Merville equestrian Megan Komori Kennedy will be with Team Canada at the 2016 American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup.
The international event is held every two years and in the summer of 2016 it will be hosted in Tamworth, Australia. A team of five riders along with a coach and manager has been selected from across the country to represent Canada at this prestigious event.
Born and raised in the Comox Valley, the 18-year-old Komori Kennedy joins Team Canada as a strong all-around competitor with a focus on Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation. She has been riding and training with local trainer Patti Woods since 2008.
Each country will ride for gold medals in cutting, reining, western horsemanship, trail, ranch riding, hunt seat equitation, hunter under saddle and showmanship. As well, youth riders from around the world will participate in educational seminars, discipline clinics, leadership training and competition.
The host country provides each team's horses for clinics and competition, making it very challenging for the riders to show a horse they only have a few days to ride beforehand.
Representing Canada at international events such as this is a costly initiative, and Team Canada members and their families are each responsible for fundraising a portion of their travel expenses. To help them reach these goals, please consider supporting Komori Kennedy with a business or personal sponsorship. She can be contacted at megankomorikennedy@hotmail.com.
Komori Kennedy is excited to be part of Team Canada in this unique competition and brings a strong background in riding and showing young horses, team spirit, and dedication to Tamworth, Australia.
Other Team Canada riders and alternate riders include Mackenzie Inksater (B.C.), Hannah Buijs (Ontario), Haley Franc (Alberta), Madison Holmes (Nova Scotia), Ruth Enns (Manitoba), James Heitzner (Ontario) and Cheyanne Izon (Ontario).
Originally printed in the Canadian Quarter Horse Association Press Release Oct. 18, 2015