Trail mix is a great thing to snack on, and it's so easy to make!

Make this trail mix recipe from Junior Master Horseman Level 2 and eat some healthy food on the go!

Hey kids!

I popped in to the Battle in the Saddle event last week because there was a Kids Corral with some fun activities! Luckily, the nice people there had a great snack that was easy to make because I got really hungry on the gallop over there.

The kids played games, made a spin paint project and mop ponies, and even had JMH Feed Pan Trail Mix!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Corn Chex
• 2 cups Rice Chex
• 2 cups Wheat Chex
• 1 cup pretzel sticks
• 1 cup unsalted peanuts
• 1 cup M&M candies

Directions:

Toss ingredients in a clean, lined small feed pan or bucket and serve! Option: Hats turned upside-down and lined also make great holders for snacks. If you’re on the run, a zip-lock bag is a great carrier! For extra nibbles, serve sliced apples and carrot sticks as well!

To get this recipe and even more great activities from the Junior Master Horseman Level 1 or 2 books, visit Quarter Horse Outfitters at www.aqhastore.com today!

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

The banquet room was filled with eager anticipation, as competitors from 16 countries waited for the results of the 2010 Youth World Cup! 

The teams proudly presented their flags during the opening ceremonies parade of teams the first night of the 2010 Youth World Cup in Oklahoma City.

Sixteen teams represented their respective countries at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup that just finished up in Oklahoma City. The teams spent a week in the busy show barn preparing and competing.

As the week began, the teams spent time checking out tack and getting acquainted with their new rides for that week, which were donated by some extremely generous and greatly appreciated horsemen.

Each night brought a new round of “American” activities for the kids. These activities ranged from attending a baseball game at Bricktown Ball Park, swimming at White Water Bay water park, and a “game night” that was hosted by AQHA in the warm-up arena of Barn 8. These activities were held in high regard by the youth and coaches alike. The visitors greatly enjoyed themselves as they relaxed and partook in some “American fun” with their newfound friends.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand-new Level 3 curriculum, which is coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of levels 1 and 2 today!

But the true test came as the week progressed. The show began on Wednesday with cutting. On Thursday, the teams competed in the first round of showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, western riding, trail, hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation. On Friday, the teams took back to the arena as they competed in reining and finished the week with the second round of performance classes.

The banquet was held at the Embassy Suites of Oklahoma City where Team USA was crowned as the champion team and Team Germany the reserve champion team.

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

According to the ultimate sports aphorism, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”

It is just as important to show good sportsmanship when you lose as well as win.

These days, the term, “horseman,” is one that is loosely applied to nearly anyone who owns a horse, and in recent years has lost much of its meaning.

Although not technically part of the horse show rules, equestrian sportsmanship is expected of all competitors. This means respecting fellow riders and taking wins and losses graciously.

Horse showing is emotional for adults and yet the grace that most kids exhibit is impressive and beyond their years. Competition brings out the best and worst in all of us. How children cope under pressure is both learned and part of their chemical makeup. Good or bad, sportsmanship is something most exhibitors struggle with, and often, the more successful you are, the harder it is to lose.

The emotional maturity to handle a hard loss or a poor performance isn’t easy for many kids. Like their adult counterparts, they have invested a lot of time and energy, as well as some big hopes, on the outcome of their classes. It hurts when everything goes wrong and acting otherwise is sometimes impossible. Sometimes the disappointment is expressed through tears, sometimes through anger. It’s easier to feel bad for a crier, but an angry youth rider is seen as a bad sport and poorly received.

It is as important to show good sportsmanship when you lose as well as when you win. It is important to learn from your mistakes so that they aren’t made again in the future.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand-new Level 3 curriculum, which is coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of levels 1 and 2 today!

Make a habit of congratulating the winners of any class, regardless of how that rider performed. Throwing fits in the arena or accusing judges of favoritism show very poor sportsmanship, as does bragging about a win or criticizing other competitors.

Winning can be a goal, just not the only one. Pride in the journey and the many steps it takes to get to the show pen helps kids grow in their sportsmanship skills. All kids can be winners in that way even if they’re not the one with the world championship title. Horses aren’t a team sport, and that is part of the challenge of teaching good sportsmanship to kids who ride. The outcome is all up to the individual and his or her horse and that’s a lot of pressure on some small shoulders. The best thing that parents and coaches can do is encourage kids to have fun, and keep a positive outlook while demonstrating those things themselves.

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

The AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar was a mix of excitement, learning and personal growth.

