Young equine enthusiasts from across the United States attended the 2022 AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar on July 12-14 in Amarillo.
The American Quarter Horse Association hosted more than 150 young equine enthusiasts at the 2022 AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar on July 12-14 in Amarillo. During YES, youth embraced the 2022 AQHYA theme of “Build for the Future” while attending presentations, leadership activities, workshops and more.
Hosted annually, the YES conference is designed to educate and inspire youth equine enthusiasts and AQHYA members from all over the world. The event includes a variety of workshops that include content related to leadership, community service and the equine industry, in addition to keynote addresses from Amarillo community leaders and American Quarter Horse industry influencers. With a focus on camaraderie and fellowship, the weekend also included a group community service project and a dinner and dance.
The American Quarter Horse Youth Association national officers and regional directors for the 2022-23 term were also elected at YES. Additionally, AQHYA awarded scholarships for the Wrangler ASPIRE award and outgoing 2021-2022 AQHYA Executive Committee.
The AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors play a major role in the youth association by planning events, participating in community service projects and spreading the word about American Quarter Horses, youth activities and AQHYA. They also represent AQHYA throughout the year at functions and events worldwide.
2022-23 AQHYA Executive Committee:
President Adriana Totten of Chester, New Jersey
First Vice President Grant Mastin of Jackson, Ohio
Second Vice President Spencer Hardin of Olive Branch, Mississippi
Executive Committee Member Sydney Sargent of Paris, Kentucky
Executive Committee Member Tell Bagley of Dimmitt, Texas
View the full slate of AQHYA leadership elected at YES.
The Wrangler Aspire award is a $1,000 scholarship and $600 of Wrangler products provided by AQHA Corporate Partner Wrangler to an AQHYA member who excels in leadership and service. Spencer Hardin of Olive Branch, Mississippi, was recognized as the 2022 Wrangler ASPIRE Award recipient on July 14 during the 2022 Youth Excellence Seminar in Amarillo.
Read more about this year’s Wrangler ASPIRE winner.
The 2021-22 AQHYA Executive Committee also received scholarships from the AQHA Youth Department.
- 2021-22 AQHYA President Steve Wheat of Reddick, Florida, received a $2,000 scholarship.
- 2021-22 AQHYA First Vice President Spencer Hardin of Olive Branch, Mississippi, received a $1,000 scholarship.
- 2021-22 AQHYA Second Vice President Adriana Totten of Chester, New Jersey, received a $500 scholarship.
- 2021-22 AQHYA Executive Member Alexa Black of Springfield, Ohio, received a $500 scholarship.
- 2021-22 AQHYA Executive Member Emma Schaefer of New Virginia, Iowa, received a $500 scholarship
For more information on AQHYA, visit www.aqha.com/youth.
AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news
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