The Arabian Horse Foundation, as in past years, supported the Arabian Horse Youth Nationals. This year, there were two phases to the Foundation's participation. As in past years the Foundation awarded scholarships. However, there was a unique twist to two scholarships as they were given to exhibitors who were deemed true sportsmen.
Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 14-18
This scholarship program is generously funded by Gwendolyn Landers. The AHF thanks Gwendolyn Landers for her support of our youth.
Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under
This scholarship program is generously funded by Gwendolyn Landers. The AHF thanks Gwendolyn Landers for her support of our youth.
Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 14-18
Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under
This scholarship program is generously funded by Gwendolyn Landers. The AHF thanks Gwendolyn Landers for her support of our youth.
AHF also awarded The Norman K. Dunn Memorial Trophy to the Champion and Reserve Champion in the Arabian English Pleasure JTR 14 - 18 Class.
Markel Insurance awarded $8,000 in scholarships at Youth Nationals for the Highpoint riders in the Pleasure Division and the Sport Horse/Dressage Division. This award rewards both success and teamwork as the horses garner points in both equitation and pleasure classes and are the award is given to the team of horse and rider.
Pleasure Scholarship
Markel Sport Horse/Dressage Scholarship
Sponsored by Leslie Farms - Half Arabian Western Pleasure 14-18 JOTR Sportsmanship Award Winner $1,500 - Ethan Hupp
Sponsored by Shamrock Farms - Arabian Western Pleasure 14-18 JOTR Sportsmanship Award Winner $1,500 - Tabitha Bell
A new scholarship has been created this year - Equine Athlete (Ty Wallis and Brad Hill) will be sponsoring a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for a rider showing at Youth Nationals - the applicant will apply for the scholarship following the show, the applicant will have to prove that they have shown at Youth Nationals and follow the Arabian Horse Foundation application procedures. Applications are due October 1st.
Additionally, the Foundation partnered with AHA on the TAIL tours at Youth Nationals. About 150 people participated in the TAIL tours at Youth Nationals and about 75 of those were children who received a copy of the 75th Anniversary edition of the 'Black Stallion' book and bookmark which gives them further information about both the Arabian Horse Foundation as well as Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA). Books were all stamped with the AHF stamp, recognizing us as book sponsors. We think this is a great way to help children improve their reading skills while increasing their interest in the Arabian Horse. These books and bookmarks will continue to be given out at future Arabian Nationals. A banner was also hung to publicize the book giving. Julian McPeak, AHA Marketing Director, did a great job designing the bookmark and banner.
On a sad note the Arabian Horse Community lost a long time member recently. William Pennington passed away. Bill was a great friend of the Arabian Horse and AHA having served AHA in a number of officer positions, including President and Chair of the Sport Horse National Show Commission. He will be sorely missed by the community. His family has asked the Foundation to implement a scholarship in Bill's memory. If you wish to honor Bill and help our youth please contribute to this scholarship fund.
The Foundation has redesigned its website to make it easier to navigate and better explain its role within the Arabian Horse Community. Please visit it to see the new, improved site.
The Arabian Horse Foundation is a designated charity of the Arabian Horse Association. The Foundation is an IRS approved 501(c)3 charity and donations to it are deductible. Please visit our website www.thearabianhorsefoundation.org.
-- via AHA