Arabian Youth
Cole Riser
Payne Harper
Young Arabian Horse Enthusiasts Earn National Titles and Build Community
at AHA Youth Nationals Contributed Courtesy US Equestrian
The Arabian Horse Association’s (AHA) 2019 Youth Na-
tional Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show had another successful year in Oklahoma City, Okla., at the State Fair Park from July 21-27. Exhibitors and spectators enjoyed a great horse show and all the excitement the city had to offer. Memories were made as newcomers had their first rides and those grad- uating out of Youth Nationals had their last. One won’t find a more fun horse show or more love for the Arabian horse than at this event, which showcases the next generation of horse trainers, amateur exhibitors, owners, and lovers of the Arabian horse. With over 2,000 entries across more than 150 classes, the
competition was fierce, but the young exhibitors’ most memora- ble moments often came from making lifelong friends in the Ara- bian horse community on a national scale. The week was packed with special events where the competitors gained new knowledge and had fun. The Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) hosted its Annual Convention and Board of Directors meeting for youth interested in leadership and taking an active role in the associa- tion. The youth elected new leaders, discussed ideas, and learned many skills that will lay the groundwork for the future of the Arabian horse. This year, 38 scholarships totaling more than $35,000 were
awarded to AHA youth riders on the basis of a variety of quali- fications.
Additionally, two young horsemen in the Arabian horse community have stepped forward to lead the way in keeping our sport safe and inclusive for all youth members. Fifteen-year-old Payne Harper and 16-year-old Cole Riser created the “Rise Up and Ride On” pledge to raise awareness of bullying in the Ara- bian horse community and to foster a zero-tolerance atmosphere for youths and adults alike. For complete results visit
www.arabianhorses.org. w
20 SouthWest Horse Trader September 2019
Two young horsemen in the Arabian horse community have recently stepped forward to lead the way in keeping our sport safe and inclusive for all youth members. Payne Harper (15) and Cole Riser (16) created the “Rise Up and Ride On” pledge to raise awareness on bullying in the Arabian horse com- munity and to foster a zero tolerance atmosphere from youths and adults alike. Having been involved with Arabian horses for a number of years, both boys are invested in keeping our community welcoming and safe. “I’ve grown up with the Arabian Horse,” says Payne, the Region 9 Youth Director. “My father and his family have been actively involved for over 35 years breeding, showing and judging. I have shown since I was eight-years-old locally, Re- gionally, and Nationally.” Likewise, project partner and Vice Director, Cole Riser, has grown up with Arabians. “I have been riding horses before I could even walk. I started lead line at the age of two and began to show walk trot at the age of three. Western Pleasure has always been my favorite style of riding; and I will continue to ride it throughout my horse showing career,” he shares. While much work has been done to create a safe and welcoming space for youths with the Arabian horse, like most sports, there is still a way to go, and both boys are compelled to help. Working together with a mental health professional, the boys created the pledge in the hopes of raising awareness of bullying and maintaining an atmosphere that is welcoming and fun for all exhibitors.
RISE UP & RIDE ON Youth Anti Bullying Pledge
“I have personally witnessed friends leave our region and even our breed
as a result of bullying,” Payne says. “It is of utmost importance to us to create an atmosphere that betters our amazing breed and the people that own and show them. If we help just one person feel more included or respected then I will count this program as a success.” Cole also shares this conviction, ex- plaining “The pledge is so important because it shows that we are willing to do something about bullying. Most kids are hesitant to face up to bullies. This pledge shows that we are not afraid to step up and that we are aware of the situation. We were inspired to do the pledge because Region 9, sadly, has pre- viously lost riders to bullying. We also feel like the pledge could bring more kids together and make our region more of a big family.” What began as a Region 9 product will go nationwide, as with the help
of Arabian Horse Association Youth and Family Programs Coordinator, Bren- na Whitlock, the pledge will be handed out at the Arabian Horse Youth As- sociation (AHYA) Convention and at Youth Nationals. Speaking about the two boys who started it all, Brenna says, “I am very proud of these young Continued on page 24
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