Are you a fan of AQHYA?  Then become an official fan on Facebook!

AQHYA Officer Team

The American Quarter Horse Youth Association is proud to announce a new, fresh presence on Facebook. Facebook is a great source for networking, and we hope you’ll join in the fun!

Beginning this week, share your personal horse stories with other AQHYA fans and members. Tell us your stories from your first horse show, rodeo or even your first ride on an American Quarter Horse.

Just become a fan of AQHYA’s Facebook page, and start typing!

And don’t forget to invite all your horse-crazy friends!

Speak For Yourself

Maybe this story, from AQHYA member Christine Rogers Brown in Cleveland, Tennessee, will inspire you:

My poor mom and dad.

It all started when I said, “Dad, can Chrissy have a pony?” After that was, “Is there a stable here?” Before I ever got my first horse, I had ridden every dead-head trail horse in every state we had ever been to. At least it seemed that way. Dad realized that owning my own horse was going to satisfy my quest for saddle sores. The exposure to prairie apples, biting horse flies and riding someone else’s horse was not the answer I was looking for.

Mom and Dad finally gave up on trying to satisfy my yearning for a horse of my own.  They are now trying to keep up with the pace of five horses, three riding styles, lessons, horseback vacations and paying for the last big hospital bill.

Christine Rogers Brown

I can truly say that my life would be different without horses. Now, Dad wears cowboy-cut Wrangler jeans and Mom even got a new saddle blanket for Christmas one year. My little sister, Sarah, asked Santa to leave her a pinto pony in the basement so she wouldn’t have to double on Dad’s mare or Macky’s (my little brother) roping horse anymore.

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

It seems that the more our family’s love for horses grew, the more love we gained for each other. The horses have been a lot of hard work, but the benefits we have received have made it worth it. Dad’s handicap went way up at the golf course (by the way, he hasn’t played in almost eight years,) but now he can catch and load a horse just as fast as the next cowboy.

My whole family loves horses now, and it’s entirely my fault. My passing fancy for horses really changed my life. Mom and Dad are trying to help me find a place for my horses, since I am moving away and getting married. Now at least they don’t laugh when I say I am going to the (All American Quarter Horse) Congress next year. When I was little, I told them I was going to be in the Olympics in 2000. I guess some things just aren’t possible!

All I was really asking for when I said, “Can I have a pony?” was for a toy or a pet, but I’m sure glad they gave in. The horses have made me who I am.

Do you remember your first horse show?

How about your first ride or even your first rodeo?  Share the experience with us by visiting our Facebook fan page!  Spread the word!