Strong adult and peer leadership are the backbone of the youth-horse industry and vital in transforming today’s youths into tomorrow’s leaders. The American Youth Horse Council’s (AYHC) National Leader of the Year award, sponsored by the Certified Horsemanship Association, the AYHC National Student Leader of the Year, sponsored by Junior Master Horseman, the AYHC Distinguished Service Award, sponsored by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and the AYHC Partnership Award, sponsored by University of Louisville, Equine Industry Program, are presented at the annual National Youth Horse Leader’s Symposium. The AYHC Awards and Recognition Committee review each nomination and scores each candidate based on involvement in and contributions to the youth-horse industry and the horse industry in general. The winners were announced on March 20, 2010 at the 33rd Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium, held in Lexington, KY.

The AYHC Youth Leader of the Year Award an outstanding adult leader whose dedication and volunteer efforts have furthered the youth-horse industry. The recipient of the 2009 National Youth Horse Leader of the Year is Deborah Manring from Sunbury, Ohio. She has been a dedicated promoter of youth and horses for over 23 years educating youth and leaders. Manring is the inspirational coach of Horse Bowl, Hippology and Horse Judging teams. This is what is being said about her. “I am a third year veterinary student and student member of the AAEP, I would not be where I am today without the help and guidance of Debbie.” “Debbie has always encouraged us to be a team, not just talented individuals, and that is one of the best things about working with her.” Manring was honored at the NYHLS banquet with a trophy buckle sponsored by the Certified Horsemanship Association, a framed western print donated by Western Horseman and Wrangler National Finals Gear Bag donated by Justin Boots. The finalists for AYHC Youth Horse Leader of the Year are Jean Smith of Danville, Kentucky and Darryll-Ann Buschling of Clarksville, Maryland.

The AYHC Student Leader of the Year recognizes the same qualities in an outstanding young person who has shown leadership in the horse industry. Christine Whittier of Elk River, Minnesota was named 2009 AYHC Student Leader of the Year. Some of her contributions and achievements include 4-H County Federation President, Club President, Ambassador, member of the Pinto Horse Association, Half-Arabian Horse Association, Arabian Horse Association and United States Equestrian Federation; Mentored 4-H members in the Horseless Project to advance to Horse Project; Conference attendance: B.L.U. (Building Leadership and Understanding), the Big MAC (Minnesota Association of Cooperatives) Youth Leadership Conference and Y.E.L.L.O (Youth Exploring Learning and Leadership Out loud!) and Community volunteer through 4-H and MPHA. Whittier was honored at the AYHC Symposium banquet with a $500 Educational Scholarship sponsored by the Junior Master Horseman, a framed western print donated by Western Horseman and Wrangler National Finals Gear Bag donated by Justin Boots. The finalists for AYHC Youth Student Leader of the Year are Haley Rudacille from Dover, Pennsylvania and Mimi Gros of Parkland, Florida.

The AYHC Partnership Award recognizes an organization for a program or formal activity that provides leadership and inspiration to young people in accordance with the overall mission of AYHC exemplified by its motto, “Connecting Kids through Horses.” The 2009 winner is the Pony Club Riding Center from the United States Pony Club in Lexington, KY. USPC offers the Pony Club Riding Centers Program through facilities with established riding lesson programs. It is a distinctive departure from the traditional club structure. Initiated in 2005, the PCRC program is now 53 centers strong with more than 600 members. Members move through the Standards of Proficiency, 10 levels of achievement demonstrating advancing skills in both riding and horse management. The program also develops camaraderie, responsibility, self-confidence and leadership. The USPC received a framed western print donated by Western Horseman and Wrangler National Finals Gear Bag donated by Justin Boots.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a person who has shown dedication and service to AYHC and the youth horse industry as a whole. The 2009 AYHC Distinguished Service Award winner is Norm Luba from Louisville, Kentucky. Luba is the Executive Director for the North American Equine Ranching Information Council, which is committed to providing the latest information and research on all aspects of the equine ranching industry-including equine ranch management, horse care, breeding practices and innovative marketing programs. He was instrumental in the development of the Horse Industry Handbook, an AYHC classic and reference text for many organizations’ horse care knowledge competitions and programs. Norm enabled the AYHC to print the first edition of the Handbook. He is a board member and former president of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association, a founding board member of the Kentucky Horse Council and a board member of the Animal Welfare Council. What people say about him: “Norm’s history of service to AYHC and the equine industry is exemplary. He thinks outside of the box to address industry needs and issues. His vision, involvement, and leadership promote far reaching, positive, and enduring youth and industry initiatives. “Norm is most deserving of this award for his ongoing support and contributions to the well-being of our industry.” Luba was presented with a plaque, a framed western print donated by Western Horseman and Wrangler National Finals Gear Bag donated by Justin Boots.

The AYHC awards program is a member benefit and if AYHC members wish to nominate an outstanding adult or student volunteer leader for 2010, watch for the nomination form in the June 2010 AYHC newsletter or download the form from http://www.ayhc.com/ www.AYHC.com The award will be presented at the 34th annual AYHC Symposium to be held in Lansing, Michigan in March 11 – 13, 2011.