AHYA President's Corner

2008 AHYA March Meeting

It seems that every trip I take, something memorable happens. Usually, that something is fairly embarrassing! My trip to Colorado for the AHYA Board meeting was no exception. On Friday night after a long day of traveling, the board of directors went to Amazing Jakes, an indoor amusement park. We had a great time playing lazar tag and racing the go-carts, but I kept my eye on the Leap-frog ride. I convinced some others that we should ride it, even though it was in the "Kiddy Corner." After receiving some interesting glances from parents of small children, we boarded the frog with several youngsters. We were strapped in and ready to be launched up high. I heard the motors start, but there was one problem: we weren't moving. The attendant asked us to get off the ride because we were too heavy. Embarrassed yet hoping we could still ride, we waited another round so that we ride separately. Thankfully, it worked and we were able to enjoy the thrill and excitement of being thrust about ten feet high into the air.

The reality check of growing up hit me again the following day at the Board of Director's meeting. We are only young adults, yet we have a big responsibility to represent youth from across the country. For this reason, we had a very packed agenda with items ranging from youth nationals to fundraisers. We met with the editors of the Modern Arabian Horse magazine to interview for an article in the June/July issue. The board also had the pleasure of dining with the adult board to share our thoughts and ideas for the AHYA.

Our meetings continued on Sunday and centered on the 2008 AHYA Convention that will be held on July 25th. Like always, we will have elections for the new executive board and our key note speaker. Joel Kiesner, the 2006 winner of Horseman of the Year and Saddle Seat Trainer Male, is going to be the key note speaker. We will be fashioning new trends in the competition for the best holiday dress. This "Christmas in July" extravaganza will be more exciting than ever! Make sure to contact your Regional Youth Director to reserve your spot as a delegate, so that you can vote and have your voice heard!

If you have any questions about becoming a delegate, running for an office, or learning about how you can get involved with the AHYA, please email me!

Madeline Benoit (R4), Britt Paradis (R18), Maral Otabachian (Treasurer), Kim Luebcke, Jessica Passey (R17), & Adam Rickart (R10) in Fort Collins, CO.		Adam Rickart (R10), Meredith Kaiser (R8), Brittney Kaiser (R8), Maral Otabachian (Treasurer), & Jessica Passey (R17) at Amazing Jakes.
Kim Luebcke and Gloria Onate-Kemnitz (R1) outside of the AHA Office		AHYA Board Meeting AHYA Board playing a fun game

~ Kim Luebcke
AHYA President

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