AQHA AND AYHC BRING JUNIOR MASTER HORSEMAN TO KIDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Amarillo, Texas, May 19, 2006 – The equine industry’s most innovative youth program is here! Junior Master Horseman is all about horses, fun and learning, and is the most exciting and entertaining hands-on tool available to today’s kids.

“I believe Junior Master Horseman will open the door for children with an interest in horses,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer. “This program can be used by individuals, groups and teachers in classroom settings, and I can’t wait to see kids all over the world benefit from its innovative teaching methods.”

In 2004, The American Quarter Horse Association teamed with the American Youth Horse Council to develop a program geared for kids who want to learn about horses. This non-breed specific program is a multi-level, experience-based curriculum that uses vibrant characters to lead youth through lessons about horses. Youth start with the book, which includes the lesson and several reinforcement activities. Then, youth go to the Web site to complete several more activities and the comprehension check. When youth complete and pass the check, they print out a certificate for immediate reward and recognition. In addition, youth have the opportunity to sign up to receive regular newsletters and information from a variety of horse organizations and associations.

JMH is a great fit within 4-H horse clubs, FFA chapters, after-school programs, home-school programs, boy scouts, girl scouts and almost any classroom. The McRel teaching standards, math, science and language arts have been outlined for each of the lessons. During the development phase of Junior Master Horseman, 13 independent content reviewers participated, and 17 Pilot tests were completed.

Level 1 launched in May 2006, and Levels 2 and 3 will be completed in the near future. Information for the lessons was derived from a variety of sources, including the Horse Industry Handbook by the AYHC. AQHA has underwritten the JMH program and is in charge of its development, marketing and distribution. At the same time, many other breed associations have supplied photos and information for the book.

For a look at the Junior Master Horseman program, visit www.JuniorMasterHorseman.com. For more questions regarding the program, call AQHA Senior Manager of Youth Activities Christy Bramwell at (806) 376-4888 or visit www.aqha.com.

-30-