AQHYA members can earn scholarships by raising a weanling from an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder; the deadline to apply, August 26, is approaching.
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.
This program gives American Quarter Horse Youth Association members the opportunity to participate in hands-on horse training that will teach the fundamentals of horsemanship. Then they will be able to showcase their learned skills and knowledge at designated events where they can earn scholarships and prizes.
For the project, accepted AQHYA members will receive a nominated weanling from an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder. Those who do not receive a donated foal can still purchase a weanling from a Ranching Heritage Breeder. The AQHYA members work with and train their foals, then show them 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 their application and waiver forms by August 26.
The Ranching Heritage Breeders who are donating weanlings this year will be announced soon.
“The Young Horse Development Program was developed to help youth gain hands-on experience in 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.”
The 2016-17 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/youth.
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.
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