Horsesdaily News: 26th Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium

26th Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium
coming up fast January 31 - February 2, 2003.

Pueblo West, CO - December 23, 2002 - The 26th running of the National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium is approaching fast. Leaders of youth horse programs from around the country will gather January 31 - February 2 at the St. Peters Holiday Inn Select in Missouri (St. Louis area) to participate in the premier event for youth leaders of all disciplines and breeds. Join youth leaders from breed associations, extension specialists, universities, and the crucially important "hands-on-horses" youth leaders from such groups as 4-H, U.S. Pony Club, National High School Rodeo, Future Farmers of America Association, and many more. Whether you are a teen member rising to leadership, a new leader eager to get started, or an experienced youth horse leader looking for fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm, St. Louis is the place to be Jan. 31st, Feb. 1st and 2nd.

Anyone with an interest in youth and the horse industry is welcome to attend. The conference is arranged with presentation tracks to target the interests of three audiences; youth taking a leadership role, adult leaders, and equine industry professionals.

Pre-registration indicates the Symposium will be packed with people as well as great presentations. The hotel is filling up fast so get your reservations in. Don't miss out on this opportunity that is tailor-made for horse leaders -- we have the topics you need to hear, the speakers you want to see and people you'll enjoy meeting - leaders from across the nation sharing information. A complete listing of topics and speakers can be found in the Presentation Schedule on our website: http://www.ayhc.com/symposium.htm

The American Youth Horse Council event is hosted by the University of Missouri - Columbia, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and University Outreach and Extension: University of Missouri / Lincoln University. The Symposium returns to Missouri after a 25-year hiatus and the reunion promises to be spectacular.

Major sponsors include; Pfizer - Animal Health, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Peter Stone Model Horses, PRIMEDIA Equine Network , Blaze Magazine, American Quarter Horse Youth Association, Missouri Equine Council, William Woods University, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association, Missouri 4-H Development Foundation, American Junior Paint Horse Association, National High School Rodeo Association, North American Equine Ranching Information Council, and Western Horseman.

About the Symposium:
Leaders Building Leaders is the theme for 2003 Symposium. Industry and educational leaders will present topics to expand the knowledge of horse leaders, who in turn enrich the lives of youth so they may become the leaders of tomorrow. You'll find examples of this cycle in several of our speakers whose childhood interest was fostered in programs such as 4-H, Pony Club and FFA.

Whether your group is breed, sport, or youth oriented, this meeting will send you home with ideas to put into practice and resources to back you up. Each participant will receive the 2003 American Youth Horse Council's Program Guide and Resource Directory.

Tradeshow Exhibits and Onsite registration begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, Teen Activities from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., a Welcome Reception follows at 7:00 p.m. Sessions begin Saturday, February 1st at 8:00 a.m. with concurrent seminars throughout the day. Tours of Purina Mills Research Facility and the Mid Rivers Equine Center are available on Saturday afternoon as well. Saturday evening an Awards Banquet will honor the Youth Leader of the Year and AYHC Distinguished Service Award Recipient followed by a special performance by Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Mary Ann Kennedy. Sessions will resume Sunday morning February 2nd and conclude by 3:30 p.m.

To find out more about Mary Ann Kennedy visit www.maryannkennedy.com
To find out more about the National Youth Horse Leader's Symposium visit www.AYHC.com To register call 800.879.2942 or by email ayhc@mindspring.com
See you in St. Louis at the Symposium!
The American Youth Horse Council is the umbrella organization providing leadership and resources to the youth horse industry.