AHHS Honors Its Youth at the UPHA American Royal
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
by Susan F. Harris
A room-full of junior exhibitors, their trainers and family members eagerly gathered on Friday at the UPHA American Royal to celebrate the American Hackney Horse Society (AHHS) Youth Medallion program. Organizers were pleased with the turnout and said attendance was higher than the prior year.
The AHHS Youth Medallion Series is open to junior exhibitors under 18 years of age in the roadster, pleasure, and combined Hackney/Harness divisions. Medallion classes are held at local and regional shows across the country, allowing participants to qualify for the Youth Medallion National Championships held at the UPHA American Royal. This program encourages youth involvement with Hackneys as they are acquiring show ring skills, developing friendships and competing for the prestigious title of Youth Medallion National Finalist. Not only does the program foster youth participation but also encourages total family involvement.
Rodney Root
AHHS board member Rodney Root, serving as master of ceremonies, welcomed everyone. The buffet luncheon featuring yummy chicken barbecue was sponsored by the AHHS Foundation. AHHS board members Dr. Jane Keil and Mary Lou Greenwell were acknowledged and thanked for organizing the overall event.
The first order of business was recognition of three newly crowned AHHS Youth Medallion National Champions. All winners received tote bags from RaDon, Inc.
à Roadster Pony Under Saddle - Jourdan Schaye riding Power of Attorney for Dr. Joe Lowry
à Pleasure Pony or Horse Under Saddle - Jessica Randall riding Forecaster’s Penny for Chuck Browning
à Roadster Pony to Bike, 13 & Under – Jessica Randall driving Heartland Sweet Lady for Chuck Browning
 
Jourdan Schaye & Dr. Joe Lowry Jessica Randall & Chuck Browning
(Editor’s note: Three additional national champions named later that evening.)
à Hackney/Harness Pony – Michelle Herron driving Dun Haven Radiant Spirit for Carol Hall
à Pleasure Pony Driving – Aliyah Asch driving Callisto for Gail Asch
à Roadster Pony to Bike, 14-17 – Meredithe Steinhauer driving Thunderation for Denise Steinhauer
A raffle was then held with Jennifer Shell, Tyler Volz, and Will Mayo receiving gift certificates from Terry Bennett’s Tack.
The 2005 High Point Youth were next named for each division. All participants received ribbons and goodie bags. Suzanne Mayo was recognized and thanked for her work to keep the points tabulated and for organizing all the gifts. The first place finishers in each division are:
à Road Pony to Bike – John (Jeb) Boyd - Heartland Painted Creation
à Road Pony Under Saddle – Britt Gentry – K & J’s The Harley Sportster
à Pleasure Pony Driving – Jennifer Shell – Cherry’s Dream Motion
à Pleasure Pony Under Saddle - ChristJon Sannes-Mielke – Heartland Spectacular
Jennifer Shell & Debbie Koning
After the presentations concluded, all participants in attendance were given gift bags with a wide range of items donated by Dabora, Walsh Harness, R.E. Fennell Co., Bayer, Ft. Dodge Labs, Luitpold Labs, AHHS, and UPHA.
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