THE Irish Quarter Horse Association is planning to send a team to the USA to compete at the AQHA Youth World Cup in Byron Station Texas next summer and to this end, is hosting a training and open day at Drumcoura Equestrian Centre, Ballinamore,Co Leitrim next Saturday, October 22nd.

THE IQHA are in the throes of developing a squad in which a team can be selected to represent IQHA & Ireland in Texas. It is further planned to maintain a youth squad to participate at other AQHA events in Europe including Youth and Amateur Championships and European Championships. This is not exclusively for western disciplines as Hunter Classes are also part of the various Championships including the AQHA Youth World Cup. Interested individuals are more than welcome to attend this free event next Saturday.

IQHA is also planning this event as an opportunity to showcase the benefits of Western-inspired horsemanship across all breeds and disciplines.

IQHA will be rolling out details of events planned for 2023 and beyond which will include its very successful Participation Outreach Educational Program (POEP) which is aimed specifically at re-engagement and encouragement of more diverse activities with your horse. This is also aimed at under represented communities and disadvantaged as it encourages shared participation. You don’t need to own your own horse to show compete or even attend an educational clinic and seminar by professionals. These Outreach educational clinics can take place anywhere even with limited facilities and a few horses and there is no cost to the venue or participants on the basis that the host venue volunteers their facility etc.

Also on the plan for 2023 is the release of the new IQHA H.E.L.P. Horsemanship Educational Leveling Pathway, an educational pathway with four levels. This is specifically aimed at young enthusiasts from disadvantaged communities to obtain a certification of competency by attending a series of educational clinics thus enhancing their prospect of employment without a requirement of having to complete or participate in a work experience which can be very difficult given the difficulty of accommodation and increase in cost of living.

For more information on the above, please email IQHA Secretary at contactiqha@gmail.com