Hi, everyone! My name is Ellexxah Maxwell. I’m from West Mansfield, Ohio and I’m 15-years-old. This is my eighth AQHYA World Show, so I guess you can say I’ve had my fair share of trips to Oklahoma City.
Along for the ride this year is my mare, Zips Bossy Chip (Annie) and Willy Good Investmnt (Freckles). I would like to thank my parents/trainers, Brent and Melissa Maxwell, and my grandmother, Becky McLoughlin, for the long drives, countless hours of practice and supporting my constant love for horses.
Good luck to everyone at the 2016 AQHYA World Show. I look forward to bringing you a new picture of the day from the show!
Final Picture of the Day – #9, Friday, August 12, 2016
It has been a blast bringing GoHorseShow readers a picture of the day. With the world show ending, people heading back home, and the promise of another show around the corner, it can be easily forgotten that we came and left Oklahoma City with one thing – family. Without them, none of this would have been possible. So, thanks, Mom, Dad, and Grandma for making the long 14-hour drive for me. Goodbye OKC, until next year!
#8 Thursday, August 11th, 2016
The AQHYA World Show is coming to a close. When the action slows down and we all have a chance to sit down, the long nights and hours of preparation catch up to us. Unfortunately, we all can’t be like Pip (pictured above) and take naps all day. However, she makes sure she’s awake when people have food!
#7 Wednesday, August 10th, 2016
This is what the AQHYA World is all about! The younger generation is what keeps the Association alive and continuously growing. The way the American Quarter Horse brings families together is truly astounding. The only thing dad doesn’t know is that once a horse girl, always a horse girl.
#6 Tuesday, August 9th, 2016
It is half way through the AQHYA Youth World, and the horses are exhausted already. This picture illustrates what my mare, Zips Bossy Chip, thinks about that! After a long week of preliminaries, quarter finals, semi finals, and finals, all of the competitors feel like they need a time out. Well the saying goes, “There’s no rest for the wicked.” Each and every competitor here has demonstrated true sportsmanship and determination. Can’t wait to see what the upcoming days have in store!
#5 Monday, August 8th, 2016
There are so many people who deserve recognition at this horse show. Â A familiar face to many of the competitors is the man pictured here, ring steward, Rick Stevens. Rick has walked the inspection during showmanship at the AQHYA World Show for 12 years and the Congress an unbelievable 37. Rick has walked around me since I started showing, and I can’t imagine how many miles he’s walked just in circles. But he always does it with a smile on his face. Â In honor of the showmanship prelims on Monday and the finals Tuesday, a huge thank you to those who work behind the scenes to put on this incredible show for us.
#4 Sunday, August 7th, 2016
This is my picture of the day because there’s nothing better than team spirit on Parade of Team’s night! Who better to have team spirit than Youth World Cup Team USA.
We just got back from Australia not too long ago where we brought home the gold in the team competition. It was great to get together with the team one last time.
It is rather fitting since the 2016 Olympics are currently going on in Rio. There is nothing like representing your country on a grand stage, and hearing our national anthem play and stand in front of our flag. The fact we get to do it with friends and competitors make it even more special.
#3 Saturday, August 6th, 2016
I chose to feature this picture because it’s a reminder of how much our parents want us to do well. They devote so much time and money into this sport and they obviously add a little luck to the show pen! (Pictured is Mindie Maus waiting for the finalists to be announced for western horsemanship)
#2 Friday, August 5th, 2016
#1 Thursday, August 4th, 2016
O-H-I-O! This is my first picture of the day because, at my very first world show eight years ago, I will never forget being surrounded by friends who helped me through the nerves of showing at the AQHYA World Show.  There are so many emotions that you go through walking for the first time through the Gateway of Champions. This picture just goes to show that even though it’s a competition, we are all friends who are here for a common purpose.
