10 Reasons to Join AQHYA

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If you are or have a horse-crazy kid, then encourage them to join the largest equine breed association and watch them blossom into a great leader. The American Quarter Horse Youth Association strives to be one of the top youth organizations in the industry by providing involvement at every turn and letting the kids’ voices be heard.

Here are 10 reasons you should join AQHYA:

Reason 1:

It’s only $20 to apply for a one-year membership, or score three years for $50!

Reason 2:

The Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar invites current youth members, ages 10-18, to engage with other youth, attend workshops, develop leadership skills and much more!

Reason 3:

Scholarships! Who doesn’t like the chance to earn money that could help with future education? Current AQHYA members may be eligible to apply for thousands of dollars in scholarships through the American Quarter Horse Foundation.

Reason 4:

Meet other youth who have a passion for the same thing – the American Quarter Horse.

Reason 5:

While traveling around with your horse and enjoying time with friends, don’t forget one of the coolest events anywhere – the Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show, which occurs in August in Oklahoma City. Youth can qualify nationally by earning the required number of points, or enter through their state or provincial affiliate.

Reason 6:

The Ford Youth World offers more than just horse show classes. If you’re not able to take a horse to Oklahoma City, the world championship show offers speech, art/photo, horse judging and team spirit contests, plus fun social events such as the exhibitor dance.

Reason 7:

Compete for scholarships while raising your very own yearling! Through the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program, AQHYA members can apply to receive a donated weanling, then track their progress through its yearling year,  culminating in the opportunity of a lifetime with scholarships and prizes.

Reason 8:

The American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup is another once-in-a-lifetime experience, where active youth members are selected to compete on teams representing their country against youth from across the globe. And aside from competition spots, there are also leadership positions on each team.

Reason 9:

If you are interested in more aspects of the horse world, AQHYA also offers the Youth Racing Experience. The trip is held every year in conjunction with the Bank of America Racing Challenge Championships. Youth apply for the chance to earn an all-expense-paid trip to the championship. While on this trip, you get to meet racehorse trainers, get a behind-the-scenes look around the track and see what it takes to be involved in the racing industry.

Reason 10:

Grow as an individual by expanding your personal, business and equine skill levels. One way to do this is to serve as a youth officer and director. Not only will you get the chance to collaborate with youth from around the world, but you’ll also walk away with incredible leadership experience that sets you apart on scholarship and college applications.

As you can see, the possibilities as a member of AQHYA are endless. Take the chance to grow from these opportunities and join today!