FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n
AQHYA continues its youth racing educational program in 2006<\/strong><\/p>\n Amarillo, Texas, July 28, 2006 <\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201c 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\u00c2\u00ae America Racing Challenge Championships at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Encouraging young people to become involved in racing to ensure our sport\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s future has been a priority of AQHA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s for a long time,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We are pleased to offer this opportunity to educate AQHYA members about the American Quarter Horse racing industry through the MBNA America Racing Challenge Championships.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n 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\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s 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\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s most prestigious events.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n AQHYA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s 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.<\/p>\n
\nYouth 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<\/a> for more information and to download an application.<\/p>\n