The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) cordially invites individuals to submit proposals to speak at the 35th annual AYHC Symposium, March 23-25, 2012 in Herndon, Virginia. This event presents an opportunity for adult and student leaders in the youth horse industry to come together to learn, network, share ideas and grow as an industry.
Three audiences will be represented: Adult Leaders of Youth—mostly volunteers who work directly with youth in the field; Youth Industry Professionals—those employed in the youth horse industry (such as Extension Specialists and Breed Association Youth Program Coordinators); and Peer Leaders of Youth—older teen leaders and college students focusing on leadership (who are also encouraged to submit proposals for presentations).
Presentations can address, but are not limited to the following categories:
- Youth Leadership/Character Development
- Youth Issue Forums
- Traditional Youth Programming
- Horse Management and Health Care
- Interactive and Hands-on Youth Development Activities
- Horse Industry Issues, including Legislative, Career Development
Requested topics include:
- Teaching tools and methods, including lesson plan development, social media and other new technologies
- Training youth for communication contests and public speaking
- Animal welfare: nutrition, rescue, adoption, first aid
- Novice, intermediate & advanced horsemanship exercises/demonstrations, including in-hand skills & ground manners
- Breed and discipline demonstrations and instruction, including bringing different interests together
- Environmental stewardship (i.e. “green” farm/ranch management, trail riding practices, open space opportunities)
- Ethics, sportsmanship, team building, conflict resolution
- Rider fitness (mental and physical), sports psychology, and life skills development
- Safety, including personal, equine and transport equipment and practices
- “Horseless” horse activities
IMPORTANT: Proposal materials must follow a specific format available from the AYHC (see below)—an incomplete, piece-mealed or incorrect application will not be considered. Deadline to submit complete proposal packages is September 15, 2011. AYHC will notify successful applicants by November 15, 2011.
The AYHC appreciates the dedication and respect shown by Symposium presenters for the youth horse industry, and offers presenters this avenue to share their valuable knowledge with leaders of today and tomorrow. No honorariums will be paid; however, one speaker per accepted presentation will receive a complimentary Symposium registration, excluding Awards Banquet and Pre-conference tours. Speakers are responsible for their own travel and lodging and other expenses not included in the registration.
The American Youth Horse Council is a network of academic, breed, industry and other representatives interested in facilitating the flow of horse-related educational resources for youth. AYHC’s mission is to provide encouragement, communication, leadership & resources to serve and promote the youth horse industry. For complete presentation proposal instructions and/or more information about the association, please contact the American Youth Horse Council.