AHA Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Youth Nationals

This year marks the 20th time the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) will offer a championship exclusively for the organization’s youth members. Approximately 1,000 of North America’s finest Arabians, Half-Arabians, and Anglo-Arabians will descend on Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 21 – 28, 2012.

The entry deadline for Youth Nationals is June 6. Enter the show online at ArabianHorses.org/YNL and automatically be entered to win a free stall.

Kids ranging in age from 2 (lead-line) to 18 will compete in 130 classes for ribbons, the coveted reserve champion and champion rose blankets, and of course, bronze reserve champion and champion trophies. The show offers an array of divisions in which to compete including hunter, western pleasure, English pleasure, driving, dressage, halter, trail, and reining to name only a few. Those unable to come to the show in Albuquerque can watch the action live and for free from www.ArabianHorseGlobal.com.

Prior to the start of the show, the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA), which makes up about 10 percent of the AHA membership, will get down to business with the annual Youth Convention. This year’s convention theme and subsequent stall decoration theme is “Through the ERAbs,” promising everything from poodle skirts to bell-bottoms during the Parade of Regions.

Also prior to the show, the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association (APAHA) will host the 9th Annual Horseman’s Award Clinics, Thursday, July 19. Lisa Jo White, APAHA Instructor of the Year will offer a clinic on Saddle Seat Equitation from 2 - 3:30 p.m. and Crystal McNutt-Brock, APAHA Horsewoman of the Year will offer a reining clinic from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Both clinics are free and open to six youth members with their horses on a first come first serve bases. There is unlimited space for auditors.

In addition to the horse show, convention and APAHA clinics, the event features a shopping expo with booths offering tack and equestrian items, gifts, clothing, and jewelry. The shopping expo has something for everyone and admission is free!

Activities throughout the week keep kids busy in between their classes. Activities include the Parade of Regions on July 22, the Stick Horse Workshop and Contest on July 23, the AHYA Poker Run on July 24, an Ice Cream Social on July 25, an Arabian Horse Novice Judging Contest & Clinic on July 25, an Arabian Horse Hippology Contest, a Dog Costume Class, Dog Races and Flying Pigs Fundraiser on July 26. A special 20th Anniversary Celebration on July 25 from 5-7 p.m. will feature carnival games and cake.

Youth National Activity Sponsors include Iron Horse Farms & Christine Johnson, Hesten Park & the Hoffman Family, Long Meadows Arabians, Kansas Arabian Horse Society, South Point Hotel & Casino, Jim & Christy Egan & Results, and Region 10, Stonepost Farm & the Misco Family, Heidrun Metzler, author of Skeeter’s Dream, and the ACVB.

AHA’s corporate partners include: Adequan, All Things Equine, Bank of America, Hat Lady, Marriot, and Zia Graphics.

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo., produces the weeklong event. Show results can be found at ArabianHorses.org/YNL during the show.