Youth Corner - Contests

AMHA Youth of the Year Program

Morgan horses have long been defined by their ability to suit people with varying interests. Similarly, the AMHA believes that Morgan youths should also be versatile.

Youth of the Year contests are designed to recognize top achievers. Youth of the Year contests consist of four parts: a written exam, an oral presentation, a judging contest and a horsemanship pattern. The written exam covers information concerning equipment, Morgan history, rules and regulations, basic horse care and general equine knowledge. Oral presentation topics are given to contestants a few weeks prior to the contest. Each participant is responsible for preparing a three to five-minute presentation on the given topic. The judging phase consists of four to eight classes which contestants must judge. Each person is responsible for giving one or two sets of oral reasons explaining how he or she placed the class. Horsemanship patterns test hands-on ability with an animal, and can be ridden or driven. Youth who do not have a suitable horse for a pattern may borrow a horse. Each section of the contest is worth approximately 250 points. The youth with the highest accumulation of points at a show is named Youth of the Year, which qualifies him or her to compete for AMHA Youth of the Year at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. The winner of this prestigious title receives a month-long trip to the country of his/her choice, during which he/she acts as an ambassador for the Morgan breed. Past winners have traveled to Australia, New Zealand South Africa, Germany, England - the options are limitless! Local and regional contests are open to youths of all ages, but only those aged 14 years and older can qualify to compete in Oklahoma. Why should you compete in a Youth of the Year Contest? Youth of the Year contests reward those who are well-versed in horsemanship skills. They provide a wonderful opportunity to improve one's horse knowledge as well as a means of setting realistic goals and learning the benefits of hard work and dedication. Most importantly, youth contests create a positive atmosphere in which young people and adults who share a love of the Morgan can interact. Friendships developed through youth contests are a rewarding and fulfilling benefit. How can you become involved?

Sign up to participate or volunteer in a youth contest! There is no better time to become involved than right now! Every region offers Youth of the Year contests, so keep your eyes open. Discover where the next contest is being held. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain!

AMHA Youth Judging Program

The AMHAY Horse Judging Program teaches young people how to evaluate Morgan conformation and movement in a logical, step-by-step method. Participating in local, regional and national competitions, youths learn the vocabulary and presentation skills necessary to explain their reasons for placing one horse over another.

The AMHAY Youth Judging Contest is held in October during Youth Days at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. It is composed of three divisions: AMHAY, Collegiate, and Youth. The AMHAY division is open to AMHA Youth members only. Individual awards are presented in three categories: 13 years & under, 14-17 years and 18-21 years. The collegiate division is open to all college and university horse judging teams and individuals. The youth division is open to 4-H, FFA, Pony Club, breed-affiliated clubs and individuals. There is a $5.00 entry fee per individual.

Special high-point awards are presented for in-hand classes, performance classes, and reason scores. Team and individual awards are presented to 10 places. An awards brunch will be held at the completion of the competition. Come join the thrill of a Morgan judging contest!

AMHA Youth Acievement Award

In 2006 Caitlin Novotny of Oklahoma City received the first AMHA Youth Member of the Year award. This award recognized outstanding achievement and dedication to the Morgan breed.

Starting in 2007 the Youth Member of the Year award will now be called the AMHA Annual Youth Achievement Award, as decided by the AMHA Board of Directors at their May meeting. The winner of the award will be determined by a point system.

AMHA youth members may earn points in a variety of categories designed to include youth of all ages, backgrounds, interests and geographic locations. Categories include youth program participation, breed promotion and community service. A complete break down of categories, points and requirements can be found under the Youth Programs section of the AMHA website.

Verification sheets will need to be completed for some of the categories as well.

The competition year for this award begins November 1 and ends October 31. All youth are encouraged to participate by completing the points submission forms and sending them to the AMHA Youth Department. Submissions may be made throughout the year but all points and verification sheets are due by November 15.

The award will be presented at the AMHA Annual Convention.

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