The 2010-2011 AQHYA officers and directors were elected at the Youth Excellence Seminar June 24-26 in Amarillo.

By Tara Christiansen and Amy Brown

The AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar and Convention kicked off Thursday, June 24, in Amarillo with pizza and a motivational speaker. From there, the youths got down to business with campaigning, voting and educational workshops.

First on the card was motivational speaker Grant Baldwin. He kept the youth laughing as they broke the ice with the game “Rock, Paper, Anything,” his own twist on “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Grant is the author of “Reality Check: The Student’s Guide to the Real World.”

After a few rounds of “Rock, Paper, Anything,” Grant had the youth gather in and share their winning “Anything” hands, which ranged anywhere from “Michael Jackson” to “bear claws.” The answer Grant was looking for was “Chuck Norris,” a man he recognizes as his own personal hero.

Grant’s speech on Thursday evening was directed toward recognizing how excuses can limit people’s lives. Among his many examples, there was one that stood out. Grant said people are inclined to use their past as an excuse for compromising their future, but he stressed, “Your past doesn’t have to determine your future.” He also encouraged the youth to take responsibility for their lives so that they can make an impact in the world.

The morning itinerary had participants up bright and early for more inspiring sessions with Grant. His session on Friday, “What the Heck Am I Doing With My Life?” encouraged attendees to pick a career that they’re passionate about, instead of choosing one for monetary gains.

Grant kept the mood very light and entertaining throughout all sessions. When he started Friday, he asked the youth members what they wanted to do when they grew up, with the most comical answer being “an ostrich farmer.”

Between sessions, candidates campaigned for AQHYA director and officer positions. Set up around the room were display boards, which the candidates used to promote themselves.

One campaigner was Edwin “E” Gaffney, 18, of Aurora, Colorado. E was running for Region 8 director and AQHYA president. He offered insight into what makes a great AQHYA officer.

“My grandfather always told me, ‘God gave you two ears and one mouth so that you can do twice as much listening as talking.’ ” E took this to heart as he got to know attendees from across the country. “I try to keep in mind that two monologues don’t make a dialogue.”

E said he has a passion for the American Quarter Horse and its Association, and he has competed in pretty much every AQHA event, from halter to reining. There are so many things the Association does well, E said, but there are things that the youth members can improve upon. There are more than 30,000 youth, but there is a need for improved communication, he said.

Over the last year, AQHYA members have been involved in trail conservation projects. E agrees that these are great service projects, but he would like to see more people-related projects that will impact not only people and horses, but that will also promote the breed and the Association. For instance, E and other AQHYA directors and officers fed the homeless on Thursday night with leftover pizza from the opening dinner.

The attendees got a dose of sport psychology on Saturday from international United States Equestrian Team coach Daniel Stewart. In 1998, Daniel began coaching USET team members, and in 2002, he was transferred to Spain to coach and train all U.S. team members when they competed in Europe.

Daniel focuses on the mental approach to riding. He says riders can focus on physical factors, such as seat positioning and body control, but they also need to work on mental toughness and self-confidence.

Winning is just as much a mental game as it is a physical game. You can be the most physically prepared person, with the best horse, but you can mentally defeat yourself before you even step foot into the arena.  He encouraged using positive words and thoughts to keep your mental state positive. To read more about what Daniel had say about defining success and setting attainable goals, look for an article in the August issue of The American Quarter Horse Journal.

Daniel’s second workshop demonstrated on-the-ground exercises that riders can do to improve their horseback riding, and the demonstrations had the audience in hysterics.

The conference was bittersweet, as four out of the five 2009-2010 AQHYA officers delivered their retiring addresses.

YES also marked the election of the new AQHYA officers. Representing AQHYA in 2010-2011 are President Dakota Diamond Griffith, Vice President Brooke Ingstad, Secretary Leah Thomas, Treasurer Rachel Pendergraft and Sentinel Britt Lynch.

“This is my final year in youth and I will miss it immensely.”

A reflection from outgoing AQHYA President Cait Kerber:

Outgoing AQHYA President Cait Kerber offers her reflections from her past year in service. Photo by Tom Schmidt.

When I started this year I was terrified of how I was going to lead this huge group of talented individuals, but the truth is I had nothing to be scared of. This past year of being president has been the most amazing experience of my life. I have had the opportunity to befriend what I believe to be some of the most talented and amazing individuals in the world. My officer and director team has done an amazing job of standing behind me, and I am so proud of everything we have accomplished.

