AQHYA Region Five Youth are “All In” – Conference Highlights

By Heather Goolsby:

Each year, the Region 5 Youth Directors of American Quarter Horse Youth Association host an annual conference to bring both members and non-members together to promote the various growth opportunities available through the association.

Following the previous successful events hosted by past AQHYA President Adriana Totten, the current Region 5 Directors, Adrianna and Lauren Goolsby, understood the challenge of fundraising, organizing and facilitating this event.

 

With over 70 registrants received, the 2024 AQHYA Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference was one of the biggest events held in the last 10 years. Youth from New York to Virginia converged in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania for the three-day conference held on January 26-28, 2024.

Some of the highlights included a morning stretch led by Dr. Ali Hartman from EQFit, an onsite horse demonstration at Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy, AQHYA program overviews from Tri-State QHA Queen Madi Heilveil and Pennsylvania QHA Youth Advisor Kylie Good, an equine sports therapy lecture from Wendy Graham of Dooligans Wellness Therapy, and a motivational talk by NRHA Professional Matt Palmer.

The agenda was non-stop, starting with a Friday evening pizza party and ending with group discussion sessions on Sunday. The youth also completed two community service projects by writing 100 letters for Operation Gratitude to support our military and created 100 first-time horse show packages that will be used for future youth exhibitors to welcome them to Region 5.

Learn more about AQHYA Region 5 activities:  https://www.facebook.com/AQHYARegion5/