Youth World Games
Youth Highlight
Team USA defends title in 2021 Youth World Games
GRACIE KACHURIAK
Contributed Courtesy APHA
12-year-old Gracie Kachuriak of Prosper, Texas shows Miniature Horses in hand and then saddles up to run barrel horses as well. The 7th grader at Cornerstone Christian Academy is a member of the American Miniature Horse Association, American Miniature Horse Registry, National Barrel Horse Association and the Blue Ridge Riding Club. Why Horses? Horses are kind of like a friend that never leaves you. Through tough times you can always count on your horse to be there for you. Moment I will Always Remember: When I won the 2D for the first time. Best Day Ever! That was just such a special moment from being the underdog in the sport. When I finally won versatility at the World Championship show with my mini, Awesome, my very difficult horse with trust issues. It was such a special moment because we also won Jumper that year. It just showed me all the blood, sweat and tears put into him had finally paid off. Favorite Horse(s)?: Both my Barrel horses, Jackson and Chica and our precious mini, Tatty are my top three. Number one is Jackson. Favorite Event?: I love running barrels, but my favorite mini event is Jumper! Role Model?: My mom because she is sure a hard worker and is so humble and kind. And Sharin Hall. I want to have the type of knowledge with horses that she does. Future Plans?: I really want to win the youth multihorse award at AMHA World for my final year in 12&U age division. I think it would be a great way to step into the 13-18 where I’ll be the underdog. Long-term: I have two places I’ve always wanted to run at and win; The American and the NFR. Career Path?: Science Teacher perhaps. Advice for others with horses: Stay motivated on the goal and don’t give up. Also, learn from your mistakes with horses! w 28
SouthWest Horse Trader September 2021
Results from APHA’s highly anticipated 2021 Youth World Games, postponed a year due to the pandemic and held virtually due to international travel restrictions, were announced today during the European Paint Horse Championship in Kreuth, Germany. When the (virtual) dust settled, Team USA successfully defended their title, narrowly edging out Team Germany for the top spot. Eight teams from Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and the United States competed, submitting video entries in showmanship, horsemanship, huntseat equitation and ranch riding. Overall placings are based on a compiled score; in teams with five members, the lowest score is dropped. Every other year, this international event brings our youth members together in fun and friendly team competition—this time virtually—for priz-
Team USA, 40 points, Team Members: Antonia Dinulescu, Josie Eckert, Katelyn Daniells, Lauren Gralla, Mannetta McAvaddy, Coach Pat Trebesch and Manager Dustin Boehmer.
es and bragging rights. Each member of the top three teams receives a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle. What APHA President Alison Umberger says: The Youth World Games present such a unique opportunity to bring together young Paint Horse competitors from around the globe. Although the teams were not able to come together in person this year, the opportunity for our international youth to go head to head with their U.S. counterparts provided another fierce competition as well as a highlight to many youth careers. All competitors should be proud of their accomplishments and we look forward to welcoming the Youth World Games teams back to EuroPaint in 2022. Full results are available online and can be found on the Youth World Games webpage at apha.com/international/events/youth-world-games/.w
