Twenty-one National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) youth members from across the country attended the First NWHA Youth Leadership Conference held at the Kentucky Horse Park. July 14-16. "The conference was everything we had hoped it would be for the youth and more," stated Tami Steinbrecher, Chair of the Youth Committee.

The conference offered workshops on developing leadership skills, effective public speaking, equine first aid and horse judging and included two interactive clinics on equitation and showmanship using the NWHA representative horse at the Kentucky Horse Park, Bold Aggression.

But, the conference wasn't all classroom work. A tour of the Kentucky Horse Park, group games, and a pizza and dance party, with a live DJ, were included in the packed schedule.

Pam Rogers, the Kentucky State Director for the Humane Society of the Unites States (HSUS) was also on hand to talk to the youth about their organization's equine protection work and its Tennessee Walking Horse investigation and reward program.

A special thank you goes to the HSUS and the Kentucky Equine Education Program (KEEP) for sponsoring this conference. It was clearly a hit with the youth.

Some comments made at the end of the conference were:
• "I had a great time; can't wait until next year."
• "It was really amazing to see all the youth bond together and become better friends."
• "It was awesome to get to work with the horse that was a great representation for the NWHA and the Walking Horse."
• "It was great."
• "The dance party ROCKED."
• "Wish I was a youth longer."

Discussions have already started on the next NWHA Youth Leadership Conference.