Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association - April 2020 News

Hey everyone! Last month was pretty crazy and nothing I have ever experienced before. I hope all of you are staying safe and keeping in good spirits. Even though times like these are hard, it is important to keep working towards your goals and keep a smile on your face. While it is difficult to be pushed out of our daily routine, it can be an opportunity to adapt and overcome the unknown obstacles that life throws at you. I hope you all will continue to thrive the most that is possible! Although we were not able to see each other at the Maple Leaf, I am hopeful that we will be together again soon!

As of now, the Gateway Classic show (May 21-24) is still on. We will be selling MQHA apparel and hopefully host our Trainer Horsemanship Challenge that weekend. If the Gateway Classic show is canceled, we will then obviously not have these events.

As of now, the Youth Excellence Seminar (YES) is currently still being held. Registration is available for YES 2020, here. (Check out whose picture is featured!) AQHYA has an online registration option this year. Participants may complete the online form for an expedited registration process with credit card payment, or they may download a PDF form and mail or email it to the AQHA Youth Department with check or credit card information. Youth participants will need to complete the online form with a parent/guardian. AQHA is closely monitoring the status of the pandemic. Updates will be continually shared with Youth Advisers and YES participants. If the event is canceled, the registration fees would automatically be refunded.

Hopefully, YES will get to go on because the amazing Amberley Snyder will be a keynote speaker! Amberley is a well-known rodeo champion and public speaker who motivates others by sharing her own unique story of determination and persistence. At 19, Amberley was in a tragic car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down, but that has not stopped her from achieving her dreams, including riding her horse again and competing in rodeos across the United States. In addition to sharing her story at events and rodeo competitions across the globe, Amberley’s story was also documented in the 2019 Netflix Original Film, Walk.Ride.Rodeo. Amberley has turned her tragedy into triumph and is inspiring all of America to “Get Back on the Horse.”

The tentative agenda and Guide to Campaigning are also available on the YES webpage, however, you should check back often for any updates to these two resources.

If you are planning to attend YES, please let youth adviser, Cara Harmon, know as soon as possible so she can include you with our team travel plans! It is an unforgettable, life-changing experience so I encourage all to go if your summer allows for it.

If you are planning on attending the Youth World Show and have not submitted your Letter of Intent, you need to contact Cara immediately. The way entries are submitted to AQHA will be very different this year. Please watch for an email with details for this from Cara very soon! If you are planning on joining Team Missouri from another state, you must submit a Change of Affiliation form. These forms are due to AQHA by May 15 and require several signatures. Cara emailed the form to all youth members from other states who we have a Letter of Intent for. If you need the form, contact Cara asap.

Don’t forget about the other opportunities to get involved at Youth World. AQHYA hosts horse judging, speech competitions, art contests, and more! Entries are due to AQHA by June 15. Contact Cara if you are interested, as she will send all Team Missouri entries in together. MQHYA sponsors the cost of all contest entries from members. These contests are so much fun and a great way to make the most of your Youth World experience!

While these are difficult times, I hope that you all keep your head high and continue to ignite the power of Youth and have an awesome year! There are many fun challenges going around on social media to participate in and have fun with. I wish you all the best and don’t forget the furry face in the barn that is waiting to see you!

Hannah Inchiostro

President, Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association

hinchiostro@gmail.com

314.677.9051

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Cara Harmon
Youth Advisor, Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association

caramharmon@gmail.com  
573.999.4454