The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) named Kelsey Kimbler of Aberdeen, SD the 2010 AHA Youth of the Year. Kimbler was presented with the Youth of the Year perpetual trophy at the 2010 AHA Annual Convention on Nov. 20 in Orlando, FL. A quote by Randy Pausch is one of Kimbler's favorites, "The brick walls are not there to keep us out, they are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

And shown us, she has. Kimbler's achievements and contributions to the Arabian horse industry and her community met, and in some cases, exceeded the expectations of the Youth of the Year sub-committee, boasting an AHYA leadership position, record-breaking endurance ride finishes, and a 4.136 GPA.

Kimbler's involvement with Arabians and Half-Arabians began 11 years ago when her older sister Kirsten (the 2007 AHA Youth of the Year) received her first Arabian horse. Shortly after, Kelsey experienced her dream-come-true with a four-legged Christmas present named Kota—big red bow and all—and began showing at local Region 6 Arabian shows. Kimbler's volunteer AHYA experience began early, attending Youth Nationals and participating in the Parade of Regions, the Stick Horse Contest and representing Region 6 as a voting delegate at the AHYA Convention. Kimbler has been a member of several winning Youth Team Tournament teams and attended U.S. Nationals as a member of a judging team in 2005.

Serving as AHYA Region 6 Director for 2010, Kimbler also serves as an ambassador for the Arabian breed through her involvement in events outside the breed specific boundaries. Kimbler competes with her Arabians in 4-H and most visibly while pursuing her true passion—endurance. In 2006 and 2007 Kimbler was the recipient of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Junior National Hundred Mile Award, given to the junior who completes the most 100-mile races in a year. In 2007 Kimbler attempted seven 100-mile races, completing five, winning one, making her the only junior rider to have five 100-mile rides in one year. Kimbler has finished the world-renowned Tevis Cup twice. "I have ridden many miles alongside Kelsey...she has ridden through some very rugged trails under the most unpleasant conditions and never complained or wanted to give up," says Myna Cryderman, President of the Distance Riders of Manitoba. Kimbler was also the nominee selected by the Endurance Association for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award in 2009.

As a senior at Aberdeen Central High School, Kimbler "bleeds blue and gold." Kimbler keeps busy with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), is a member of the cross-country team, which helped her prepare for her first marathon, and is a member of the Keystone National Honor Society. As a member of this society, Kimbler will complete over 30 hours of community service and maintain a GPA above a 4.0, taking honors, advanced placement and college courses.

Off the trail and outside the classroom Kimbler still manages to find time to pursue other interests. Kimbler will test as a professional dancer later this winter and hopes to help cover college costs by teaching dance while she's in school. Kimbler has served as Junior Miss Aberdeen and ran against 20 talented speakers for Keynote Speaker and won in a mock government exercise, giving her several opportunities to perfect speaking to an audience of more than 400 peers.

As Youth of the Year, Kimbler will represent AHA during 2011 and is automatically nominated for the 2010 USEF Sportsman's Award. Kimbler will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Upper Snake River Valley Arabian Horse Club of Southeastern Idaho. "What can we say? We are just so proud of Kelsey," said AHA Region 6 Director, Cecile Dunn. "We're so happy her achievements have been recognized and know she is an excellent representation of youth involved with Arabians."