What Can You Do With Your AQHYA Membership?

As a KQHYA member you probably already hold an AQHYA membership. You may assume that the only benefits from joining AQHYA are earning national points in competition towards awards and allowing you to compete at AQHA shows. There is so much more to your membership than that. AQHYA provides opportunities for all levels of horse enthusiasts in many areas besides competition in the show pen. Some are just for fun, while others can bring you savings bonds and scholarships. All can bring you memories and friends which last a lifetime.

Let's start with one of the best benefits of all. As a member of AQHYA you are eligible to apply for some outstanding scholarships when it comes time to continue your education after high school. The deadline to apply to AQHA for these scholarships is Jan 2, 2009 for the fall semester. AQHA has complete information on the available awards under www.aqha.com/foundation/scholarships/wanttoapply.html. You will find a scholarship guide, an application form and a great article listing tips for making your application a successful one. With the rising costs of higher education these scholarships can help pave your way to success. Many are renewable for more than one year. Note: KQHA also sponsors scholarships for high school seniors. We will be featuring these in another article soon!

Perhaps you prefer to stand in the middle of the arena rather than ride around it. AQHYA sponsors a judging contest during the youth world in which an affiliate can send 2 teams for the youth affiliate and 2 more teams from the state 4-H or FFA. These teams can consist of either 3 or 4 members. You must be a current member of AQHYA and a current member of 4-H, FFA or your state affiliate depending on what type of team you are judging on. You must also be 18 years of age or younger as of January 1st of the year of the contest. No high point individual or member of a high point team in any of the 3 divisions are eligible to judge in subsequent years. You will judge 4 halter and 4 performance classes consisting of 4 entries each. There will be 2 sets of reasons given for halter and 2 sets for performance. If judging is your thing contact your state affiliate youth advisor for information on qualifying for the judging contest.

Do your skills run more to the artistic side of the equation? Those talents can earn you some cash for future endeavors by entering the art contest. You must be a member of AQHYA. Your entry will become the property of AQHA and will not be returned under any circumstance. You can submit as many pieces as you like but you must include a separate entry form on the back of each art piece. Only one entry per contestant will be awarded a prize. Your artwork need not be mounted but remember that it will show better to the judges with it. In 2008 prizes included 1st - $500 Savings Bond - 2nd - $250 Savings Bond - 3rd - $200 Savings Bond 4th - $75 Savings Bond - 5th - $50 Savings Bond.

Is your art best created through the lens of a camera? Then the photography contest is the one for you. Once again you must be a member of AQHYA. Your entry must be your own work, not taken by someone else and you will have to attest to that fact on the entry form. Photos must be of an American Quarter Horse and photographs cannot be smaller than 8" x 10". You may submit as many photographs as you like but you will have to attach a completed entry form to the back of each one,. Pictures may include individuals as well as props, if there is a person in the photo that person must consent in writing and sign the waiver on the entry form. All entries become the property of AQHA and will not be returned under any circumstance. Prizes awarded in 2008 included First Place - $500 Savings Bond - Second Place - $250 Savings Bond - Third Place - $100 Savings Bond.

Maybe your strengths are performing for an audience. The talent show held during the AQHYA world show should be right up your alley. Contestants enter one of the following 4 divisions: Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Dance Performance, and Potpourri Performance. For more information see the AQHA web site on the specific rules for this fun contest.

Do you enjoy debating with your parents?. Then the speech contests held at youth world are for you. The two categories are impromptu speaking and public speaking. Scholarships are awarded to the winners and runners up with medallions for 3rd through 10th place.

Some other fun contests held during youth world include the horse bowl, scrapbook & team demonstration contests. For more information contact your affiliate youth advisor if any of these interest you.

Perhaps you are in search of something different. As an AQHYA member you can participate in the Bank Of America Challenge Championships. Top AQHYA members will be picked for an all expense paid trip in which they actually get to experience Quarter Horse racing's biggest day. Or you can start on a smaller scale with the The AQHYA Regional Experience. This program consists of one to two day events to introduce you to the sport of racing. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look into the industry and meet the people who help the show go on everyday. AQHA state and provincial affiliates host these experiences so you won't have to venture too far from home

AQHA recognizes the need to develop effective leaders for the future. Towards that end AQHYA sponsors the YES - Youth Excellence Seminar and AQHYA convention in Amarillo in June. This is when AQHYA officer and director elections occur. Would you like to run for a national or regional office? Many members have used their AQHYA experiences as a springboard to success in college and beyond. Paperwork usually is due in the AQHA office on April 1 of the year in which you would like to run.

As you can see there's more to AQHYA than just showing your horse. To get the most out of your membership check out some of these events and jump on in. There's no telling where they may lead you!