The American Quarter Horse Association, January 27, 2015 - The American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program is proud to announce its 2013-14 scholarship winners: 

1. Meagan D’Andrea of Fowler, Ohio, with Jelly Dunnit, a 2013 palomino filly by Ghost Of Hollywood and out of Jae Bar Jealously by Bingos Dually, bred by Roy V. and C. Robertson (Big Valley Ranch) of Monterey, Virginia – $2,000 and Montana Silversmiths belt buckle

2. Emily Scoles of Elbert, Colorado, with Runningonfrenchfaith, a 2013 sorrel filly by French Flit and out of Sugar Chileta by Sonny Sugar, bred by Jim and Joni Hunt (Open Box Rafter Ranch) of Faith, South Dakota – $1,500 and a pair of Justin boots

3. Calli Kaufman of Olympia, Washington, with LCC Golden Playgirl, a 2013 palomino filly by Jaz GC Indio and out of LCC Baby Dun Right by Rawdle Fact Man, bred by Donald Akehurst (Longhorn Cattle Co.) of Ellensburg, Washington – $1,000 and a $100 Wrangler gift certificate

4. Colin Webb of Waterloo, Illinois, with Flit Dr Flit, a 2013 bay roan colt by Flit Drift and out of Flit Frost by Sun Frost, bred by Jim and Joni Hunt (Open Box Rafter Ranch) – $500 and a $100 Wrangler gift certificate

The AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program was created to give American Quarter Horse Youth Association members who want to participate in hands-on horse training an opportunity that will teach them the fundamentals of horsemanship. The program puts weanlings in the hands of youth selected for the program. The weanlings used in the program were bred by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders, which consist of working cattle ranches with a remuda of at least five AQHA-registered mares that produce ranch horses. The participating Ranching Heritage Breeders offered weanlings for the program participants to judge, select, purchase, raise and train. The ranchers also mentored these young horsemen, teaching them responsibility and goal-setting, which are important components of equine ownership.

 AQHYA members applied to the program, and the selected participants spent the year competing for the scholarships and prizes. All participants were required to write monthly progress reports on their foal; compete in AQHA, 4-H, FFA or local shows with their yearlings; complete a project book documenting training, health care, nutrition and management practices; and schedule mentoring sessions with local AQHA Professional Horsemen to discuss tips on competing, health care, training and management of their yearling. The youth submitted their Ranching Heritage show achievement form, project book and Professional Horseman check list, which was judged by an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder.

 To learn more about the Young Horse Development Program, visit www.aqha.com/aqhya.

 For more information on the Ranching Heritage program, including Ranching Heritage Breeders, visit www.aqha.com/ranching. 

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