Emily Allen is the 2025 AjPHA Member of the Year
Emily Allen of Plano, Texas, topped the field to earn the title of 2025 AjPHA Youth Member of the Year.
The AjPHA Youth Member of the Year award honors a well-rounded individual who exemplifies leadership, horsemanship, scholarship and service. As the 2025 winner, Emily receives a custom Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle and a $1,000 scholarship.
A Leader’s Heart
An 18-year-old freshman at Texas Tech University, Emily is active in regional APHA shows, earning multiple year-end high-point and all-around titles with the Cross Timbers Paint Horse Club and Paint Alternative Competition program. She was reserve champion at the 2025 horseIQ Youth Showdown and a member of the champion team at the 2025 horseIQ World Championship Horse Judging contest. Emily actively promotes Paint Horses by recruiting new Youth exhibitors and educating others about APHA programs, genetics and online opportunities.
Beyond APHA, Emily served as president of Lone Star 4-H, where she worked on reviving membership and hosting virtual shows. She also competed in FFA horse events and on a varsity drill team. Emily participated in the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society Training Challenge, where she coached her yearling to reserve champion honors. Currently, Emily volunteers at Texas Tech’s Therapeutic Riding Center in Lubbock. She’s pursuing a future in equine veterinary medicine. As the AjPHA Youth Member of the Year, Emily receives a custom-designed belt buckle and a $1,000 scholarship.
“She is passionate about her horses and dedicated to helping and building up young riders of all levels to be the best they can be,” Lone Star 4-H Leader Stephanie Brambila said. “She leads by example.”
Photo courtesy Emily Allen
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.