All of my committees have done an absolutely great job. I was excited that the Community Service Committee was able to branch out for a year from equestrians with disabilities. The trail cleanup effort is a tremendous cause. Trail riding is often an overlooked aspect of AQHA, and I’m glad that we took a cue from the parent organization and were able to embrace the fundamentals of riding. As always, the Education Committee did a terrific job of educating the young future of AQHYA. The Junior Master Horseman program has really allowed us to reach out to those who may not be able to have a horse but still love the equestrian experience. The Scholarship Committee, as always, worked very hard to do a great fund-raiser with the calendar raffle. It seems to be a crowd favorite, and I want to personally thank Jocelyn Tanner for stepping in to help. Finally my baby, the Public Policy Committee, took a huge leap this year. As bad as it is to play favorites, I did start this committee last year, and I am far beyond thrilled with how far it has progressed. This is probably what I am most proud of.

As I said, I had such a great time this year, and I hope that everyone shared the same joy I had in this experience. All my officers and directors are really like family, and I hope that they feel the same. This is my final year in youth, and I will miss it immensely. I have really grown up in the American Quarter Horse Association. It has taught me so much, and I encourage all the young members, and even the older ones, to just wait and see what all you can learn from this incredible group of people!

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

A pinch of prevention goes a long way.

When a horse is dehydrated, fresh water is the best cure.

Dehydration is a condition that humans and animals suffer from when the body doesn’t have enough water. Dehydration can be caused by fever or diarrhea. But the most common cause of dehydration is the loss of body fluid from sweating on a hot day or after a hard ride. Some of the more noticeable signs of dehydration from a horse are sunken eyes, red inner eyelids, dry nose, and a drawn flank. So what’s a horseman to do? In the following activity, a simple pinch and capillary refill test will be practiced on a live horse.

Objective: To observe and practice simple experiments to check for dehydration

Materials: Live horse

Follow these directions for checking for dehydration:

Gently pull (pinch) the skin from the tissue in the middle of the horse’s neck. If a horse is not dehydrated, the skill will quickly flatten back into place. If the horse is dehydrated, the skin may stay pulled up for around 10 seconds before relaxing. If this happens, the horse may already be in a severe state of dehydration and need attention right away.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Another quick way to check for dehydration is to press your finger into the horse’s gum to check capillary refill time. The thumb pressure will keep the blood from the area. As soon as you lift your thumb from the gum, the blood and pink color should quickly return. In a dehydrated horse, the spot you pressed will stay pale and not return to a healthy pink color.

Now that you know what the signs of dehydration are and how you can check your horse for dehydration, what happens next? If your horse is dehydrated, allow him to drink water in small amounts. Electrolytes can be used, but check with your vet before giving your horse anything besides fresh water. Other vital signs, like heart rate and respiration, also should be checked.

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

A quick tune-up before entering the class.

Mental and physical preparation for the show will result in a saddle ornamented with ribbons.

Driving down the highway, windows down and George playing on the radio; the hot dry wind circulating through the rolled-down windows of the cab. The tires kicking up dust as you speed down the road; you’re late to the show.  In your haste to make the show, you may have forgotten some important pre-show considerations to prepare yourself.

Over the course of the last three weeks, we have been highlighting some important items to help prepare the first-time horseman and brush up the experienced horseman before taking to the show ring.  This will conclude that series.

In the recent articles, we have covered topics ranging from grooming and bathing to show-ring etiquette.  The finale to the series contains last-minute pointers. They are as follows:

• Hunters and jumpers: In the warm-up ring, call “heads up” on the fence you’re jumping.
• Hunt-seat riders: Attach your entry number on your back by threading a black shoelace through the number, then through your coat’s last buttonhole; tie off and hide the bow under your coat.
• Western riders: Affix your number to your blanket with safety pins, decorative blanket conchos or a number holder.
• At home, practice any special tests that you think might be added to your classes, such as riding without stirrups, sitting the extended trot or executing a figure-eight.
• Never hold a class up; you could be disqualified. If you are making a quick tack change or have classes running simultaneously, have someone inform the show steward immediately.
• If you’re new to showing, pay your trainer a rail fee to coach you for the day.
• Dressage riders: Memorize your tests even if you have a caller. Practice the tests in your arena on foot during the weeks leading up to the show.
• Your day isn’t done just because your classes are over. Attend to your horse’s needs before relaxing with friends.
• Ask a show steward if you can see the judge’s scorecard or sheet to gain a greater understanding on how he or she pins a class.
• Don’t forget to close out your check before leaving the show grounds!

