The American Ranch Horse Association has announced Jennifer Strange of Daleville, Ind., and Phantom Yankee and Austin Meador of Florissant, Mo., and Te Topsy Turvee as winners of the ARHA Amateur and Youth Rookie of the Year awards, respectively. The Rookie of the Year title is awarded to the first-year ARHA Amateur and Youth members who have no prior breed association points and who have the most ARHA points accumulated on one horse in 2009.

Jennifer Strange and Phantom Yankee: 2009 ARHA Amateur Rookie of the Year

Strange has owned Phantom Yankee (“Boo”) since October 2008. Having purchased Boo with the intent of showing in reining competitions, she was introduced to ARHA by trainer Bill Black and began showing in just about every event except cutting.

“The ARHA is a wonderful association that lets people just show their horses,” Strange said. “The people are friendly, and everyone helps everyone out.”

A therapy supervisor by occupation, Strange said she hadn’t started the 2009 show season with Rookie of the Year intentions, but after the ARHA World Show in June, she realized the title was in sight and continued working for it. She and Boo are also 2009 ARHA High Point Amateur Award winners.

Strange owns two other horses, including a 2-year old that she plans to show in the Three Year Old Ranch Horse Challenge at the 2011 ARHA World Show.

Austin Meador and Te Topsy Turvee: 2009 ARHA Youth Rookie of the Year

Twelve-year-old Meador started his 2009 show season with the intent of winning the Missouri Ranch Horse Association Youth Rookie of the Year title with Te Topsy Turvee, but he hadn’t expected to win the ARHA title, as well. The pair have been working together for two years, and Meador had cleaned enough stalls and cut enough grass to be able to purchase the horse with some help from his grandfather, Jim Meador, and his parents.

Te Topsy Turvee is a 17-year-old Quarter Horse that was owned by Taylor Rozier, who passed away after fighting a brain tumor in the summer of 2009. Their trainer, Mary Ann Cash, arranged for Meador to care for and ride the horse while Rozier was unable.

In addition to his participation in MRHA shows, Meador is also active in the Mid Rivers Saddle Club based in Wentzville, Mo. In 2010, he hopes to show more to continue gaining experience and to attend the ARHA World Show in June.

Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes the abilities of the all-around versatile working horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year.

Awards were presented during the banquet at the National Convention in Lexington, Ky., in February. For information about ARHA award programs, visit www.americanranchhorse.net or call 606-271-2963.