghabit.co.uk

Thank you to LG Leatherworks who have provided the Team with gorgeous premium black leather belts. lgleatherworks.com

Belvoir Rug Company are making up 7 of their ‘Honsie’ rugs. These lightweight rugs which include a hood will keep the show horses clean in the run up to the competition and work well even in hotter climates. Director Richard Ellis is arranging for the rugs to be made up in suitable UK colours. www.belvoirrugcompany.com

We would like to say a huge thank you to top US designer Kevin Garcia. Our Youth Team will be wearing show apparel at the AQHA Youth World Cup 2018 by Kevin Garcia. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Kevin Garcia has been in the show world for over 25 years and has designed some unique and stunning outfits for the show pen for everyone from Small Fry to World Champion winners. Watch this space to see how our Youth Riders will sparkle! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-Garcia-Originals/

British Airways have also agreed to waive excess baggage allowances so we can take all the extra kit we need, including all the kit provided by the above sponsors.

We would also like to thank emmelleff equestrian photography for their great photo of our team. www.emmelleff.co.uk

So, a HUGE THANK YOU for all your help and we wish the Youth Team the very best of luck in Texas.

Sandra Loder 

Youth Director AQHA UK