Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Youth Association (NWVQHYA)

2021 Shows have been canceled NWVQHA Shows

We are looking forward to 2022!

The Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Youth Association (NWVQHYA) is a youth team organization in affiliation with the American Quarter Horse Youth Association operating within the scope of the rules, by-laws, and regulations of the American Quarter Horse Association. The NWVQHYA’s parent organization is the Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Association.

The objectives and purposes of the Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Association are as follows:

  1. To improve and promote the American Quarter Horse.
  2. To improve and develop the capabilities of youth, both individually and through group participation, in the breeding, raising, and exhibition of Quarter Horses.
  3. To develop and improve scholarship, leadership, and community interest and participation of youth.
  4. To encourage sportsmanship, cooperation, and high moral character of young horsemen.
  5. To acquaint youth members with the parent organization, the Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Association, its structure and function.

Membership

The Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Youth Team is open to members 18 years of age and younger. Members are eligible to participate in shows while advancing their horsemanship skills and knowledge, building personal confidence and esteem, and competing to earn a coveted spot on the All American Quarter Congress NWVQHYA Team.

Promoting Strong Horsemanship and Communities

It is our hope that our members will become active in the show pen, actively engage in meetings, run for office, and participate in activities throughout our communities, such as volunteer and fundraising opportunities. Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Association promotes youth involvement by offering an annual awards banquet in recognition of members who excel in open competition, as well as all major NWVQHA classes.

Youth Qualifying Dates

The following are important dates for qualifying periods for youth:

All American Quarter Congress

All members are encouraged to try out for NWVQHYA’s All American Quarter Congress Team. The All American Quarter Congress hosts the largest National Youth Team Tournament (NYATT) competition in the world and is open to select participants from the United States and Canada.

All American Quarter Horse Congress

2019 Youth Team

Isabella Marinacci and Best In The Moonlight

Izzy is 12 years old and is from Bridgeville, PA. Although she has been riding for 5 years, she and “Frankie” have only been together for 8 months. She was a member of the YEDA Team in 2017, and this will be her second year as a member of the IEA Team with Marciak Performance Horses at Caustelot Farms. Izzy enjoys showing in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, HUS, and Equitation. She feels honored to be part of the NYATT Team representing NWVQHA. She will be competing for NYATT in the Equitation Class at Congress. She would like to thank The Eye Gallery (Sherry P Marinacci, Inc.) for sponsoring her for the summer shows and also her trip to compete at Congress.

Macy Reckart and Sunshine N Whiskey

Macy is 16 years old and is a sophomore at Elkins High School. She’s the daughter of Todd and Patti Reckart and rides under the guidance of KMH Performance Horses. This is Macy’s third year as a member of NYATT Team and she is excited to show her horse in Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation. She will also compete in the Level 1 Age 14-18 Hunter Under Saddle and Hunter Hack classes at the Congress. She would like to thank her trainer, Amy Miller, and her sponsor, River Star Vacation Rental.

Haley Viola and Hes Just to Good

Haley is an 18-year-old student at Frostburg State University where she is studying biology. Haley and Hes Just to Good a.k.a. “Justin” will be representing NWVQHA in NYATT Showmanship. Haley would like to give a huge thank you to Lezlie Reinhart, Haley Foster, the Palumbos, and Tom and Leona Kimble for their support.

Lexi Reger and Pippin In My Bentley

Lexi is a sophomore at Elkins High School and the daughter of Brad and Missy Reger. Lexi rides under the guidance of Bobby Dean at Bobby Dean Show Horses. Lexi is excited to be representing the NWVQHA Youth Team at the Quarter Horse Congress this year in Hunter Under Saddle. This is her first year showing Bentley and she’s had a great time with him. She would like to thank her parents for being her biggest supporters and her sponsors Aric Heckler, Craig and Megan Daft, Mindy and Phil Chua, as well as her grandparents.

Liberty Bryner and Quick Brown Dasher

Libby is 17 years old and a junior at Uniontown Area High school. She will be representing the NWVQHYA in the NYATT Competition at the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Liberty will be showing her “Tay” as they call her in the NYATT Barrels. In her spare time she helps her mom give little kids horseback riding lessons. She enjoys teaching her passion for riding to the next generation of riders. Each year you can also see Liberty participating in her high school musical. Liberty would like to thank her sponsors Dr. Kimberley Zaremba, Red Bryner, and Mid Penn Bank.

Jenna Ratke and Lotsa Spicy Juice

Jenna is a 15-year-old sophomore at University High School in Morgantown, West Virginia. She owns and rides Lotsa Spicy Juice (Ivy) and also rides Spooky Wizard (Charlie) in reining for the NWVQHA NYATT Team. Jenna has been riding since she was about 2 years old and has been reining for 4 years. Jenna’s other hobbies include trail riding and hunting. She is sponsored by her grandparents Jack and Sandy Rifle, her parents Dave and Sheryl Slavensky, and her aunt Kendra McCarty.

Riley Miller and PSU Without A Doubt

Riley is the 17-year-old daughter of Donnie and Amy Miller from Upper Middletown, PA. This is her fourth year competing on the NWVQHA Youth Team. Riley and “Cooper” will be competing in Western Pleasure. Riley and Cooper also enjoy doing the all-around events and really have fun in Working Hunter and Equitation Over Fences. Outside of horses, Riley enjoys 4-H, riding on two Interscholastic Equestrian Teams and being captain of her high school’s varsity cheer squad. She would like to thank Donald Miller Inc. and Banc Card of America for sponsoring her this year.

Lauren Slagus and Just Rock On By

Lauren is a 17-year-old student at Belle Vernon Area High school. This is Lauren’s first year on the NWVQHA NYATT Team showing with her horse, Just Rock On By, and her 6th year riding at Prescott Performance Horses. She is excited to be representing NWVQHA in the Horsemanship and Western Pleasure classes at this year’s Congress NYATT Competition. A special thank you to her parents, John and Marie Slagus, for their sponsorship.

Lexin Iams and Good Enuf For Ya

Lexin is the 15-year-old daughter of Darrin and Tammi Iams of West Alexander, PA. Lexin is a sophomore and attends Commonwealth Charter Academy. Lexin enjoys doing special effects makeup and has been the lead makeup artist for several SAG films. Lexin has been riding since she was eight years old and is proud to be representing the Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Association with her horse, Good Enuf For Ya, a.k.a. “GoodE” in Showmanship at the 2019 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Lexin and GoodE have been a team for almost two years under the guidance of Jeff Prescott at Prescott Performance Horses. Thank you to all those who have sponsored GoodE & Lexin in their first year showing at the Congress and as a member of the NWVQHA Youth Team! Good Luck to All!

Samantha Miller and Promote This Te

A Cecil, PA resident, Samantha has been riding 6 years with Marciak Performance Horses at Caustelot Farms. As a 6th grade student in Canon McMillan School District she is also part of the Lady Macs travel basketball team. Horsemanship is her favorite class and she’s excited to be representing NWVQHA at this year’s Congress NYATT Competition. Samantha will also be showing in the 11 and Under Horsemanship, Showmanship, Trail, Equitation and Halter classes. A special thanks to Finleyville Flower Shop for their sponsorship, and her parents, Ann Marie and Jeff Miller.

2019 Officers – Northern West Virginia Quarter Horse Youth Association

President
Riley Miller

Vice-President
Jenna Ratke

Secretary
Samantha Miller

Treasurer
Macy Reckart

Youth Team Gallery