The 2006 National Youth Horse Leader’s Symposium will take place February 3-5, 2006, in Gainesville, FL, offering a diverse group of talented and knowledgeable presenters on four different tracks: youth development, successful programs, tools and games and industry issues. The 29th annual symposium will have something for everyone involved in the youth horse industy.

Randel Raub, PhD, of Land O’Lakes Purina, will share his knowledge about quality ingredients in feed as well as offer a keynote address to the whole group on Sunday morning. Karen Waite, MS, ofMichigan State University, will address the important topic of managing horse show stress. Dr. Robert Holland, DVM, with Pfizer, will give tips on preventative medicine for your horse while Jay Hickey with the American Horse Council will offer an update on federal legislation that affects the horse industry and how each person can make a difference in Washington, DC. Renee Gore and Barbara Nagle from Brevard County, FL, will share with the group their successful program incorporating horse advisory boards into their youth horse program. Kristin Janicki of the University of Kentucky and Amber Moffett of Ohio State University have a fun program for the youth titled “Horseplay for Hippophites.”

Two important research projects will be presented, the first by Sandra Slocum of Mississippi State University comparing leadership life skills development of youth participating in riding and non-riding 4-H horse events. The much anticipated research titled “Impact of Equine Activities on Youth Development” that is a joint project with Pennsylvania State University and the American Youth Horse Council will be presented by Pat Comerford of Penn State University. The research quantifies the higher life skills of those youth who are involved in youth horse projects. Every registrant will receive a copy of the research report, which will benefit all youth horse programs.

Additionally, AQHA’s Junior Master Horseman will be ready to roll out at the Symposium, as will the Stone Model Horse Project. These two tools will definitely provide additional opportunities to share our youth horse industry with more interested youth in the future. An afternoon of live horse demonstrations kicking off with renowned trainer Andy Moorman and ending with an AYHC favorite, Clint Depew of Louisiana State University.

These are just a few of the great presentations at the symposium. A full schedule is available at www.ayhc.com. Roundtable discussions, a teen leader program, Youth Leaders Celebration Awards Banquet and pre-conference tour of Ocala horse farms round out a fun-filled and educational weekend in Gainesville.

Those wishing to attend the 2006 National Youth Horse Leader’s Symposium can register online or download a registration form at www.ayhc.com. Early bird discounted registration ends January 5, 2006.


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