August 11, 2011
Teams from each state have the opportunity to complete three challenges for team awards. Participation in stall decorating and the parade of teams are required to win the Team Spirit Award. In addition, there will be other team challenges that will add to the overall score. Look for these at the stall office.
August 9, 2011
Post it on the AQHYA Facebook page, www.facebook.com/aqhayouth! We want to hear all about it.
Did you know that Two Bits met his best friend at the Ford Youth World in 1999? Two Bits’ best friend’s name is Tandy. They were competing against each other in the western riding class. Tandy took home the first-place trophy, and Two Bits knew he could get some pointers from him. So he went to congratulate him like a good sport, and they hit it off right away. From then on, they were inseparable.
August 8, 2011
1. Drink plenty of water! Avoid drinking sodas and sugary drinks. They will cause you to dehydrate easier. Water and fruits with high water content will keep you hydrated properly.
2. Wear light-colored clothing. Darker colors absorb heat faster. Light-colored clothing will keep you cooler longer.
3. Go to White Water Bay. You will find discounted tickets to this water theme park at the AQHA booth in the trade show.
4. Have a water balloon or water gun fight! Bored between classes? Get out there with your friends and start a water fight. Keep cool and make new friends!
August 7, 2011
AQHYA took Q-Contacts on a trip to Washington, D.C., to lobby for equine-related policies in June. Q-Contacts are asked to develop relationships with selected members of Congress who might be in a position to advance policies and regulatory goals of AQHA.
On this most recent visit, the most important issue they lobbied for was horse processing. Although it is a controversial issue, it is more humane than neglect or abandonment.
Here is what AQHYA Q-Contact Michael Felts had to say about his experience in Washington, D.C.:
August 6, 2011
Go out and meet people. Use this scavenger hunt to find new friends!
1. Find someone wearing Wrangler jeans.
2. Find someone in Justin boots.
3. Find someone in a black show hat.
4. Find someone in a polka-dot shirt.
5. Find someone riding a blue roan western horse.
6. Find someone using a neon-pink halter.
August 5, 2011
Every day, a new challenge will be posted by the stall office. If you complete all the challenges first, extra points will be given toward the Team Spirit Award.
These challenges are top secret and are designed to encourage and teach teamwork and fun! Put your heads together and get into the game. There is nothing like a good, old-fashioned challenge to make the Ford Youth World go round!
Kristen Zilligen
AQHA Youth Intern
August 4, 2011
Can’t make it to the Ford Youth World in Oklahoma City? No worries! AQHYA is broadcasting the show online. Follow this link to watch all your favorite classes live:
You can find all the information you need on the right side of this Web page. We hope you enjoy the show and can’t wait to see you next year!
Kristen Zilligen
AQHA Youth Intern
August 3, 2011
Parris Rice is a member of the Baylor University Varsity Equestrian team. Journal photo.
Some of you are already preparing to leave for the college experience during the 2011 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show. Some of you will be making the decision of which school to choose this coming year. The rest of you may not quite be considering college yet.
Regardless of where you are in your continuing-education search, AQHYA wants to help.
Two colleges will be attending the Ford Youth World, West Texas A&M University and St. Andrews Presbyterian College. We are excited to welcome them and are eager to get you all the information you need to make your decision.
West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, Texas. It welcomed 16 faculty members and 152 students in its first year in 1910. Since then, WT has developed an excellent reputation and is full of tradition. The equine program is top-notch and is a great place to meet fellow students with similar interests. Check out the West Texas A&M booth at the Ford Youth World for more information.
July 8, 2011
2011 AQHYA National Racing Experience logo.
Do you ever feel the need for speed while you’re out in the pasture, riding along leisurely on your American Quarter Horse? Come on, admit it.
The “need for speed” will be a common theme as AQHYA hosts the National Racing Experience October 5-9 at Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana. If you are 16 as of January 1, 2011, you are eligible to participate. All applications must be received by September 1 in the AQHYA office.
July 7, 2011
One of the newest opportunities for our industry’s youth is a scholarship program offered through the dynamic Lindenwood University to AQHYA youth..
Four awards will be given to top high school graduates who have significantly shown both academic merit and leadership within AQHYA. The awards will range from $2,500-$9,000 annually.
Lindenwood University is a four-year liberal arts institution in Saint Charles, Missouri. Students have many options available to them with more than 150 majors offered. The university is home to approximately 15,000 students and is dedicated to excellence in higher education.
For more information about the scholarship program and Lindenwood University, contact Dean of Day Admissions Joe Parisi at jparisi@lindenwood.edu. Or contact the admissions office at (636) 949-4949.
Here at AQHA, we are proud of our youth and want to give them every opportunity to excel. This new scholarship program is yet another way to continue to provide great opportunities for those who will become our leaders of tomorrow.
July 1, 2011
Lifetime friends were made as everyone built their friendships on the common bond of their American Quarter Horses. Journal photo.
There were many fun activities and educational moments that occurred during this year’s YES and convention, which took place June 16-18 in Amarillo. With around 150 participants, there was always a laugh being shared and a friend being made. Many of the participants said they made some lifetime friendships during the weekend. Here are a few highlights:
“Being a good leader means bringing out the best in others,” Shannon said.
At the end of the weekend, new officers and directors were elected for the 2011-2012 year. Many hugs were exchanged and congratulations given as the candidates saw their hard work pay off through the elections. Here are the new officers and directors of AQHYA:
Officers
President Abigail Pait from Sparta, New Jersey
Vice President Britt Lynch from Monroe, Georgia
Secretary Chantz Stewart from Cave Creek, Arizona
Treasurer Logan Pluhar from Canyon, Texas
Sentinel Sarah Ann Pendergraft from Fayetteville, Arkansas
Directors
Sadie Church – Region 2 Director
Ashley Hamling – Region 2 Director
Dylan Easley – Region 3 Director
Stacie Mitchell – Region 3 Director
Bailey Mierzejewski – Region 4 Director
Lauren Diaz – Region 4 Director
Abigail Pait – Region 5 Director
Michael Felts – Region 5 Director
Mark Mowbray – Region 5 Director
Alyssa Freitas – Region 6 Director
Jessica Stepanek – Region 6 Director
Sierra Arroyo – Region 7 Director
Chantz Stewart – Region 7 Director
Kelsey Vung – Region 7 Director
Austin Halvorson – Region 8 Director
Paris Nottingham – Region 8 Director
Logan Pluhar – Region 8 Director
Sarah Ann Pendergraft – Region 9 Director
Taylor Bevis – Region 10 Director
Jordan Boyd – Region 10 Director
Britt Lynch – Region 10 Director
To read more about what went on at YES and view many more photos, see the story in Journal Plus, the brand new online companion to The American Quarter Horse Journal.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 2012 Youth Excellence Seminar. Follow AQHYA on Facebook for the latest youth news and happenings.
June 14, 2011
The 2011 Built Ford Tough AQHYA Championship World Show, August 5-13 in Oklahoma City, has many deadlines that must be met in order to participate.
July 1 is the registration deadline for the Ford Youth World. All registration materials must be in the AQHYA office on July 1, not just postmarked. For more information or questions, contact Sarah Smiddy at youth@aqha.org.