Do you know a youth looking to earn scholarships and bolster his or her résumé? If so, you need to tell them about the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program.
American Quarter Horse Youth Association members have the opportunity to participate in hands-on horse training that will teach the fundamentals of horsemanship. Then they can showcase their learned skills and knowledge at designated events where they can earn scholarships and prizes through the AQHA Young Horse Development Program.
“The Young Horse Development Program was developed to help youth gain hands-on experience in working with and training horses,” said Craig Huffhines, AQHA executive vice president. “The program gives youth a mentor to learn from and showcase their hard work and dedication to their project. This will, in turn, give participants a skill set that will set them apart when applying for scholarships, college and jobs.”
For the project, accepted AQHYA members receive a donated weanling from an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder. Youth who are not selected to receive a donated foal, but are still accepted into the program will be able to purchase a weanling from a Ranching Heritage Breeder and participate in the Young Horse Development Program. From the weanling to yearling years, the AQHYA members work with and train their foals, then exhibit the foals at an AQHA-approved show. Ultimately, the project participants have the chance to win back their investment in their foals through scholarships.
Generous AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders have already donated weanlings to this year’s program. To receive one of these donated foals, free of charge, AQHYA members should submit application and waiver forms by August 15. Applications will be accepted until October 1, however applicants have a better chance of admission into the program and being matched with a foal in their area by applying by the initial deadline of August 15.
The weanlings donated by Ranching Heritage Breeders will be announced and matched between September and November.
The 2017-18 project participants are vying for $5,000 in scholarships and prizes.
• 1st place: $2,000 scholarship and a Montana Silversmiths belt buckle
• 2nd place: $1,500 scholarship and a pair of Justin boots
• 3rd place: $1,000 scholarship and a $100 Wrangler gift certificate
• 4th place: $500 scholarship and a $100 Wrangler gift certificate
To learn more about the Young Horse Development Program, visit www.aqha.com/yhd.
AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.