With the tips you’ve learned about these past few weeks, you should now be ready to hit the show with complete confidence, knowing that you are prepared!

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

Play games like kids from the Wild West.

This diagram shows you how to set-up the playing field. Spread the sticks out evenly within the prison area.

Hey kids!

I just heard about this cool game from my friends in the paddock! Ya see, back in the day, traveling for months at a time got pretty boring for everyone, but there were ways to have fun, too. This game was played by children when the wagons were stopped for nooning, while waiting to cross a flooded river, or while waiting for hunters to bring back meat or lost mules and oxen. A Mormon girl traveling to Utah wrote about playing this game in her travel diary.

Materials:

• Playing field
• 4-6 sticks for both sides (total of 8-12)
• Players for 2 teams – at least 6 on each side

How to Play:

Divide the players into two equal teams; line out the playing field so it has two lines about 30 to 60 feet apart. Make an area at each end, about 6-by-10-feet, to be each team’s prison. Place an equal number of sticks on the ground in each prison. Space them out across the length of the prison.

Begin the game by one side sending out a player to dare the opponents to tag her. One of the enemies start to chase her, and that person runs for home. Home is the safe area behind the line. If she is tagged before making it to home, she is a prisoner and must immediately go over and stand in the enemy’s prison. She goes there alone, because the one who tagged this person gets chased by another player from her team, who goes into the playing field. Players try to run across the field and free prisoners held by the other side. If the player who runs across tags a prisoner, she is free. Prisoners need keep only one foot inside the prison, so it is easier to tag their hands. A team must rescue all its players who are being held in prison before they can steal any of the sticks held there. If there are no players in prison, the players try to take 1 stick at a time back to their home. Players can’t be tagged on the way back home with a stick.

The first team to take all of the sticks from the other team wins.

Hope you enjoy!

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

“The need for integrity today is perhaps as great as it has ever been.  It is absolutely essential for anyone who desires to become a person of influence.” – John C. Maxwell

“Integrity is the essence of everything successful.”

Integrity can be defined as uprightness of character and soundness of moral principle. Last we discussed how having a strong sense of character can have a great impact on your ability to excel as a leader.  But it’s more than just having strong character.  Integrity plays an integral part in success.

The Truths about Integrity

• Integrity is not determined by your circumstances
• Integrity is not based on credentials
• Integrity is not to be confused with reputation

 “A life lived with integrity – even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shinning star in whose light others may follow in the years to come. ” – Denis Waitley

Integrity is about the small things

It is the foundation on which respect, dignity and trust are built.  If the foundation of integrity is weak or flawed, then being a person of influence becomes impossible. Anytime you have a break in character, you create a crack in the foundation. It is crucial to maintaining integrity by remembering to take care of these little things:

• Ethics are not flexible
• A little white lie is still a lie
• Theft is still a theft – whether $1 or $1,000,000
• Who you are when you’re by yourself

Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, to people over things, to service over power, to principle over convenience. Integrity isn’t something that you can just turn on and off at will and still hope to be seen in good light.  You are still the person that you are behind closed doors.  The decisions made both in the public eye as well as in the privacy of your own home determine your character and integrity.  This ultimately affects how the public perceives you and your credibility. The bottom line when it comes to integrity is that it allows others to trust you.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

Keep your horses safe and secure with the proper fencing.

"The grass is greener on the other side" takes on very realistic meaning for horses.

During your daily chores, you will probably encounter areas of your horse’s fence that need some attention. And the longer you wait, the more that weather and your horses will continue to take their toll.

There are several ways to improve the condition of an existing fence system, but you need to know where to start. First, you need to evaluate the fence, making note about the condition of the posts, wire and brackets. Prioritize the problems needing immediate attention to ensure the safe containment of your horses.

You may also want to discuss the following topics with an expert in order to provide the safest and most appropriate fencing system for your animals:

• Adding electric to a split rail “broken” fence system
• Add a top site rail to woven wire fence.
• Test existing electric mesh and electric wire systems.
• Ensure proper post spacing

A properly constructed, professionally installed fence will last longer, look nicer and protect horses better than one that is not installed correctly.

Fencing Solutions for Dry Lot Areas

“The grass is greener on the other side” takes on very realistic meaning for your horse. In order to get to the grass your horse can see or smell, he may literally lie down or push through your fence rails to get to fresh grazing, consequently making the fence a “high traffic” zone that requires more attention.

