AHYA President's Corner

2008 Convention AHYA President's Report to General Assembly

Good morning. Thank you for this opportunity to brag about the youth of the Arabian Horse Association. From one area of interest to another, this year has been monumental for me. As I embark on the last twenty weeks of my senior year in high school, history is being made everywhere. From the first U.S. Nationals in Tulsa, Ok, to the very historical United States Presidential election our past is being recorded and our futures are being molded.

Everyone take a moment to look to either side of you. I doubt that any one would disagree that each person has a history and a future. Within the horse world, the youth are our future. Today I am here to inform you of the progressive programs sponsored by AHYA and how we plan to carry on the legend for this 2008-2009 term.

On July 25, 2008, AHYA Convention was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our Christmas in July themed convention was kicked off with registration at 1 p.m. where 205 delegates were credentialed. Then, kids got pumped up about convention by playing exciting icebreaker games. All candidates running for an AHYA executive office presented their speeches, and voting took place. After elections, Joel Kiesner delivered a thrillingly inspirational speech and eagerly gave tips on how to keep from getting nervous before you enter the show ring. Convention general assembly ended with committee reports and an open microphone session where anyone could present suggestions about various topics and concerns involving Youth Nationals and AHYA. The entire day was well received and could not have been possible without our parent volunteers who helped decorate, credential delegates, and count the ballots.

Youth Nationals is traditionally where we hold most of our fundraising for the year. This year, with the addition of the Guitar Hero Tournament, a show clothing consignment sale, regional basket silent auction, and an old favorite, the flying pigs contest, we were able to double our fundraising efforts compared to previous years. With the uncertainty of the fate of our trailer raffle fundraiser leading up to Youth Nationals, the entire youth board was ecstatic to learn that we had signed a trailer sponsor literally the day before youth nationals started! Ticket sales were minimal at youth nationals, but we were just happy to have a trailer this year! Thankfully ticket sales were more profitable in Tulsa.

I was able to speak with the Exiss trailer representative in Tulsa, and he expressed is eagerness and willingness to help the youth however he can. When he drove that trailer through center ring for the last time on finals night, the look on his face was priceless. He was so proud and told me, "We would do this all over again just to help the kids." To witness this fiery passion and support of AHYA from an outsider was truly humbling. It made me realize that if we could inspire this passion within our industry we could only become a greater force throughout the equine world.

This year the AHYA Board has made history. I am extremely pleased to inform you that for the first time in many years every position on the youth board is filled. We have a complete executive committee and a youth director from every region. The communication and inspiration amongst these young adults is amazing. The youth directors are not only fulfilling their current duties but also they are helping their successors learn more about AHYA. At our first board meeting in October, many vice directors also attended the meeting. Although many of our directors are veteran board members, we are welcoming the rookies and trying very hard to form a united alliance.

As president I have many duties to fulfill; but, aside from the usual of conducting meetings and promoting the breed; I have a much bigger task to accomplish. It is my goal to motivate our youth to work as a team by increasing communication between regions and encouraging our adult counterparts to support us when we most need it.

We have great expectations for this year and plan to be very productive. The committees are working diligently to have their voices heard. Some of our most influential committees include, working western, sport horse, equitation, and regional and national classes. The chairpersons have new agendas and will be giving detailed reports during general session at the 2009 AHYA Convention. We are working on recruiting ideas to increase our delegate counts for next year. We have set personal goals to increase our youth membership throughout this year. Each board member is encouraged to generate two new youth memberships by the end of their term and challenge the youth from their region to do the same. To increase communication among the youth in our regions, we are creating a buddy system between regions where we will help each other with fundraising ideas and promoting AHYA. And again this year we are looking forward to working with the Adult AHA board of directors at the March meeting.

Ladies and gentlemen you are our role models. The actions and decisions made today determine our tomorrow. With your support we can be a dominating force in the equine industry. Years from now youth just like me will be filling your delegate seats, and we will inherit the task of continuing your legacy. Please unite with us because WE are your FUTURE! Thank you for your kind attention.

~ Annalise Himmel
AHYA President

AHYA Past President's