The American Quarter Horse JournalAugust 25, 2011
Members of the Ranching Heritage Breeders program have the distinct goal to mentor the young horsemen who purchase their foals.
Imagine this: You are given the chance to receive one of six free foals donated by esteemed American Quarter Horse breeders Open Box Rafter Ranch. These foals boast of grandsires such as Sun Frost, Shugar Cat, Sonny Pep San and Frenchmans Guy.
The sky is the limit for youth who are chosen to participate in the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Project.
Of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association members selected to participate in the project, six will be chosen to receive a free weanling donated by Jim and Joni Hunt, owners of Open Box Rafter Ranch in Faith, South Dakota.
Another lucky AQHYA member will receive Weavers Tuf Chic (Ima Tuf Lena-Weavers Broke Heaven by Ima Bit of Heaven), a sorrel filly, donated by Weaver Quarter Horses. For more information on how to vie for Weavers Tuf Chic, check out Weaver Quarter Horses' flyer.
The remaining AQHYA members accepted to participate will have the opportunity to visit ranches that are members of the AQHA Ranching Heritage program where they will look over the ranches’ weanling stock and each purchase one colt for $700.
All AQHYA members accepted into the project will have the opportunity to earn back the money that they invest in their project just by presenting their colts at AQHA Ranching Heritage shows. Additionally, the youth will have the opportunity to earn scholarships and prizes while competing with their project colt.
Project colts will be presented at AQHA Ranching Heritage shows during their yearling and 2-year-old years.
In addition to earning scholarships and prizes, project participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and the knowledge that they have acquired through their project. Following their final presentation, participants will have the option of offering their project colt for sale by private treaty after their projects’ final presentations.
If you are an AQHYA member, or know of one, who would enjoy the opportunity to showcase your horsemanship and horse training skills while learning, this project program is right up your alley.
Members of the Ranching Heritage Breeders program have the distinct goal to mentor the young horsemen who purchase their foals. The opportunity for a youth to learn responsibility and goal-setting, two important components of equine ownership, from an American rancher is priceless.
Download the Ranching Heritage Youth Enrollment Form and Waiver Form.
Want to see a sneak peek of Open Box Rafter Ranch's six donated weanlings? Check out the flyer. You can also take a look at Weavers Tuf Chic in Weaver Quarter Horses' flyer.
AQHYA membership is required to participate in the project. Not an AQHYA member? Become one today.