Apply for the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program
Photo Credit: Lauren Ducharme and RO Command Her Frost
From AQHA:
American Quarter Horse Youth Association members have the opportunity to participate in hands-on horse training as they complete a record book and submit assignments that will teach the fundamentals of horsemanship. Then they can showcase their learned skills and knowledge and earn scholarships and prizes through the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program proudly sponsored by SmartPak and John Deere.
Applications received by the priority deadline, August 15, will have the best chance of admission into the program and match with a horse closest to the applicant’s home. However, applications will still be accepted through October 1.
Accepted AQHYA members receive a donated weanling from an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder. Learn more about how to donate a weanling to the program here. 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 program. Throughout the program, AQHYA members work with and train their yearlings, complete assignments and exhibit the yearlings at AQHA-approved and local shows. The top project participants have the chance to be recognized and rewarded with scholarships.
Generous Ranching Heritage Breeders are already selecting weanlings to donate to this year’s program. To receive one of these donated foals, free of charge, AQHYA members should submit their online application no later than October 1.
The weanlings donated by Ranching Heritage Breeders will be announced and matched between September and November.
To learn more about program requirements and guidelines, please view the 2023 Young Horse Development Program Record Book. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource.
The 2024 Young Horse Development Program participants will be vying for $5,000 in scholarships and prizes.
• 1st place: $2,000 scholarship and a custom Montana Silversmiths belt buckle
• 2nd place: $1,500 scholarship and a Justin boot certificate
• 3rd place: $1,000 scholarship and a $100 Wrangler product gift certificate
• 4th place: $500 scholarship and a $100 Wrangler product gift certificate
To learn more about the Young Horse Development Program, visit www.aqha.com/young-horse-development .
