A note from Jocelyn Tanner about her experiences with the Y.E.S. Conference.

Jocelyn Tanner

My experience with the Youth Excellence Seminar and AQHYA Convention began seven years ago when I made my first trip to Amarillo, Texas for the 2003 Y.E.S. conference as one of my state’s affiliate AQHYA delegates.

I was in awe. All I could think was, wow, this is so exciting, and I am so happy to be part of this awesome organization. I have returned every year since. Unfortunately 2010 will be my last Y.E.S experience, but I want to continue to spread the word of the fun, the learning, the friendships and the outstanding time you will have by attending the 2010 Y.E.S & AQHYA Convention.

I learned so much that weekend about exciting things that AQHYA has to offer and from some of the best leadership and team building skills anyone could possibly learn in one weekend. I knew right then that I wanted more, and I wanted to share this experience with every youth in my region.

I can remember that first Y.E.S. so clear, just like it happened yesterday, watching the directors, listening to the speakers and having so much fun with the friends I was making. Each year the conferences got better and there were more friends and memories made. It is an experience I never will change and one that every AQHYA youth should have. It is just not your typical conference. You are a part of it. You’re not just a spectator.

You will not want to miss this fun-packed weekend in June offering exciting motivational speakers and valuable leadership skills! I promise you will have three full days of fun, lots of learning and friendships that will last a life time.

You will meet the youth officers and directors of AQHYA. They will have fun skits for you, education and certainly show you how to have a good time! Another part of this event is the AQHYA Convention. This is where your AQHYA officers and regional directors are elected.

Crazy about horses? Test your knowledge with AQHA’s Junior Master Horseman program. You can even earn certificates!

This is an experience in itself. I have had the opportunity to serve as a regional director for three years, and I am in my second term of being on the Youth Executive Committee as the national secretary. After we are elected, we stay in Amarillo for a couple of extra days for team training. One of the greatest experiences was our trips to Ceta Canyon to work on a ropes course for team building. Being an officer and director has given me the opportunity to travel around the United States as an ambassador representing AQHYA at many different events.

Crazy about horses? Test your knowledge with AQHA’s Junior Master Horseman program. You can even earn certificates!

Make 2010 your first Y.E.S. & AQHYA Convention, and you will want to go back. When you go, don’t be shy and maybe even run for a regional director position. Before I attended my first Y.E.S. conference, I was a quiet, shy, keep-to-myself kind of girl who wouldn’t think about stepping out of my comfort zone. Y.E.S was a life changing experience for me, one that I will never forget.

It gave me leadership skills I never knew I had, confidence that I couldn’t always find, respect for people that work hard to get what they desire and not to forget the everlasting friendships that I have made.

“Who you are, begins with what you do.” I did, and you should too!!
Attend the 2010 Youth Excellence Seminar & AQHYA convention. You will never forget the experience!

Jocelyn Tanner