The 2002 UPHA Convention went out of its way to cater to the youth of the industry. The hard-working Sandy Backer coordinated the Junior Jamboree and it was a total hit for all involved. Ninety-eight youth attended representing various breeds of horses including Hackneys, Morgans, Arabians and Saddlebreds. The states represented were Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, California, New Jersey, Louisiana, Minnesota, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Arizona and Ohio.
Registration opened Friday morning with the desk being run by Paula Harris of Infinity Stables, Beth Bushell and Kathleen Turner of McConnell Stables . Friday evening the group attended a Hawaiian Luau Party at Shadow Run Stables, hosted by Nancy and Bill Becker and assisted by Jeanette Rabbit and Martin Teater. Everyone was kept busy with eating pizza and playing loads of games; a hula-hoop contest, a pinata, soccer game, twister, pin the tail on the donkey, folder decorating and a name the foal contest.
The name the foal contest had the kids submit names for unborn foals. Suggested names were sent to the stallion owners to used in the spring. If a name is selected by the breeder, the junior member wins a prize. The stallions included were Heir To Champagne, Designed, Radiant Sultan, Revival and Slam Dunk.
Saturday morning featured a breakfast at the Hyatt followed by a field trip to the Horse Park. A group of speakers entertained the group including; Fran Crumpler on judging, Jill Lowry on the Hackney Foundation Program, Missy Hughes and Katie Russell on the Biggins Youth Club, Cindy Boel on the Zubrod Youth Club and Nealia McCracken on good sportsmanship. McCracken also presented each person an autograph book with the instructions to watch for people in this industry who show good sportsmanship and try to get their autograph.
Avis Girdler spoke about photography and Mary Gaylord McClean talked about her experiences in the horse industry. Crystle Martin gave a tour of the ASB Museum and Karen Fish gave a tour of the USA Equestrian offices. The Horse Park volunteer group gave tours of the International Museum Of The Horse.
An Awards Ceremony was held with the Juvenile Choice Awards, the Academy Awards and the Hackney Medallion Awards being announced. Also AHSA Medal champion Sarah Thordsen was honored along with Hula Hoop champion Kelsey Price being honored.
Saturday evening was the Italian buffet with master of ceremonies for all events, Renee Zubrod, presenting the evening's awards. A special award was presented to Megan Kucera of Zubrod Stables called the "2001 UPHA Junior Sportsmanship Award". Megan received a trophy and red roses with her mom, Marsden, receiving yellow roses. This was a very special moment. Sandy Backer and Zubrod made the presentation.
A talent show was held afterwards called "Ham It Up At The Hyatt". This show had been announced quite some time ago and received a lot of attention with a lot of preparation time involved. There were thirteen different acts with the winners receiving, of course, stuffed pigs. Individual champion was Will Harris of Infinity Stables with reserve individual being Melissa Milligan from Premier. Group champion was Jo Cornell Stables and Junior ASHA Of Georgia was reserve. Richfield Video was on hand to videotape the show.
Judges for the event were Dale Becker, Beth Snider, Lori Burress, Scarlett Mattson and Lynn Morrison. Afterwards all the judges decided that it was truly a tough decision to pick the best from all the good acts presented but one thing for sure, everyone had a great time.
A dance complete with a disk jockey was held afterwards with Biggins Bridle Bunch sponsoring all door prizes from the ASB Museum Gift Shop. Sunrise Stables sponsored "Show Your Horse" books for all attendees and USA Equestrian donated lapel pins. The Hackney Foundation donated ink pens for everyone.
Sandy Backer called them," the true heroes of the convention"; the chaperones for the Junior Jamboree. They are listed below.
Sandy Backer/UPHA
Abby Neace/Biggins Stables
Desiree Clauson/Cardinal Farms
Ellen Beard/Cryst-A-Kell Farm
Missy Hughes/Biggins Stables
Katie Russell/Biggins Stables
Cindy Boel/Zubrod Stables
Bonnie Zubrod/Zubrod Stables
Deata Gregory, Beth Bushell, Liz Warfield, Kathleen Turner/McConnell Stables
Kathy Miller/Junior ASHA of Georgia
Aileen Gordan and Jennifer Gray/ASHA
Katie Hannah and Liz Laurence/Premier Stables
Paula Harris/Infinity Stables
Crystle Martin/ASB Museum