American - Press - American Paint Horse Association

AjPHA continues to build tomorrow’s leaders
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AjPHA leaders met in San Diego, California, in 2008 to discuss future activities.
The American Junior Paint Horse Association continues to grow strong, thanks to the
efforts of members who have participated in leadership and community service initiatives
throughout 2008.
Throughout Sammie Jo Stone’s 2007-2008 presidential term, her Presidential Service Project,
Be A Lifesaver, was aimed at helping people and animals that have been involved in a
natural disaster, such as a fire, flood or even an earthquake.
The goal was to encourage AjPHA members and clubs to simply donate items such as food,
clothing, first-aid kits and animal supplies to their local Red Cross. Local Paint Horse clubs
could host canned food drives at horse shows and riding events, or become certified in CPR.
The AjPHA regional club that exhibited the most dedication, effort and caring attitude
toward the project was awarded the From the Heart Award, a $500 cash award sponsored
by Markel Insurance. In 2008, the award was presented to the Mississippi Junior Paint Horse
Club and its members at the 2008 World Championship Paint Horse Show.
MjPHC members raised money for the American Red Cross by making pattern books for
the Dixie Nationals, selling t-shirts and holding a cake auction. The service project hit close
to home for many youth in the club. In early 2008, Mississippi was hit by several tornados,
and the club’s donations helped their local communities with relief efforts.
Another great learning opportunity for Junior members in 2008 was the annual Youth
Leadership Conference, held in San Diego, California, in conjunction with the APHA
National Convention. AjPHA members travel from across the nation to attend this conference
each year. Conference attendees learned how they could complete tasks more efficiently
by working together, heard a presentation on preparing for college and public speaking and
finished a great day with a lesson in wardrobe, posture and grooming.
Conference attendees also were able to tour the San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach.
After a sandcastle building contest at the beach, the Southern California Paint Horse Club
treated attendees to a cookout.
With nearly 7,000 members, AjPHA promotes youth involvement with American
Paint Horses worldwide. AjPHA is committed to producing America’s finest young
equestrians who are strong in moral character and active in their communities and regional
clubs. ■
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
AjPHA membership
6,914
2004
6,959
2005
7,259
2006
7,042
2007
2008 6,902
JESSICA MCGUIRK