The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has developed a new high-point ASHA Youth Award to recognize the hardest working and most active youth members in the industry.

Youth members can receive points in a number of areas including attending the ASHA Youth Conference, being a member of a youth club, participating in junior judging, earning an ASHA scholarship, volunteering at a horse show, having a paid job in the equine industry and more.

Beginning in 2006, the award year will be defined as January 1 through December 31. For this year, the program is effective immediately. Signed activity reports, which can be found by visiting www.asha.net/youthaward.pdf, are due in the ASHA offices by January 5. Awards will be presented at the ASHA Youth Conference to participants with the most points in age groups of 13 and under and 14 through 17.

ASHA Executive Secretary Alan F. Balch said ASHA recognizes the importance of youth participation. “The youth of the Saddlebred industry are a big part of the future of the breed," Balch said. “This new awards program encourages youth members to venture out and try new programs and activities. Hopefully our youth members are enjoying the programs they are participating in and will become the next breeders, trainers and exhibitors.”

Additional information can be found on the activity reports or by calling ASHA (859) 259-2742. ~~~