Key Events Scheduled for AQHA Member Appreciation Day

Amarillo, Texas - April 21, 2003 - While final details are still being worked out, some key events have been scheduled for the 2003 American Quarter Horse Association Member Appreciation Celebration!

Festivities and events begin on Thursday, June 26 with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The ride will arrive in Amarillo and for $30 anyone can join the riders for lunch. All proceeds benefit the Kyle Petty Charities. Since its formation in 1995, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has logged more than 28,000 miles, encompassed 3,100 riders and raised approximately $3.2 million for charity.

Thursday, June 26 also marks the first day of the Youth Excellence Seminar (YES) and American Quarter Horse Youth Association Annual Convention. YES is open to all AQHYA members and adult leaders. Over the three-day weekend, students work on projects while learning important team-building skills. A highlight of the conference will be guest speakers, who often motivate the teens and build their strengths while improving weaknesses. Guest speakers for YES include: Rhett Laubach, Stewart Kennedy, Randy Snow, Aric Bostick, Scott Friedman, Josh Shipp, Norm Hull and Scott Vernon.

Other main events for AQHA Member Appreciation Days include: * July 12 - Join AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer as he heads up a trail ride down Palo Duro Canyon, the nation's second largest canyon. A full day of activities is planned including a chuckwagon dinner. Come early and see TEXAS, the musical drama depicting the early settling of the Lone Star State. * July 18 - AQHA has long demonstrated the cowboy way of life and has near perfected the chuckwagon dinner. Make plans to join AQHA Staff on Friday, July 18 as the crew fires up the grill for an authentic award-winning chuckwagon dinner. All proceeds will benefit the American Quarter Horse Foundation. * July 20 - The American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum will be celebrating its 12th anniversary, and AQHA members are the guests of honor.

Need more incentive? All AQHA members who visit AQHA headquarters during Member Appreciation Days will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Tex Tan Western Leather Saddle valued at $2,500. Remember, all guests must sign the guest book at AQHA to be entered into the drawing.

For more information on any of AQHA's Member Appreciation Days
events, contact Customer Service at (806) 376-4811 or visit AQHA
online at www.aqha.com.