The annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium held by the American Youth Horse Council will be held on February 2-3, 2001 at the Doubletree Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Symposium provides an exceptional opportunity to reach the youth of the horse industry through the adults and youth leaders who work so closely with them. This annual event has become a must-attend event for leaders in the youth horse industry. The weekend attracts leaders nationwide from breed associations, extension specialists, universities and most importantly, leaders both youth and adult who are “out in the field” from such groups as 4-H, US Pony Club, National High School Rodeo and many more. Symposium events are scheduled over a three-day weekend and include sessions on topics such as youth character development, ethics, fundraising, body condition scoring, rider safety and more. The Symposium will feature 28 speakers, a trade show and the Saturday evening keynote will be GaWaNi Pony Boy performing at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy.

This annual symposium is targeted towards those who influence youth in the horse industry and draws representatives from a wide variety of breeds, disciplines, universities, youth groups and corporations each year. The 2000 Symposium drew representatives from 27 states, 25 different associations, 12 equine related companies and 24 different universities. The symposium presents a great opportunity for the youth horse industry to come together to address common issues, look for ways to work together and to do some great networking. Known for its outstanding educational sessions, this event has been growing in popularity and is truly the place for leaders of the youth horse industry to be in February. Anyone with an interest in youth is welcome to come, including club leaders, youth taking on a leadership role, youth program coordinators, educators and more.

Dr. Ann Swinker, Colorado State University Horse Specialist, chairs the steering committee for the 2001 event. Committee members include Christy Landwher, equine instructor; Kent Sturman of National High School Rodeo; Fran Smith of Western Horseman; Amy Star, Colorado Extension Agent; Anpeytu Raben, instructor and author; Jonathan Verabec, Colorado Extension Agent; Julie Goodnight of the Certified Horsemanship Assoc.; and Liza Holland, Executive Director of AYHC