Hey guys!
I would like to introduce myself to Queensland as the new Youth Co-Ordinator for 2009.
Most would already know me but for those who don’t, I am a very dedicated young adult (scary I know!) who has been showing Miniatures for approximately 10 years now with my family’s stud Kamelco Park Miniature Horses.
You might think 10 years is a long time to be in horses for, and it is, but in those 10 years I have achieved so much as a Youth, and now an adult.
I was the Captain for all Trans Tasman Youth Challenges for Australia, two held here in Australia and the other two I travelled to New Zealand to compete in. I have been National Champion in several Youth events for years running, not to mention the countless High Point wins at National and State level.
It was only last year that I became too old to show in Youth classes anymore, but I couldn’t have been happier to watch my fellow competitors at the recent State Show battle it out for Grand Champion Youth in their respective age groups. Much to my surprise, my younger sister Katherine Harper took out Grand Champion in my age group (with my horse!!) which really made my day.
I did notice, however, that there were many regular youth missing from the show which was very disappointing to see. My goal as Youth Co-Ordinator is to get as many Youth out there as possible to get into this great sport and have some fun doing it, just like I did. Miniature Horses can take you all over the world – they are becoming more and more popular as the years go on. They give you a chance to socialise with people that like to do the same things as you and most importantly make friends while you’re doing it.
I want to get Youth interested in Harness as this is really a great sport. It isn’t as scary as it looks and it develops a greater bond between person and horse. Its great fun!
I have a lot of ideas to get Youth interested again in Miniature Horses. Some of these involve:
· State of Origin Youth Show
· Silver Buckle Youth Show
· Youth Camps (these were so fun back in the day)
· Training Days (including harness this time) etc
If you have any ideas that you would like to put forward to encourage the FUN that used to be out in the showring for the Youth, don’t forget to send them to me !!
I have a fair bit of experience with Miniatures, and I am here to offer my expertise to anyone that might want it, I am always happy to help.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years – I know I did!
Good luck to everyone with your foaling and I hope to see you all at the Ag shows in 2009!
Rebecca Harper XX
Youth co ordinator
Rebecca Harper
Phone: (07) 54656301
Email: youthqldmhaa@live.com.au
The Queensland MHAA has a large group of youth enthusiasts. They compete in age classes under 13 and 13 to 18. To encourage and teach the youth we hold ´Youth Camps´, which are a fun weekend where they bring their horse along to learn aspects of training and showing, socialise with each other and on the whole have a great time.These Youth Camps are held regularly during the school holidays. Although they are called Youth Camps, the oldies are welcome too. There is usually a class for beginner adults as well.
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