MQHYA April/May 2024 News
Hello, everyone!
HAPPY SPRING! MQHYA has a lot of exciting news and events ahead, so be sure to read through this newsletter to stay “in the know”.
First and foremost, thank you to everyone who participated in the Trail Challenge Calcutta at the Maple Leaf! Congratulations to the Trail Challenge Champions, Abby Eddy and Caitlin Schneider as well as Cooper Skouby and Shannon Dudley! MQHYA would like to extend an extra special thanks to the generosity of Joe Eddy and Heather Macan who donated their Calcutta winnings back to the youth - specifically to support the Youth World Team hospitality. The Trail Challenge Calcutta was a great success and will be used to support our youth leaders and competitors throughout the year.
Please take note of the following reminders about our other 2024 fundraisers and The Gateway Classic!
Gateway Stall Raffle
○ The MQHA board generously donated one stall for the Gateway Classic to the youth. We will continue to sell raffle tickets for this stall at the beginning of the Gateway Classic, and the winner will be drawn on Saturday morning.
○ Tickets are: $5/each, 5 for $20 & 15 for $50
Smoker/Grill Raffle
○ This is our BIG fundraiser of the year! Anne Shafer and Stephanie McAlexander’s barn graciously donated a large smoker/grill for us to raffle. We ask that each youth sell at least 5 raffle tickets. We will draw the winner on Friday evening at the Grill & Chill Party.
○ Tickets are: 1 for $25 or 2 for $40
■ You do not have to be present to win. You can sell these tickets to family, friends, community members, etc. Simply collect the money and text/email Cara the names and contact information so she can create a ticket and add it to the raffle.
Youth Excellence Seminar
Join us at the 2024 Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar (YES) July 9-11 in Amarillo, Texas! Registration is open! The priority registration deadline is June 1. YES offers a variety of activities to enhance your leadership skills, improve your knowledge of the equine industry, and connect you with like-minded horse enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the tentative schedule to see what is in store for this three-day, action-packed event! If you are interested in running for an AQHYA Officer or Director position, the deadline to apply is June 1. Please reference the Guide to Campaigning.
Missouri is one of the most active affiliates at the Youth Excellence Seminar. So if you are a first-time or prospective attendee, you will be in great company with youth that will help you navigate the event. If you have any questions about YES, and specifically campaigning for an Officer/Director position, remember that Hunter Skouby, Addison Hinton, Abby Eddy, and myself have firsthand experience and would be thrilled to guide you through the process. Please do not hesitate to reach out! We love having the opportunity to share the YES experience with others, and we hope that you will consider joining us this year.
If you are planning to attend YES (including parents and those willing to chaperone), please let Youth Advisor, Cara Harmon know as soon as possible so she can include you in our team travel plans!
Letter of Intent
Each year, MQHYA sends a team to compete at the AQHYA World Championship Show and the National Youth Activity Team Tournament (NYATT) at The Congress. If you are interested in participating in either of these events, you must file a Letter of Intent with MQHYA. The 2024 Letter of Intent form is attached. Please contact Cara if you have questions or need assistance. (Youth World Show (YWS) entries are scheduled to open on June 1 and close on July 1. Cara will send the entry link to those she has a Letter of Intent on file.)
MQHYA Sponsorships
Please be on the lookout for potential MQHYA sponsors. Our goal is for every MQHYA youth attending YES, the YWS, or participating in NYATT to secure at least two sponsors for 2024. The sponsorship form is attached below.
It is shaping up to be a fantastic year for MQHYA! Remember that it is never too late to get involved. Always feel free to contact Cara or myself with inquiries or ideas. We sincerely value your input and believe it is essential for the growth and well-being of MQHYA.
Sincerely,
Hazel Myles
President, Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association
hazelmyles10@gmail.com
573.953.5676
________________________________________
Cara Harmon
Youth Advisor, Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association
caramharmon@gmail.com
573.999.4454