AHYA President's Corner

Thoughts on the first annual 2008 USEF Youth Convention

The diversity, talent, and passion were unmistakable at the first annual 2008 USEF Youth Convention in Louisville, Kentucky on January 12, 2008. One hundred youth representing all 18 affiliated breeds and disciplines were present to learn from forty equine experts and professionals during workshops and two general sessions. The key note speaker and dressage trainer, Jane Savoie, engaged her audience with her enthusiastic attitude and universal topics, "two secrets to instantly change your attitude" and "five ways to demolish fear". Yet, a majority of the education each youth received came from the youth themselves.

Amidst accents from across the country, each one of us shared stories and knowledge about our horses, families, lives, etc. It did not matter that we were so different. The fact that we all shared a love for a four legged animal, whether six or eighteen hands, united us. After nine hours of learning and socializing, the fun had only begun.

The Sportsman Charter dinner and dance was clearly the favorite part of the day. Kirsten Kimbler, the 2008 AHA Youth of the Year and Junior Equestrian of the Year, was the star of the evening as David O'Connor honored her with the USEF Sportsman Charter award. Monica Christian, the Arabian representative for the USEF Youth Council and the 2005 AHA Youth of the Year, was presented as the incoming Chair of the council. The tasty desserts and wild dancing ended an incredibly successful, first annual convention.

That day left me even more excited for the 2008 AHYA Convention. The AHYA Board is meeting March 7-9 to wrap up preparations for the "Christmas in July" extravaganza held in conjunction with Youth Nationals. We will also be working to improve the AHYA programs, brainstorm regional youth events, and meet with the adult board. Our hardworking committees with meet and share their progress with the rest of the board.

If you would like to be on a committee, to learn more about the AHYA Board, or to offer ideas to improve the AHYA, please email me!

~ Kim Luebcke
AHYA President

2007 Convention AHYA President's Report to General Assembly