Wyoming Youth attend AQHA World show

The AQHyA World Show was a success! This year we brought the largest team that Wyoming has had in many, many years – or possibly even in history. There was a total of six kids and ten horses representing Wyoming this year, and for three of these kids, it was their first year ever competing in the red dirt in OKC. Whether they placed, or just gained more knowledge about showing in high-pressure situations, everyone got something out of the Youth World Show. Cooper Justus, Brook Martell, and Moriah McQueen were the three who had been to the AQHyA World Show before. Cooper showed in the Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Reining, and Working Cowhorse. Although Cooper did a great job in each event, Working Cowhorse is his forte and he placed 7th in both the Level 2 and Level 3. Brook placed 7th in the Jumping. Moriah, who hardshipped from Colorado to ride for Wyoming, brought two horses; one was a 20-year-old mare, Shes Gotta Pistol, and the other a four-year-old gelding, Chics Love Houston. She showed both horses very well in the Ranch Riding, Reining, and Ranch Trail, and was extremely pleased
with her rides even though she did not make the finals.

Roanin Irby, Baliegh Lane, and Kayla Gibson were the three making their first trips ever to the AQHyA World Show. Roanin just started competing less than a year ago, so the Youth World Show was an exciting opportunity for him. He showed in the Ranch Riding and the Reining. Although he did not make the finals in either event, he held his own in the Ranch Riding prelims until the very end and almost made the shootout. Baliegh showed 2 horses, one in the Cutting and one in the Working Cowhorse. In the Cutting, Baliegh was named World Champion in the Level 2, and Bronze Champion in the Level 3 on Sweet and Jazzy! She was named a finalist in the Working Cowhorse on her other horse, Blue Holli Ruffles. Kayla showed in the Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, and Reining. She did not make the finals in any of her events this year, but she learned a lot about her horse and how to continue to improve in the showpen!

Wyoming came out great in the stall lottery and was stalled in the coveted Super Barn on the prime center aisle. Thanks to our successful fundraising, and help from parents Chad and Heidi Justus, Amber and Dano Irby, and Lenay McQueen, the stall decorations represented the theme “Our Time Is Now” in stellar fashion. The kids got to participate in the Parade of Teams and be a part of the Team Photo with Youth Advisor, Lindsay Guynn and Jack, the Guynn mascot. Wyoming received so many compliments for their numbers and decorations. It was super fun to be a part of this history. Thank you to Jill Stucky and the entire WQHA board for their support with this trip to Oklahoma City for the 2024 AQHyA World Show. Until next year…..

Lindsay Guynn, Youth Advisor

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