Starting in 2007, the American Morgan Horse Association’s (AMHA) 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 award, which recognizes a youth who demonstrates outstanding achievement and dedication to the Morgan breed , is determined by a point system. In 2006, Caitlin Novotny of Oklahoma City received the first AMHA Youth Member of the Year award.

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 breakdown of categories, points and requirements can be found under the Youth Programs section of the AMHA website at www.morganhorse.com. Verification sheets will need to be completed for some of the categories as well.

The competition year for this award began November 1, 2006, and ends October 31, 2007. 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, 2007.

The award will be presented at the 2008 AMHA Annual Convention to be held in Minneapolis, MN. For more information on this, or any AMHA Youth programs or awards, please contact Joyce at (802) 985-4944, ext. 18, or [email protected].

The American Morgan Horse Association Youth (AMHAY) is an international organization of young people who have a common interest in the Morgan horse, America's oldest breed. With youth members in the United States, Canada, and all over the world, AMHAY offers a variety of programs that challenge members to become involved, to learn, and to develop competence in all areas of the horse industry. AMHA youth member awards are designed to recognize members who excel in their achievements and dedication to the breed.