He will join four others from around the country in June next year and take on the best riders from around the world at the event to be held in Texas, USA.

The 16 year old underwent a long selection process after first applying to the Australian Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) that included a written application, several week long camps and interviews with anonymous selectors.

It is far from just a riding competition as those selected are required to maintain and look after the horse they are given for the event as well as being spokespeople for their country.

Kelby’s father Ric Hutchinson said the selection has made Kelby’s dreams a reality.

“He has been riding since he was two or three and he’s 16 now. Horses have always been a big part in his life and this has been his life long ambition,” he said.

Most recently Kelby has had the opportunity to prepare for the event in a Trans Tasman competition against New Zealand held last month.

The Australian team were successful in winning the event and the local rider received individual success. Kelby won gold in the hunter seat equitation, silver in the hunter under saddle and bronze in the horsemanship.

He will now continue training in all areas in the lead up to the Quarter Horse Youth World where disciplines will include hunter, hunter seat equitation, trail, western pleasure, western riding, reining and cutting.