The Mid-A Youth of the Year Contest was well attended with 13 contestants, thanks in part to top-notch contest organization provided by Leitha Stone and a wonderful crew of volunteers.

In the oral presentation section, contestants were asked to think critically about today’s difficult economic situation and how it is impacting the equine industry. Walk-trot and junior contestants focused on horse rescue organizations and how they are dealing with an influx of surrendered horses, while senior contestants took a more focused look at the direct effects the struggling economy has had on the industry and what possible positive outcomes might be derived from these tough times.

In the walk-trot division, Hannah Couto was named champion with Katerina Barrett taking the reserve honors. In the junior division it would be Casey Puckett the victorious champion with Logan Grant taking home the reserve championship. In the competitive senior division, Kristin Betit was the proud recipient of the overall championship honors with Rebecca Jones receiving the reserve championship.

In more East Coast youth news, the Maine Morgan Youth of the Year Contest, held over the Fourth of July weekend, also experienced a great turn-out with 26 contestants from four different states, 11 of which had never participated in a Youth of the Year competition before. Because the senior division had more than 10 participants, both the champion and reserve champion will be eligible to attend the Youth of the Year finals in Oklahoma City this fall. The senior division champion, no stranger to the National Finals, Victoria Valway will once again represent Maine at the national competition. Of note, Victoria was the first honored winner of the Tristanne Weber Childress Memorial AMHA Youth of the Year Contest Sportsmanship Award at the 2008 contest and is well prepared for another successful performance at this year’s finals. The reserve champion senior, also qualified to compete at the national finals, was Rowan Winters of York, ME. In the junior division Brooke Alley took home the championship trophy with Kimberly Saltmarsh the honored reserve winner. In the beginner division, Grace Cromwell was the champion followed by the talented Hannah Cabral in the reserve position.

Special thanks goes to the dedicated volunteer team who makes the Maine contest a success, which included 15 enthusiastic youth enthusiasts and 16 sponsoring organizations this year.

Congratulations to all!