The time has come yet again for the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup which will be held this year in Kreuth, Germany from July 21 through July 29. With 16 countries competing for the gold, this event not only promotes the highest levels of equestrian competition but also seeks to develop the leadership skills of the AQHYA members worldwide.

The teams are provided with an amazing opportunity to associate with and learn from the different cultures our world has to offer. The teams will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test during these days of both practice and competition. GoHorseShow.com will spotlight each member of Team USA, hoping that the rest of the industry will become familiar with these talented individuals and be able offer all the support needed in order to help them compete to the best of their ability.

The next member of Team USA that will be spotlighted is seventeen-year-old Brittany Donald of Corpus Christi, Texas. Brittany has ridden horses since a very young age. She has grown up on a ranch in Corpus Christi and horses have always been part of her life. Brittany adds that she loved to ride even before entering the horse show world or even knowing anything about it. Brittany shines in both English and Western events and shows in the Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Trail, Western Riding, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Working Hunter, Hunter Hack, and Equitation Over Fences. Brittany competes under the guidance of John and Jill Briggs as well as Ryan Painter. Brittany also enjoys reading and drawing in the free time she has between showing and going to school.

What school do you attend and what grade are you in?

Incarnate Word Academy; upcoming senior 2012-2013

What are your plans for the next year?

I plan on continuing to show my horses and working hard at school. I will be applying to college in the fall and am hoping to be accepted into Texas A&M University for the 2013-2014 school year. I plan on taking my horses to the major shows including the Youth World and Congress.

Have you traveled to Europe before? If so, when, where, and why?

Yes. When I was 7 my parents and I took a trip to France for a vacation. We flew into Paris and then drove around France for a week, stopping at different hotels every night. When I was 9, my parents, my sister and I all flew to London. We took this trip as a graduation present for my sister. We explored London for several days then took the train that goes under the English Channel to France. We spent another several days in Paris and explored the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and many other sights.

What’s your favorite memory from this trip?

My favorite memory is running up the stairs of Sacré Coeur, a 19th century Roman Catholic Church located on the highest point of the city. As a child I was always fascinated by stairs, probably because my house was lacking in them besides the four that led to the porch. In Paris, I remember running up the stairs of the Sacré Coeur with my exasperated parents trailing behind.

Where else outside the United States have you traveled?

I have made many trips to Canada. Both of my parents were originally from Canada, and my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all live there. I have also traveled to Grand Cayman, an island in the Caribbean, several times.

What are your equine accomplishments?

I have won 28 PHBA Youth World Championships and am a 3 time PHBA 14-18 Golden Horse winner. I am a 4 time Congress Champion, a 5 time reserve Congress Champion, and a 3 time AQHYA reserve World Champion. I have won AQHYA Reserve World Championships in Hunter Under Saddle, Working Hunter, and Trail. I have been Top Ten at the AQHYA World Show in Trail, Working Hunter, Equitation Over Fences, and Hunter Hack.

Why do you think you got chosen for the youth world cup team?

I think that my accomplishments in the show pen were a big part of it. I also think that my experience throughout the years with my younger horses was an important factor as well because I have experience with both well trained horses and those who are quite green. I enjoy working with horses of all ages and training levels.