We’re All In at YES

Registration is Open

Youth interested in attending the Youth Excellence Seminar, scheduled for July 9-11 in Amarillo, Texas, can register now.

“The AQHYA leadership team and I are excited to be planning this year’s Youth Excellence Seminar back in Amarillo, Texas,” says AQHYA President Sydney Sargent of Paris, Kentucky. “My personal favorite part about YES is the opportunity to meet new and catch up with old friends from across the country and around the world as we are brought together through the shared passion of the American Quarter Horse. ‘We’re All In’ for YES and cannot wait to share the games, workshops and speakers with you all. Hurry up summer, we are ready for YES to be here now!”

YES welcomes American Quarter Horse Youth Association members and nonmembers, ages 10 to 18, to experience a three-day, action-packed event that offers valuable leadership skills, inspiring speakers and tons of fun. YES attendees will be encouraged and inspired while they develop key skills and build lasting relationships.

Hosted by the 2023-24 AQHYA officers and directors, YES offers a wide variety of activities and workshops focused on developing the youth in our industry. If you’ve never attended YES, it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new friends, grow your leadership skills and learn more about your Quarter Horse community.

2024-2025 AQHYA Officer and Director Applications

Voting delegates representing the affiliates will elect the 2024-25 AQHYA officers and directors during YES. Members from AQHYA’s 11 regions will also elect up to three directors to represent their respective regions during the conference. AQHYA members interested in running for an officer or regional director position can find the Guide to Campaigning and the 2024-25 AQHYA Officer and Director online application form at www.aqha.com/yes.

AQHYA ASPIRE Award

Also, don’t forget to apply for the AQHYA ASPIRE Award, a $1,000 award for an AQHYA member who excels in leadership and service. The award assists in developing and improving scholarship, leadership, community interest and participation of young horsemen and -women. The award is presented at YES and the deadline to apply is May 15. Apply online at www.aqha.com/aspire-award.

2024 YES Keynote Speaker – Kiah Twisselman Burchett

Kiah Twisselman Burchett, better known as Coach Kiah, is a California cattle rancher turned international motivational speaker on a mission to empower others to love themselves deeper, care for themselves better and find joy in this messy, beautiful journey of life. Named one of Cowgirl Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30, Coach Kiah uses her vulnerability and infectious energy to show others how to overcome hardships and discover their inner vibrance to become the main characters in their own lives.

For more information on the 2024 Youth Excellence Seminar, visit www.aqha.com/yes.

Learn more about the American Quarter Horse Youth Association here.

About the Sponsors

Wrangler®, of Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB), has been an icon in authentic American style for 75 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the West, Wrangler is committed to offering superior quality and timeless designs. Wrangler and AQHA members share the same spirit and appreciation for the western way of life. Wrangler is proud to be an AQHA corporate partner – and the official jeans and shirts of AQHA.

John Deere is driven by integrity, quality, commitment and innovation as it provides customers around the world with work equipment. John Deere has been a trusted supplier of equipment and service to the equine industry for generations. As an AQHA member, you can get savings on select John Deere tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, commercial worksite equipment, implements and more. Call (866) 678-4288 for more information and to qualify for your savings.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or tune into our Podcast, “Let's Talk AQHA.”