Youth Member of the Year

Youth Member of the Year

The AjPHA Youth Member of the Year must embody the spirit of community involvement, volunteer work, scholarship and leadership as a well-rounded individual. This award does not require excellence in show ring competition, although the nominee can still be an active competitor.

How to Apply

Eligibility

  • Current AjPHA member, 18 years or younger as of January 1 of the year applying.
  • May not be a current National AjPHA president, president-elect, vice president, secretary or treasurer
  • A nominee may presented for consideration until the nominee wins or exceeds the age limit

Application

The following must be provided on the application:

  • APHA and AjPHA involvement
  • Other equine involvement
  • Community service/volunteer work
  • Academic information including a transcript
  • 500-word essay on your education plan and goals
  • 3 letters of recommendation

Awards

The AjPHA Youth Member of the Year will receive a custom-designed belt buckle and a $1,000 scholarship.

Applications due by December 1.

Apply Today
2025 AjPHA Youth Member of the Year Emily Allen

2025 Youth Member of the Year

Emily Allen

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.