Take on a leadership role, learn leadership skills and learn what AHYA is all about!
#YOUthAreTheFuture
You are part of the future. How can you IMPACT the Arabian horse industry for the better? What change would you like to SEE...? in the future?
Each of you have the ability to participate and be a leader in this industry. Your actions have the power to make a lasting impact. Each month, we challenge you to participate in a #YOUthAreTheFuture challenge. Share your stories via social media posts, videos or stories for a chance to win great prizes.
Monthly challenges:
- January - "How it started, how it's going" Share a photo or memory of how you started with the Arabian horse and where you are now
- February - RUOK? How to check in with someone.
- March - Looking to the Future What is one of your future apirations or goals?
- April - Role Models Who has influenced you the most or the person you look up to the most?
- May - Favorite Things What is your favorite characteristic about your horse?
- June - Lasting Introductions How do you introduce new people to your Arabian horse?
- July - Take Pride Share one of your proudest moments with your Arabian horse
- August - Getting Involved How can someone get invloved with the Arabian horse?
- September - Outside the Ring What is your favorite non-show event to do with your horse?
- October -
- November -
- December -
Tag @arabianhorseyouth #YOUareTheFuture in your social media posts for the chance to be featured! We will be sharing more info about each challenge month by month and include some ideas on how #YOUthAreTheFuture.
2021 Convention - OKC July 14th and Virtual
Each year AHYA members get together to gain leadership skills, learn what AHYA has to offer, meet other youth from across the country and vote on your new executive leaders.
- July 14th - noon in the Sales Arena
- pick up your exhibitor t-shirt at YNL
- meet other youth from around the country
- participate in some fun activities
- hear from your AHYA board members
- Voting - July 11-16
- Elections will be available online this year!
- Please know how to login to the AHA website to participate and cast your vote for the next AHYA officer team.
- All active youth members are eligible to vote
- Click on the vote now button to access voting
- Voting will be available until Friday July 16th at noon CST
- Online
- We will be hosting videos about what AHYA is, who is invovled and why to join
- Take a peak into what is happeing at the in person convention
2020 AHA Youth of the Year: Caroline Elik, Region 11
At the 2020 Annual AHA Membership Convention Awards Banquet it was announced that Alton, Illinois youth Caroline Elik is the recipient of the 2020 AHA Youth of the Year award. Caroline receives the Youth of the Year perpetual trophy as well as a $5,000 scholarship from the Arabian Horse Foundation.
Compassion, humility, and motivation are the foundation of this young woman’s approach to life. She is currently enrolled at University of Missouri – Columbia pursuing a degree in journalism. She is a member of the Women in Media club and believes that it is important for women to have the resources and networking opportunities to be able to pursue their passion for media-oriented careers. During High School she was actively involved with her school’s newspaper, and held numerous leadership roles in her local 4-H club. She served as the Region 11 youth vice director, and was elected as the AHYA Secretary in 2019. She believes that involvement at any level is important as it improves not only our own lives, but the lives or others through the work that we do when we are involved in something worthwhile.
Caroline’s efforts within the Arabian horse community has led her to strive to be a positive influence on AHYA and to be a role model for those who aspire to become further involved in the Arabian horse community. She believes that “our youth are not just our future, but also our present – they are already active contributors to the growth and promotion of the Arabian breed”.
Caroline Elik is a leader among her peers, serving her breed and others with a selfless attitude and the heart of a champion. AHA is proud to call her our 2020 ‘Youth of the Year’.
AHA would also like to congratulate, Ms Grace Smith from Region 5 as the first runner-up for ‘Youth of the Year’ and earning a $1000 scholarship from the Arabian Horse Youth Association. Congrats to all!
Past Youth of the Year Winners:
2020 Youth of the Year - Caroline Elik
2019 Youth of the Year - Nina Barretts
2018 Youth of the Year - Ashley Lounsberry
2017 Youth of the Year - Morgan "Danika" Overstreet
2016 Youth of the Year - Flora ElmColone
2015 Youth of the Year - Sydney Young
2014 Youth of the Year - Jacklyn Abernathy
2013 Youth of the Year - Kathryn "Kate" Johnson
AHYA Board members Payne Harper and Cole Reser are taking a stand against bullying. Join them by signing this pledge to help stop bullying and standing up for those being bullied. Click on the pledge below to sign up and you will be mailed a Rise Up and Ride On bracelet.
