June, 2024 • The WRANGLER • 59
LocaL Youth SeLected aS aQha
Ranching heRitage Yhd PRogRam
PaRticiPant
The American Quarter Horse Association, Amarillo – Lindsey Thomas of Henry, Nebraska, has been
selected as a participant for the 2024 AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program.
The AQHA Ranching Heritage YHD program showcases the horses bred and raised by AQHA Ranching Heritage
members by matching weanlings with AQHYA members. Youth in this program are engaged in the horse industry at a
fundamental level that is both fun and educational.
Thomas received the palomino gelding American Quarter Horse, Rafter's Golden Cisco from AQHA Ranching Heritage
Breeder Jim and Joni Hunt of Open Box Rafter Ranch.
Through the Young Horse Development program, AQHYA members 13 years and older have a hands-on horse training
opportunity focusing on the fundamentals of horsemanship in addition to a unique opportunity to work with Ranching
Heritage Breeders and AQHA Professional Horsemen. The program is an excellent educational experience, in addition
to serving as a scholarship opportunity.
The program was created in 2011 to give AQHYA members an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of horsemanship.
The horses used in the program were bred by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders, which are working cattle ranches
with a remuda of at least five AQHA-registered mares that produce ranch horses. The participating Ranching Heritage
Breeders donated weanlings for the program participants to evaluate, raise and train. Youth selected for the program
may participate by receiving a donated Ranching Heritage Bred weanling or by purchasing a weanling from an AQHA
Ranching Heritage Breeder.
To learn more about the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program, visit www.aqha.com/yhd.
All Photos Courtesy of Lindsey Thomas
