The Youth are Our Future

The Youth are Our Future

AQHA is excited to announce that this will be the largest Ford Youth World in AQHA history!

AQHA is excited to announce largest Ford Youth World in AQHYA history
AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines recognizes AQHYA achievements. | Courtesy of aqha.com

Courtesy of aqha.com | By AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines

Ford Youth World – Making History

The Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show is just around the corner. After processing entries, AQHA is excited to announce that this will be the largest Ford Youth World in AQHA history! Total entries are up 180 compared to 2018, for a total of 3,660 entries competing at this year’s show. More than 750 exhibitors from 43 states, three Canadian provinces, Australia, Costa Rica, Denmark and Poland will travel to Oklahoma City next week for their chance at taking home the coveted golden globe.

In 2017, we added Adequan® Level 2 classes, and last year, we added the opportunity to earn 13-&-Under world champion honors in seven core classes. Both divisions have grown each year since their inception, allowing more youth exhibitors to be highlighted for their accomplishments in the arena. This year, we will welcome 308 first-time Ford Youth World exhibitors.

The Ford Youth World will be filled with fun events both in and outside of the arena, showing off the talents of our youth members.

We hope you’ll join us in Oklahoma City August 1-10, but if you can’t make it to the show, be sure to watch the free live webcast, presented by Sundowner, which will be available at www.aqha.com/youthworld throughout the show. Good luck to all of those competing!

Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar Wrap-up

AQHA hosted AQHYA members from across the globe at the Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar July 9-11 in Amarillo. Attendees had sessions with inspiring speakers, took part in a community service activity and participated in leadership learning events. They also elected the 2019-20 AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors who play a major role in the youth association by planning events, participating in community service projects and spreading the word about our horse, youth activities and AQHYA.

Courtesy of aqha.com

I’d like to personally congratulate the new AQHYA Executive Committee:

President Sierra Walter of Hydro, Oklahoma
First Vice President Justin Eddy of Rocheport, Missouri
Second Vice President Claire Lee of McAllen, Texas
Executive Member Delaney Dickens of Omaha, Nebraska
Executive Member Richard John Shepard III of Harrington, Delaware

These are very talented individuals, and I know they will represent our Association well!

I also want to congratulate the newly elected AQHYA regional directors. View the recently elected AQHYA directors.

During the Awards Banquet, we had the opportunity to award the 2018-19 AQHYA Executive Committee with $4,500 in scholarships; 2018-19 Second Vice President Charles Lee was also awarded the 2019 Wrangler ASPIRE award, a $1,000 award from AQHA Corporate Partner Wrangler given to an AQHYA member who excels in leadership and service.

It is always an honor to be in the presence of these young leaders and watch them grow into young adults. They are the future of our industry, and I am proud to be a part of an Association that has such a bright future.

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