AQHYA Members Can Earn Scholarships By Raising/Training Foals Through Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program
Photo courtesy of AQHA.
AQHA Publicity
Do you know a young horseman 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 and showcase their learned skills and knowledge at designated events where they can earn scholarships and prizes through the AQHA Young Horse Development Program.
For the project, accepted AQHYA members will receive a nominated weanling from an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder. For those who do not receive a donated foal may still purchase a weanling from a Ranching Heritage Breeder. From the weanling to yearling years, the AQHYA members work with and train their foals, then exhibit the foals at an AQHA show. Ultimately, the project participants have the chance to win back their investment in their foals through scholarships.
Several generous AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders have donated weanlings to this year’s program. To receive one of these donated foals, free of charge, AQHYA members must submit enrollment and waiver forms by August 24.
The weanlings donated by Ranching Heritage Breeders will be announced soon.
“The Young Horse Development Program was developed to help youth gain hands- on experience in training horses,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. “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.”
The 2015-16 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.
