Kate Foy and Irina Shavlik. Photo: Howard Schatzberg.
The contestants participate in a rigorous four-part test throughout the course of two days. Included are a written exam, an oral presentation and interview, a ridden or driven horsemanship pattern, and a judging division with a reasons portion. Foy placed first in both the oral presentation and written exam and received second place in the horse judging portion. The winner of this prestigious contest earns a custom-designed awards package valued at $2,500. Shavlik was second in the written exam and won the Horsemanship portion of the contest, giving her the Brooke Burress Memorial Trophy. She also has earned a custom-designed awards package for her accomplishment.
Foy is a senior at the University of Louisville and is working toward degree in Equine Administration. She would like to get a job in the horse industry and graduate school is a future possibility. Shavlik is a senior at White Bear Lake Area High School and will be attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison next fall.
"It is really amazing to win after working for so long toward it!" Foy said. "Being able to count my name in the ranks of past winners is a huge honor."
"The Youth of the Year Finals was a great experience," Shavlik said. "The program and the contest have helped me to become a well-educated horseperson, a more rounded rider, an informed Morgan judge, and a better public speaker. I think the AMHA has a great youth program and I encourage everyone to take part in it. I will definitely be back for more!"
"Organizing this contest and actually being a part of it to make it happen was so rewarding," said Taylor Royals, AMHA Youth Coordinator. "Seeing the contestants have fun and succeed brought back many memories I have of my youth years in the Morgan world." The winner's package is generously sponsored by the Cynthia Elaine Epperson Trust.
Each year, dozens of youth contests are held across the country, hosted by horse shows, state Morgan clubs, and local youth groups. The Youth of the Year program offers participants an opportunity to improve his or her skills in the area of horsemanship, sportsmanship, public speaking, decision-making, and judging. The senior (age 14-21) winner of a local contest qualifies to compete in the Youth of the Year Finals, held each year at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show.
Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 100 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations. You can learn more about AMHA at www.morganhorse.com.