Franklin chosen to ride for U.S. team at APHA Youth World Show

By Brenda Black

Special to the Nevada Herald

While many young people piddle away hours chatting on-line or just surfing the World Wide Web, one area youth used her Internet connection to literally take her to the world. Tiffany Franklin, of Hume, was rebounding from the tragic loss of two beautiful show horses within the past three years. One died from a ruptured ulcer and the second died of complications from an incurable infection. Heavy-hearted but undaunted, she searched for the next equine partner. This one she'll be riding in international competition at the American Paint Horse Association World Youth Show in Fort Worth, Texas, June 19-26.

In the fall of 2003, they met on the internet. Tiffany downloaded a picture of PS Jetalitos Image. He was a flashy paint dun overo who stole her heart. As Tiffany and her mother, Jimmie, headed out to meet the would-be show mount, her father, Ralph, cautioned her to not buy him as soon as they got there. But it was love at first sight for Tiffany, and the beginning of an exciting turn of events that would take this duo far.

Long before Jay, as Tiffany now calls the horse, came into the picture, Tiffany was developing a competitive edge through several sports activities at Hume High School. Until graduation in 2003, she was a key player in the ladies sports department in softball, volleyball and basketball. She also amassed a good amount of contest knowledge from 10 years' worth of experiences in 4-H. Tiffany, now 18, competed actively in horsemanship and showing livestock at the county and state levels. She was a member of the Bates County livestock judging team for seven consecutive years and scored consistently high individual marks. Her hard work paid off repeatedly earning her standings in the top 10 and top five in several classes at the state level in many 4-H contests.

This past year, Tiffany ventured into collegiate level competition as a student at Fort Scott Community College. She quickly established herself as an asset to the highly successful FSCC Livestock Judging Team. Currently she is in the top five on this team, which has won several contests. The group recently returned from the World Pork Expo in Iowa and did very well.

From judging pork one weekend to riding paint horses the next, Tiffany is excited about the World Show. "I think I'm most happy about getting to meet people form different countries and see how they show," she said.

Tiffany added she is looking forward to making new friends. "I hope I do well. That would be great, but it's more about the people."

Already this summer, Tiffany has met many people while competing in the Missouri Paint Horse Club and the Paint Approved Club earning points and experience. Approximately 70 youth follow the state circuit. All state associations or clubs affiliated with the American Paint Horse Association are invited to sponsor a team to represent them in the Youth Team Tournament at the APHA World Show. Seven active members chose to go on to the World Show. The YTT consists of four different team-oriented events:

* Hippology, a competition which provides an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of equine science.

* Knowledge Relay, which challenges teams to perform a variety of activities and navigate various obstacles, that all relate to horse activities or chores in some way. Examples of obstacles include assembling an English bridle, tacking up a "dummy" horse and filling a water bucket using small cups.

* Parade of Teams, where entries will be judged on originality, creativity and enthusiasm. The 2004 Parade of Teams theme is "Reaching The World." Teams are encouraged to use props and dress that represent their state or region to depict the theme.

* Performance Classes, in which team members are asked to participate in five classes: Showmanship, Equitation, Horsemanship, Barrel Racing and Walk-Trot.

Additionally, this all-around cowgirl will be competing in her individual performance classes. Tiffany will enter showmanship at halter, halter, western horsemanship, hunter under saddle, English equitation, trail class and reining on Jay.

The Missouri team members automatically are eligible for selection for the US World Youth Games team at the World Show. Their names were placed into a drawing from all youth entries for the World Show. To determine the final members of the U.S. team, a computer program randomly drew five names.

"OK, this is totally unbelievable!" declared her mom. "For two parents that said 'yes' to letting their child attend the Paint World Show -- knowing it was her last year as a youth and struggling through the death of two horses -- who would have ever thought this could happen?" It did. Now, not only is the daughter going to Fort Worth, but the whole family is headed out to lend their support. Brothers Caleb and Cody, Mom and Dad plan to pack up and go south. Grandparents Charles and Jeanie Franklin of Hume, Mo., and Bob and Linda McBride of Fort Scott, Kan., will be cheering from home. The youngest brother, Cody, even forfeited two of his own 4-H events this summer to allow everyone's energy and time to go toward preparations for this big chance for his big sister.

As a U.S. Team representative, Tiffany has to be not only prepared, but flexible. This is the first time the Youth World Games has been offered. The international competition features four divisions: showmanship, horsemanship, reining and barrels. The competitors will compete in a versatility-style class with one horse and four riders. Horses will be provided for the teams. They will have one horse to compete on in horsemanship and equitation, and a second horse to ride in reining and barrel racing. Teams will draw their horses then be allowed two hours to work with their horses. The horses' owners will have the option to be present at this time to provide information about the horses and oversee the warm-up. The horses will be prepared for competition by their owners and will be delivered to the teams no more than 30 minutes and no less than 15 minutes prior to the start of the first class. Teams will be given time to tack up their horses and then must bring them into the arena for a brief warm-up time prior to the first event.

Teams work together to change tack on the horses between classes, and they will help their team members make any clothing changes.

On top of that, team members do not know what event they will ride in until the day before the contest! Tiffany hopes she is selected for reining or horsemanship. She confessed, "It has been a while since I have run the barrels." "This is such an honor and we are extremely excited," Jimmie said. "What a way to end your youth showing career!" The games will end in just a few days, but the future for this horse lover looks like a winner for the long haul. When she concludes her studies in Animal Science at FSCC, she wants to get a degree in Equine Fertility and Reproduction at the Gainsville Equine School in Gainsville, Texas. She plans to work with large horse ranches as their breeding specialist or have a private clinic.

"The industry is big and well received in Texas," Tiffany said, having already checked into the possibilities. "Dad and Mom want me to work back here, though." For now, this little girl, grown up, is passing along some of what she knows in the same way she learned it. Tiffany is volunteering as a Teen Leader in the County Line 4-H Club. Of course, her project of choice is horsemanship. Additionally, Tiffany privately tutors future horsemen and women.

"It's a lot of fun," Tiffany said about teaching. "I get to show them my experiences and knowledge. I hope to help make them better and get them to the level they need to be and to where I am today." One student of Tiffany's is Megan Peckman. Her mom, Mary Spencer, of Hume, was delighted to hear about Tiffany's selection to the U.S. APHA World Games. "This couldn't have happened to a better person because she is always willing to help the younger kids learn the basics."

Basically, it sounds like a happy ending as well as a world-class beginning for one area youth who decided to not give up on something she loved.