AMARILLO, Texas - Membership totals for the American Quarter Horse Youth Association continue to show steady growth-membership totals for August 2001 surpassed 29,000 AQHYA Memberships.

"Our AQHYA Members are a combination of veteran Members and new recruits," said Christa Morris, Senior Manager of Youth Activities and AQHYA. "We are excited to see so many of our veterans stepping up into the leadership roles. These veteran Members are increasing our recruitment and are continuing to encourage other Members to participate in all aspects of AQHYA."

AQHYA is a custom-designed program by the American Quarter Horse Association for American Quarter Horse enthusiasts 18 years of age or younger. In addition to providing a medium for youth exhibitors to show their American Quarter Horses, AQHYA provides a complete spectrum of equine educational activities.

One of those activities is the AQHYA Racing Program. Created in 1998, the AQHYA Racing Program introduces young Members of the American Quarter Horse industry to racing. From preparing a horse for a major race to the spotlight of the winner's circle, AQHYA Members receive hands-on experience by spending a week alongside trainers of racing American Quarter Horses. One aspect of the AQHYA Racing Program is the AQHYA Championship Experience.

Those chosen to participate in the 2001 AQHYA Championship Experience held during the MBNA America® Challenge Championships at Los Alamitos Race Course in Los Alamitos, California, October 16-20 are:

Mackenzie Adams, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Bridget Clay, Winterset, Iowa
Kelly Cox, Macksburg, Iowa
Brian Dundon, Clymer, New York
Shannon Foe, Cass, West Virginia
Kaydee Howell, Queen Creek, Arizona
Jay Jensen, Tekamah, Nebraska
Brody Johnson, Evanston, Wyoming
Katie Lukow, Kenesaw, Nebraska
Danielle McCraw, Shelby, North Carolina
Emily Rollison, Eastover, South Carolina
Brandy Volk, Arpin, Wisconsin

The AQHYA Racing Program is one of the many programs offered by AQHYA. Other contests include speech, art and horse judging contests and as well the AQHYA Leadership Conference, the AQHYA Youth World Cup and so much more. Lead by the AQHYA Mascot Two-Bits, AQHYA Members can also participate in a vast array of hands-on activities offered through the Wrangler STAR Program and the Wrangler All Star Team Member Program.

AQHYA Memberships are available for $15 annually. Three-year memberships are $35 and AQHYA Life Memberships are $50. Those who purchase an AQHYA Life Membership have the opportunity, once they graduate out of AQHYA, to purchase an AQHA Life Membership for $250 (a savings of $50).

For more information on any AQHYA Program or to become a Member, contact AQHYA at (806) 376-4811 or visit AQHYA Online at www.aqha.com/youth.