14th Annual Youth Nationals

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Arabian Horsepower

	Volunteers today gave non-horse owners the opportunity to see, learn about and even touch the wonderful Arabian horse. Appropriately called "Arabian Horsepower," participants were led on a tour of three different show barns and given lessons on horse safety, grooming, care and colors.
Chase Harvill of Chase Harvill Training Centre taught the kids and adults about the different colors of both Arabians and Half-Arabian horses. Here they were also able to pet a Pinto (one of the colors they learned) gelding named Afire Extinguisher.
	At Tricolor Stables, questions on showing and riding were answered. Tour guide Stephanie Davisson also allowed the group to pet her equitation horse at Siemon Stables.
Finally, at Wallen West, Robb Wallen and Khowdalyn Bayonce (better known as Khandy) showed the kids how to brush manes and forelocks as well as explained how many gallons of water a horse will drink in one day.
	Ranging from Girl Scout groups to parents with horse crazy children, almost 200 people went on the Arabian Horsepower tours.
Mother Nancy Dunlay stated that her daughter saw an ad for Arabian Horsepower in their local newspaper and they decided to try it out. Girl scout leader Lisa Boblick brought eight of her scouts to earn the "Horse Fan" badge. Patti Wright, who runs a therapeutic riding program and takes in foster kids, brought Jacob Vallagaos to the show so that he could experience horses before he was brought into the Wright's care.
	Whatever their reason for attending, everyone had a great time and learned a lot. However, it's not just the people who went on the tour who had fun.
Robb Wallen has been an Arabian Horsepower participant since its inception. He greatly enjoys teaching the children and letting them touch his horses. For some, it is a once in a lifetime chance. His favorite part of Arabian Horsepower is giving the kids a hands-on experience. And the kids favorite part? Petting the horses.

Parade of Regions

	If you were around Tingley Arena Sunday night, you may have seen a variety of oddly dressed golf carts, dogs and people. The odd outfits were not without purpose; however, as Sunday night was the Parade of Regions.
Almost all of the regions were represented. Themes ranged from pirate ships to the Wild Wild West. The executive branch of the AHYA even had its own decorated golf cart. All participants received a ribbon and a bag of carrots. Everyone who participated had a great time. What a way to kick off the show week!
	2006 Youth of the Year Monica Christian receives a saddle from sponsor Arabian Saddle Company