Teams, youth and their families representing nearly 20 nations from around the globe will descend upon Bryan-College Station for nearly two full weeks next summer in hopes of claiming the biennial youth world team championship in horseback riding.
“We are so excited to bring this international equestrian event to our town,” said Youth World Cup Coordinator Dawn Forest. “Bryan-College Station has so much to offer, a great facility in the Brazos County Expo Complex, great accommodations, and an abundance of volunteers, including international residents, who are eager to support their teams when arrive this summer.”
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Executive Committee accepted a bid from the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau for the 2014 American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup to be held near Texas A&M University in early July of 2014.
“These are the type of events we really appreciate attracting here,” said Kindra Fry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Bryan-College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau. “You’re not just exposing an international industry to the type of facilities we have and what we can do for an event, but you’re truly exposing Aggieland to the world because of the competitors and visitors events like this bring.”
The Youth World Cup is held in the United States once every four years and outside of the U.S. once every four years. The last Youth World Cup was held in Kreuth, Germany, in 2012.
“I have been involved with the Youth World Cup for quite some time: as an AQHA judge, AQHA Professional Horseman and now as an employee of AQHA,” said David Avery, director of international affairs for the AQHA. “I’ve been to every Youth World Cup since its inception and I truly believe that holding the event in the College Station, Texas, area will make this hands-down the best Youth World Cup ever held.”
As of this writing, countries slated to attend include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the host United States.
“If you want to talk economic impact, this is an event that’s more than just a few hotel room rentals,” Fry said. “You have some competitors and visitors that will be staying in town for as many as 10 days, complete with tours and activities. There will be shopping, there will be dinners at restaurants, and some of them might even want to catch a movie — we’re talking significant economic impact to our communities.”
For more information on the event, please visit www.ywc2014.com <http://www.ywc2014.com/> or contact Chris Harrell, 2014 Youth World Cup media coordinator (979-587-0486; [email protected]).
