Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Youth Committee has organized several events for ASHA Youth during the 2010 Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show, including a three-day long Scavenger Hunt, Junior Judging, and the always popular ASHA Youth Auction, co-sponsored by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The first of two Junior Judging sessions will begin at 9 AM on Tuesday, August 24, in Freedom Hall section 341, rows J and L. Scavenger Hunt participants may also pick up Scavenger Hunt packets from this location at that time, or they may also be picked up after this from the Saddlebred Center. The second Junior Judging session will take place beginning at 9 AM on Friday, August 27, in the same location. ASHA Junior Judging is co-sponsored by USEF, James Crow, and Fennell's. All Junior Exhibitors 20 and under are encouraged to participate.

The Scavenger Hunt, which is co-sponsored by USEF, along with Roy & Judy Werner of Redwing Farm, will begin at 9 AM on Tuesday. Participants will be given several items to keep as they search for them throughout the Kentucky State Fair grounds. Points will be awarded for each item or activity completed, and prizes will be given to the respective winners with the most points in each of two age group categories, 13 and Under, and 14 to 20. The Scavenger Hunt will conclude on Thursday, at 10 AM, in Crowne Room A of the Crowne Room Plaza (formerly the Executive West), site of the ASHA Youth Auction.

As part of the ASHA Youth Auction, all ASHA Youth and Charter Clubs are invited to participate in the Basket Bonanza, in which club members will put together baskets for the auction, featuring items from their respective localities, or baskets with a specific theme. The Youth Club and Charter Club basket that raises the most money at the auction will receive their ASHA Club dues paid for the following year.

The ASHA Youth Auction Committee is still accepting items for this annual event. The auction is the sole fundraiser for ASHA Youth Scholarships and all ASHA Youth programs (Junior Judging, Saddletime Awards, Academy Awards, Showmanship at Halter Awards, and the ASHA Youth Award). Since 1991, these funds have helped fund scholarships to further the education of over 100 ASHA Youth members.

Among the big ticket items that will be up for bid are the following:
• Yamaha golf car, sponsored by Cunningham Golf Car Company, Inc.
• Two tickets to the Rascal Flatts concert, set for Sunday, August 29. Included with the tickets is a night's stay at Louisville's Crowne Plaza Hotel for the night of the concert.
• Three-night stay at a New York City studio apartment on Park Avenue, donated by Ed and Candi Aversenti. (Date of stay to be agreed upon between high bidder and apartment owner).
• One-week stay at the oceanfront Highlands Inn in Carmel, California, a Hyatt Vacation Club Resort. (Week will be 30th week of 2011, check-in Sunday evening, and check-out the following Sunday morning). The unit overlooks the Pacific, has a kitchen, dining and living area, fireplace and bath downstairs. Upstairs is a large master suite with Jacuzzi. Donated by Susan and Terry Chen.

If you would like to donate an item, please contact Brenda Newell, ASHA Youth Programs Director, at [email protected], Ron Merwin, ASHA Auction Chairperson, at [email protected], or Germaine Johnson, ASHA Youth Chairperson, at [email protected]. A donation form can be obtained from the ASHA website, here.

All donations are tax deductible, as ASHA is a 501(c)(3) corporation.