Rotational grazing is one of the best long-term solutions, if the land is available. If your circumstance cannot accommodate rotational grazing, a fence system should be put in place that can hold up to your horses’ attempts to push through it. Flexible rails with high break strength are a good option. Similarly, flexible rails with high tensile wire have “memory” and will flex back to their original shape. In some cases, horses can become so abusive to the fence that it may require the addition of electric wire to protect the investment you have in the fence.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Selecting the Perfect Posts

Posts are the backbone of any fence system. The type of soil you have to work with will ultimately affect installation, maintenance and longevity of your fence.

The first consideration is what type of fence you plan to install as this will affect the type of posts you select. For instance, electric fencing can use wood posts, metal T-posts (with sleeves) or fiberglass rods. Flexible fencing generally calls for four to six inch round, pressure-treated pine posts or solid plastic posts.

Next, determine the content of your soil. Rock or hard clay may require the use of a special auger. Continually damp conditions or sandy soil may generate a need for extra bracing or setting posts in concrete.

Finally, evaluate installation requirements and related expense. It’s easier and a lot less costly to make a change during the planning stage.

A horse may spend 50 to 100 percent of his time in a pasture surrounded by fence, so it is vital to maintain a safe, strong living space for your equine friends.

For a fun, interactive refresher course in horse safety, try the game provided at the link below!

http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/Animals/Simple-Horse-Care-97417.html

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

Fencing is one the most important investments that can be made to a farm or ranch.

Proper fencing is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of your horse.

Hey kids!

I was leisurely grazing in my paddock just the other day, and I came across some poorly constructed fence. I was so engaged in my grazing that I nearly got entangled and cut up by the loose and jagged ends!

Too many times I have seen my friends strolling along under the trees next to the fence line when suddenly something scared them, causing them to startle and wind up caught in the fence. Out of terror, they thrash about and get some pretty deep cuts on their legs.

A properly constructed, professionally installed fence will last longer, look nicer and protect horses better than one that is not installed correctly.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

There are five main concerns when it comes to horse fencing when considering the type of fencing to install. They are as follows:

• Containment
• Safety
• Budget
• Maintenance
• Aesthetics

So be sure to tell your parents that you want me to be safe and happy out in the pasture!

Also, tell all your friends that tomorrow we will lope further into the world of safe fencing.

Until we talk again next Tuesday my young friends, Happy Trails to you and enjoy the Horse Health Care game link below!

http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/Animals/Simple-Horse-Care-97417.html 

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern

Some general guidelines for show preparation and show-ring etiquette that will help prime the first-time showman and keep the experienced showmen on track.

Riding into the show-ring, both courteous and confident, are the keys to success.

June is now half over, and the arenas are packed with anxious showman and horses quivering with eager anticipation. The horses are groomed, and patterns have been memorized. It’s time to review some show-ring etiquette.

Now that your horse has been fitted and groomed, it’s good to be mentally prepared to showcase your fine equine specimen in the show-ring. HorseChannel offers the following advice on both mentally and physically preparing for the show.

The following bits are the second in a series of show tips that will be available through the Youth New on America’s Horse Daily each Wednesday. So be sure to check back frequently for the latest updates!

Show Preparation Tips:

• School one level higher than you show. That way you can compete with confidence, even when nerves and distractions might get in the way.
• Give yourself — and your horse — plenty of time before your class starts to get accustomed to the show grounds.
• Know how your horse behaves in the company of others. If he is unruly, it’s probably not time to show yet.
• Warm your horse up, but don’t burn him out. Save his best energy for the actual class.
• Don’t school your horse in gadgets and then expect him to perform in the show ring without them.
• Clean your tack the day before the show: Make sure it’s in tip-top shape and polish any silver.
• Know what the show-ring turnout requirements are and make sure you comply. Poor turnout shows lack of respect to the judge.
• If your horse is having a meltdown in a rail class, head to the center of the ring and just stand quietly. Better to chalk it up to experience than create a dangerous situation.
• Some disciplines have strict rules and regulations about equipment. Study your rulebook closely to be sure that your tack is “legal.”
• Warm-up ring etiquette: Pass left shoulder to left shoulder; if you’re working at a faster pace, stay well to the inside. Keep your eyes on horses that are circling or changing direction.

Junior Master Horseman announces the brand new Level Three curriculum, coming in July. Learn more, plus get your copies of Levels One and Two today!

Trevor Ashcraft
AQHA Youth Intern