Lots Of Fun - 2007 Youth Conference
Monday, February 26, 2007
by John Privette
A pizza party, talent show and field trip highlighted the overwhelming success of the American Saddlebred Youth Conference. Youth from the Carolinas to California met in Lexington for the annual event held in conjunction with the ASHA’s Saddlebred Summit Feb. 15-17. For the first time, the ASHA opened the Youth Conference to all members under the age of 21.
Everyone enjoyed doing crafts before the Pizza Party.
The weekend began with a pizza party and talent show Friday night. B.J. Morelock, Biggins Bridle Bunch, Lovell’s Little Bits, Rolling Hills Youth Club, S.E. Price and White Star Showstoppers entertained the audience with their varied and humorous talents. Karaoke and dancing followed. The evening gave everyone the opportunity to make new friends from across the country.
Mary Orr posed for a picture with her Lovell’s Little Bits.
This team could really sing!
The White Star Showstoppers not only impressed judges
in the show ring, they also impressed the
judges during the talent contest.
The girls from the Rolling Hills Youth Club
were all smiles after their dance performance.
Academy riders received gold, silver and bronze medallions earned for their participation during Saturday’s breakfast. Round table discussions included such topics as the American Saddlebred International Youth Program, Saddlebred Rescue, therapeutic riding programs and American Saddlebred versatility.
Young people and their parents flooded nearby Versailles, Ky., beginning at mid-morning Saturday. More than 275 visitors climbed aboard five Greyhound busses to visit Blue Willow, Kings Row and Sunrise Stables. Julie Kaufman and Joe Elam started the day with lunge and driving lesson demonstrations. The large group moved to Keeneland Race Track for the Youth Awards Luncheon. Outstanding Achievement for Youth Clubs, Juvenile Choice and Photo Contest awards were presented.
Jackie Tanner presented an impressive young five-gaited horse
A visit to Rob and Jackie Tanner’s Kings Row started the afternoon festivities. The Tanners presented an outstanding young five-gaited horse and demonstrated several training techniques. The tour ended at Sunrise Stables, where Melissa Moore presented two top show horses and gave out door prizes. Many visitors called these tours the Conference highlight.
The Conference concluded at the Saddlebred Ball at Keeneland Entertainment Center. Following dinner and the awards presentations, the youth danced the night away.
2007 YOUTH AWARDS
Frank Ogletree Youth Award
Emily Abbott and Kaelyn Donnelly
This was the first time the Ogletree Award was
presented to two recipients.
ASHA Youth Award 13 and Under
Jennifer Connolly
ASHA Youth Award 14-17
Kaelyn Donnelly
History Award
Junior ASHAG
Meeting and Programs Award
Krussell Stables Youth Club
Fundraising Award
Lovell’s Little Bits
Biggins Bridle Bunch won four awards
ASHA Youth Club of the Year
Educational Activities Award
Community Service Award
Promotions Award
The Mighty Mallard Mustangs
Membership Award
Mighty Mallard Mustangs
The Mighty Mallard Mustangs also made a special presentation on Friday. They presented three checks of $1,000 each to Saddlebred Rescue, ASHA, and American Saddlebred Museum from proceeds of the sale of their salsa.
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