Get Involved

By Paris Nottingham, Region 8 D8irector and AQHYA Community Service Chairman
December 30, 2011

Don’t Be Shy, Get Involved!

    Being a member of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association means that there are endless opportunities for you to get involved in outside of the show pen. But sometimes taking part can be scary, especially if you are new to the association or a young member. So whether you’re a youngster just getting involved or a seasoned competitor looking for the right time to step in, here are some tips to help ease your nerves.

    1.) Pick an Activity That Interests You
When you’re looking for a place to get involved outside of the arena, make sure it is an activity that you are thoroughly interested in. If you’re not interested in what you’re taking part in, it’s going to be hard for you to enjoy yourself. AQHYA offers activities ranging from the Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar in Amarillo to judging, speech and scrapbook contests at the Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City. Whatever your interest is, there is an option for you.
    2.) Find a Friend to Get Involved With You
Everything is easier in pairs, so if you take a friend along with you to get involved it will make you feel more comfortable. Plus, by taking a friend, not only are you taking advantage of opportunities AQHYA offers, but so are they! If you can’t find a friend that wants to join you, don’t stress! Flying solo can be the perfect opportunity to make new friends with whom you already have something in common, the American Quarter Horse, of course. There are also plenty of kids who are in the exact same position as you.
    3.) Stay Active
Don’t let just going to an activity be the end of you getting involved. Once you have found an activity that you enjoy being a part of, take another step forward and get even more involved! Become a committee chairman, region director, or even work your way up to being a national officer.

It’s always important to remember that you can make a difference by becoming an active member in AQHYA. The American Quarter Horse is a passion shared by each and every one of us and we need to continue to make it the absolute best it can be. By creating strong leadership and active members we can guarantee that AQHYA will be just as great, or even better, than it is now for our future members.

So remember, when you get that phone call from your youth advisor asking if you would like to go to YES or if you would like to help present the scrapbook at the Ford Youth World, put your best foot forward and say “YES.” I can say on behalf of the whole officer and director team, we would love to see you next June in Amarillo!