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AYHC LEADERSHIP AWARD PROGRAM

The American Youth Horse Council is dedicated to recognizing those individuals and programs that enhance the lives of youth through their involvement with horses. The awards are announced at the annual AYHC Symposium each year.    Each year we accept nominations for the following awards: 

 

  • Leader of the Year (an adult volunteer) - two awards will be given

    • Early Career - nine years of volunteer experience or LESS

    • Legacy - ten years of volunteer experience or MORE

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  • Student Leader of the Year (age 14-19) - one award will be given

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  • Horse Industry Professional of the Year - two awards will be given

    • Early Career - nine years of work experience or LESS

    • Legacy - ten years of work experience or MORE

 

Nomination Requirements:

  • Electronically submit a completed nomination via Judgify 

  •  Include 3 photos illustrating the nominee’s involvement in horse and/or leadership activities.

    • Photos must be jpeg format and at least 300 dpi.

  • Attach a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation/support. (maximum of 5 letters). Any one of your references may be contacted for additional information/clarification.

    • At least one of these letters must be from a youth

    • Letter writers may not be related to the nominee

  • The person making the nomination MUST be an AYHC member (including self-nominations). Membership may be submitted at the time of nomination.

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Nomination process: 

All nominations for AYHC awards must be submitted no later than November 15 via Judgify. Please prepare your nomination using the template for each award. 

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Selection process:

  • When we receive your nomination, we will contact them to arrange a telephone interview.

  • Following the interview, the committee will review and evaluate the applications and interviews, and then select this year’s recipient based on the following criteria:

    • The nominee’s leadership in the horse industry

    • The nominee’s specific contributions to the youth horse industry

    • The nominee’s “level” of involvement (local, statewide or beyond)

AYHC Horse Industry Professional of the Year

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The 'Horse Industry Professional of the Year' award is an annual accolade designed to honor exceptional individuals dedicated to the education of youth in the horse industry. Esteemed nominees for this prestigious distinction are professionals actively engaged in roles that support the youth horse industry, either through employment or self-employment. These individuals demonstrate exemplary skills as educators, coaches, or mentors to young horse enthusiasts, actively promoting the youth horse industry at local, state, or national levels.

 

Nominees distinguish themselves by employing innovative teaching methodologies that enhance student learning outcomes, earning them respect as prominent youth educators within the industry. Nominations are open to any member in good standing with AYHC, offering an inclusive platform for recognition. Importantly, nominees need not be current AYHC members but should embody the qualities of a commendable ambassador for the youth horse industry, making them deserving candidates for this national honor.

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A potential nominee for this distinguished award is an industry professional exemplifying strong adult leadership, dedicated to nurturing the growth of young horse enthusiasts. Their commitment plays a pivotal role in ensuring the vitality and longevity of the horse industry, making them a commendable candidate for this prestigious recognition. Some examples of potential nominees include (but not limited to) extension educator, agriculture education teacher, equine organization staff, equestrian camp staff.

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Categories

  • Early Career - nine years of work experience or LESS

  • Legacy - ten years of work experience or MORE

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Horse Industry Professional of the Year Template

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AYHC Leader of the Year 

This annual award recognizes the adult volunteer leader who best exemplifies outstanding leadership to young people within the horse industry. This top leader introduces newcomers to the horse industry, mentors young horsemen, and promotes the horse industry within the local community. Strong adult leadership for young horsemen today helps ensure a vital horse industry in the future. Any leader who volunteers time and effort to the youth horse industry should be recognized as a potential candidate for this award. 

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Categories

  • Early Career - nine years of volunteer experience or LESS

  • Legacy - ten years of volunteer experience or MORE

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Leader of the Year Nomination Template  

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AYHC STUDENT Leader of the Year

An annual award to recognize a student leader (age 14 – 19) who has offered outstanding leadership to young people within the horse industry. This top leader introduces newcomers to the horse industry, mentors younger horsemen, and promotes the horse industry within the local community. This student accomplishes these goals in fun and innovative ways. The nominee should be considered a good ambassador of the youth horse industry for this national recognition. Peer mentoring is very important to the development of youth. Having a strong youth leader in a horse club or association is a great attribute and helps keep the club vibrant and growing. Kids love looking up to other kids and a good role model should be recognized for his/her contributions. Any student leader who volunteers time and effort to the youth horse industry should be recognized as a potential candidate for the award. 

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Student Leader Nomination Template  

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Templates should be used to prepare your nomination. All nominations MUST be submitted electronically via Judgify using the button below

AYHC Leader of the Year Award

AYHC Student Leader of the Year Award

AYHC Industry Professional of the Year Award
new in 2023

AYHC Distinguished Service Award

AYHC Distinguished Service Award Recipients

  • Julie Kimball

  • Ray Antoniewicz

  • Ed Roberts

  • Christy Landwehr

  • Bill Culbertson

  • Dr. Melvin Brady

  • B.F Yates

  • Pat Comerford

  • Kent Sturman

  • Ashley Griffin

  • Robert Mowery

  • Norm Luba

  • Jeanne Griffin

  • Julie Fershtman

  • Nancy Kissel

  • Dr. Karen Waite

  • Deb Hagstrom

  • Debbie Manring

  • Meg Sax

  • Dr. Jenifer Nadeau

  • Carla McLachlan

  • Brenna Johnson

  • Marla Lowder

  • Dr. Saundra TenBroeck

  • Dr. Dean Jousan

Youth Equine Industry Connections Award Recipients

formerly AYHC Partnership Award

2016    United States Pony Club, Inc for National Youth Congress

2018    Miami International Riding Club

2019    Virginia 4-H Horse Ambassador Program

AYHC Partnership Award Recipients

  • Certified Horsemanship Association

  • Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, Florida

  • Reins of Life, Indiana

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