Applications Accepted for AQHYA Racing Championship Experience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AQHYA continues its youth racing educational program in 2006

Amarillo, Texas, July 28, 2006 – Twelve American Quarter Horse Youth Association members from across the United States will receive a unique opportunity to experience first-hand everything that is necessary to prepare an American Quarter Horse for a major race. Nominations are currently being accepted for the November 8-11 MBNA® America Racing Challenge Championships at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Youth will participate in a five-day program designed to introduce young people to horse racing. Nominations close August 15. Visit http://www.aqha.com/youth/activities/racingexperience.html for more information and to download an application.

“Encouraging young people to become involved in racing to ensure our sport’s future has been a priority of AQHA’s for a long time,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer. “We are pleased to offer this opportunity to educate AQHYA members about the American Quarter Horse racing industry through the MBNA America Racing Challenge Championships.”

For the MBNA Challenge Championships, youth will be placed with trainers who will allow them to participate in all aspects of preparing a horse for a race. Participants will learn about a racehorse’s routine from early morning workouts to after-the-race medication testing procedures. Youth also will learn about feeding, training and the logistics of an American Quarter Horse race. While their time spent at Lone Star Park will be busy and educational, the participants will experience the pageantry and excitement of being involved in one of horse racing’s most prestigious events.

In addition to learning about training horses, participants also will be exposed to the regulatory, business and management structure associated with the pari-mutuel industry and will explore the wide range of career opportunities associated with American Quarter Horse racing.

AQHYA’s membership comprises nearly 31,000 equine enthusiasts ages 18 and younger. AQHYA has always had extensive programs for youth who are involved in showing horses, but continues to enhance programs involving those who are interested in racing or do not own a horse.

For more information on the AQHYA racing program, contact (806) 376-4811 or visit www.aqhya.com.

Interested AQHYA members should mail applications to:
AQHA
Attention: Youth Department
P.O. Box 200
Amarillo, Texas 79168

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