The Power of Youth at AQHA YES

AQHA Publicity

Youth interested in attending the 2020 Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar, scheduled for June 29 – July 1 in Amarillo, Texas, can register now.

“YES is the highlight of my summer! The YES experience has given me lifelong friends, memories, and has challenged and grown my leadership skills,” said current AQHYA President Sierra Walter. “By attending the YES conference, you will have the opportunity to hear from incredible speakers, partake in leadership workshops and, my favorite part, meet other youth who hold the same interest as you – the American Quarter Horse. The YES conference has had an incredible impact on me, and I hope to see you in Amarillo this summer!”

YES welcomes American Quarter Horse Youth Association members and nonmembers, ages 10 to 18, to experience a three-day, action-packed event that offers valuable leadership skills, inspiring speakers and tons of fun.

YES attendees will be encouraged and inspired by keynote speaker Amberly Snyder with her address, “Walk Ride Rodeo.” Snyder is a rodeo competitor and public speaker who motivates others using her story of determination and persistence. At 19, Snyder was in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down, but that has not stopped her from riding her horse again and competing in rodeos across the United States.

Hosted by the 2019-20 AQHYA officers and directors, YES offers a wide variety of activities and workshops focused on developing the youth in our industry. If you’ve never attended YES, it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new people, have fun expanding your leadership skills and learn more about AQHA, AQHYA and the American Quarter Horse industry.

Voting delegates representing the affiliates will elect the 2020-21 AQHYA officers and directors during YES. Members from AQHYA’s 11 regions will also elect up to three directors to represent their respective regions during the conference.

Registration is $115 for current AQHYA and AQHA members if registered by May 15 and $130 for all other youth and adults if registered by May 15. Registrations received after May 15 will be charged a $25 late fee and are subject to availability. All registration fees include meals.

Also, don’t forget to apply for the Wrangler ASPIRE Award, which is a $1,000 award provided by Wrangler for an AQHYA member who excels in leadership and service. The award assists in developing and improving scholarship, leadership, community interest and participation of young horsemen and -women. The award is presented at YES and the deadline to apply is May 1. Download the application at www.aqha.com/yes.

For more information on the 2020 Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar, visit www.aqha.com/yes.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.