Banks Ready is a young man on a mission

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—With the recent election of Banks Ready of Hernando, Miss., as president of the American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA), two organizations stand to benefit— the popular youth organization and the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. The reason is simple. Ready is dedicated to helping AjPHA members build memorable experiences with Paint Horses while also fulfilling the dreams of children in need.

            With those goals in mind, Ready is on a mission.

 A talented competitor and involved member, Ready is leading by example. In the show ring, he recently exhibited two Paint Horses—Always Look At Me and Hez Extraordinary—to their respective class finals at the 2008 World Championship Paint Horse Show. As president, he is focused on strengthening the youth organization and involving additional members in fostering an enriching and fun atmosphere. Outside of competition and elected office, he’s a giving teenager who helps other youth pursue their interest in Paint Horses and who displays a caring attitude for those in need.

Ready’s involvement with AjPHA began nine years ago with his first Paint Horse—a palomino overo named PB Buckwheat. He showed the gelding for a year in 4-H before stepping into breed competition. Since that introduction, he has experienced much success within AjPHA, made many friends and is looking forward to a bright future with the organization.

Someday, the 17-year-old hopes to become the youngest APHA-approved judge in history and to lead the entire breed organization as its adult president.

 “This is a great organization, and there are no boundaries for where we can take it,” said Ready.     

Furthermore, the young leader isn’t waiting around to make an impact in the Paint Horse community and the world around him. He’s taking an active role now. On his first day as AjPHA president, Ready announced the launch of “Painting Dreams.” The program is a challenge to AjPHA’s more than 7,000 members to raise funds for Make-A-Wish.

 The charity is one of the foremost wish-granting charities in the world, and gives children with life-threatening illnesses the chance to see their dreams become a reality. Ready became aware of the organization after helping to fulfill a child’s wish through a high school club and was inspired to create the Painting Dreams project.

 “Seeing the look on the kids’ and parents’ faces is one of the most rewarding experiences—it is life changing—and I want each AjPHA member to experience that,” said Ready.  

The youth leader is making that happen by setting a high goal for Painting Dreams—to grant as many wishes to the most children possible. More specifically, he is asking each regional AjPHA club—local affiliates of the youth organization—to grant at least one wish for a child in their area. Each wish takes $5,000.

Youth and adults can also support the project by visiting ajpha.com/ajphapsp. There, visitors can view a video of Ready explaining the project. The Web site also includes a list of regional clubs, many of which have fund-raisers currently underway. 

As Ready continues in his new role as AjPHA president, there is no doubt that over the next year he will be a catalyst for many members, who will create life-long memories and values through their experiences with Painting Dreams and Paint Horses. He will also continue to positively affect children in need, many of whom will have their dreams fulfilled because of AjPHA and Make-A-Wish.

More about AjPHA

The American Junior Paint Horse Association is home to more than 7,000 Paint Horse enthusiasts aged 18 and younger. The Youth organization is part of the American Paint Horse Association, which registers and promotes the American Paint Horse.

Each year, the incoming president begins a new service initiative, which is called a Presidential Service Project. Ready’s project, Painting Dreams, is an especially ambitious effort to encourage members to give back to their communities.

To learn more about AjPHA, visit ajpha.com. Or, contact the Director of Youth Activities by e-mail at coordinator@ajpha.com or phone (817) 834-2742, extension 248.

More about the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Founded in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted wishes for more than 161,000 children with life-threatening illnesses around the globe. In the U.S. alone, a wish is granted every 40 seconds. More information about Make-A-Wish can be found by visiting wish.org.