Amarillo, TX - June 20, 2002 -Why do you want to ride an American Quarter Horse? A question posed to readers of Girl's Life magazine, offering a trip to the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show, drew nearly 200 entries in an essay contest. The Girl's Life Essay Contest ended May 15 at 5 p.m. CST, and today AQHA announced a winner.

The winner is Elaina Precious, of New Leskeard, Ontario, Canada. She is 13 years old.

Entrants were required to write an essay of 400 words or less explaining the themewhy they want to ride an American Quarter Horse. A committee comprising three AQHA employees, one member of the American Quarter Horse Association Youth Activities Committee and one member of American Quarter Hose Association of Professional Horsemen reviewed all eligible essays and scored them on a scale of 100 based on essay capturing the theme or essence of the contest; creativity; grammar, punctuation, spelling; and clarity of thoughts/ideas.

As the grand prize winner, Precious will receive a five-day, five night trip to the 2003 American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. The show dates are August 1 - 9. Precious will participate in activities, clinics and social events at the 2003 AQHYA World Championship Show and see the best of the best compete in the show ring.

Second place winner Andrea Frattallone of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and third place winner Dakota Griffith of Hilliard, Ohio,will each receive a certificate redeemable for five one-hour horseback riding lessons with a member of the American Quarter Horse Association of Professional Horsemen located within a reasonable driving distance of their residence. The fourth through tenth place prize winners each receive an AQHYA gift bag.

AQHA officials are pleased with the level of interest in the Girl's Life Essay Contest. ìWe were very excited to see the number and quality of the essays sent in,î said Senior Manager of Youth Activities Christa Morris. ìGirls and horses go together, and we are excited about being able to provide this American Quarter Horse experience for Elaina at the 2003 AQHYA World Championship Show."

The Youth World Show kicks off on August 1, and will host more than 900 youth expected. Other associated activities include clinics, horse judging, horse bowl and speech contests.