AQHA Youth Get the Chance to Have Their Voices Heard in Washington

AQHA Publicity

American Quarter Horse Youth Association officers and directors visited the District of Columbia June 12-15 for the American Horse Council National Issues Forum. AQHYA leaders took part in the national meeting with other equine industry professionals to gain a better understanding of the interactions between the equine industry and the United States government. Thanks to AQHA Corporate Partner Farnam, the trip was made a reality for AQHYA officers and directors.

Ten AQHYA leaders from around the country interacted with government officials and learned more about public policy in the equine industry. “Putting More Horsepower in Congress,” was the theme for the American Horse Council National Issues Forum this year. Keynote speeches were given by top government officials and leaders in the equine industry, such as representatives from the Jockey Club and the United States Equestrian Federation.

AQHYA youth have attended the AHC conference in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

Region 5 AQHYA Director Maura Hynes shared her experience from the trip this year.

“As youth of our nation and our Association, we sometimes feel as if our voice is not heard or that we don’t have an opportunity to express our opinion,” said Hynes. “Even though many of us are very educated in issues that face our industry, we sit in the back, not expressing our knowledge to anyone. While in Washington, I was given the chance to do the exact opposite. As an AQHYA Region 5 director, I was given an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to the District of Columbia with AQHYA and express my thoughts and knowledge to a multitude of senators and congressmen. This experience gave me a chance to express my voice.”

In addition to the National Issues Forum, on June 13, the AQHYA members participated in the Congressional Ride-In on Capitol Hill. During this event, members of the equine industry visited their respective congressional representatives to engage in discussions about pressing political issues impacting our equine partners. AQHYA leaders sat face to face with top government leaders to discuss the future of the animal closest to their hearts – the American Quarter Horse.

While in Washington, AQHYA officers and directors visited some of the capital’s most iconic locations. They toured monuments memorializing some of our nation’s leaders, such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. These tributes inspired AQHYA’s top leaders to achieve great things.

Youth who represented AQHYA at the National Issues Forum were AQHYA President Ann Elizabeth Tebow, First Vice President Brock Murphy, members Madison Thiel and Madelynne Herlocker, Region 3 Director Clara Johnson, Region 5 Director Maura Hynes, Region 5 Director Austin Ralls, Region 8 Director Meg Tebow, Region 9 Director Emily Wasson and Region 9 Director Ty Cornelius.

Farnam made this trip possible for AQHYA leaders. Farnam has been the official fly control, deworming, grooming, wound, leather care and conditioning products supplier of AQHA since 2004. Whether you’re at a show or on a trail ride, it takes time and dedication to make your horse look his best. As your partner in horse care, Farnam continues to offer products people know, use and trust.

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.