Gabrielle Shultz, a 17-year-old from Aledo, Texas, was selected as the 2020-2021 AjPHA Youth Member of the Year through a rigorous selection process that placed emphasis on Paint Horse-related activities, volunteerism and more.
A senior at Aledo High School, Gabrielle (above right) has shown Paint Horses for five years with the Texas Paint Horse Club. The Youth Member of the Year award is presented annually to a Youth member who supports the Paint breed while also being involved in community activities. Gabrielle receives a Gist Silversmith trophy buckle and a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by APHA.
In addition, the Garden State Paint Horse Youth Club earned the AjPHA Youth Club of the Year and From the Heart Award. The New Jersey club demonstrated its commitment to building a strong Youth program in earning these two awards. They will be receiving $1,000 sponsored by APHA for the AjPHA Club of the Year award and $500 sponsored by Markel Insurance for the From the Heart Award.
Each year, APHA conducts the Youth Member of the Year, Youth Club of the Year and the From the Heart Award contests to recognize Youth members and regional clubs for their community participation, leadership, promotion of APHA and more.
Why it matters: APHA’s mission is to promote, preserve and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. The winners of these awards are encouraging and fulfilling that mission to ensure the American Paint Horse is represented in their communities.
AjPHA Youth Member of the Year
The AjPHA Youth Member of the Year is awarded to one exceptional Youth member. To be considered for the award, Youth must submit an application that includes their APHA involvement, horse-related activities, volunteer work, three letters of recommendation, an essay and high school transcripts. The winner’s selection is made by a five-person committee that includes two APHA Youth Committee members, two APHA members and one APHA staff member.
AjPHA Youth Club of the Year & From the Heart Award
The AjPHA Youth Club of the Year is awarded to recognize one outstanding regional club for their promotion of the American Paint Horse, community involvement, education and club activities. The From the Heart Award is sponsored by Markel Insurance and encourages participation and involvement with the AjPHA Executive Committee Project. To apply for either of these awards, clubs must submit a PowerPoint or scrapbook that includes proof of their involvement.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.