2006 Youth World Show Presented by Ford

Amarillo, Texas, June 15, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Youth Association is excited to announce that Ford has become the title sponsor of the AQHYA World Championship Show.

Known now as the Ford AQHYA World Championship Show, it will be held August 5-12 in Fort Worth, Texas, and is the largest single-breed horse show in the world devoted exclusively to youth. This year 1,082 AQHYA members have qualified nationally to compete in Fort Worth. The Ford Youth World is the pinnacle event for AQHYA members. Contestants travel from across the globe to compete for 32 world championship titles.

With Ford’s renewed commitment to the show, youth will have the chance to ride for world championship trophies for the first time in Youth World history. Gold, silver and bronze trophies will be awarded in every class this year.

Ford also supports youth scholarships by giving away a 2006 F-150 XLT Supercab valued at almost $30,000. The truck will be raffled off by AQHYA Affiliates. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the AQHYA scholarship fund and youth activities in the affiliates.

This year, Ford will present the Parade of Vehicles during the Ford Youth World, which will give spectators an exclusive opportunity to view the newest Ford vehicles on the market.

Ford also will sponsor a carnival at this year’s show on Thursday, August 10, from 5-9 p.m.

This year’s Ford Youth World saw an increase in national qualifiers in eight of the classes offered. Two-year-old mares, working cow horse, reining, trail, working hunter, hunter hack, hunt seat equitation and equitation over fences have seen an average increase of about eight more national qualifiers per class from last year.

Youth may qualify for the Ford Youth World either nationally or through the state or province they represent. To qualify nationally, exhibitors must earn a specified number of points in their event of interest by competing in qualifying shows throughout the year. Points are assigned to competitors based on their placing in each class.

The second way for AQHYA members to qualify is through involvement in their state or provincial affiliates. Each state has its own criteria that members must meet. Youth can earn their way to Fort Worth by participating in fund-raisers and leadership activities, as well as showing.

AQHYA boasts a membership of more than 30,000 young people, including members from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. AQHYA is the largest, single-breed equine youth association in the world and provides a variety of programs to youth 18 years old and younger, which encourage participation with the American Quarter Horse breed.

For more information on AQHYA and the Ford Youth World, contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811 or visit www.aqhya.com.

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