AYHC Grants
Every year the American Youth Horse Council is proud to support leadership development on a regional level. Our grants and scholarship program has supplemented valuable youth and youth leader activities throughout the United States.

Grant Application and Criteria

AYHC has one grant cycle each year, applications for funding are due in September of the year before the funded event. .



AYHC Leadership Awards Program

The American Youth Horse Council is dedicated to recognizing those individuals and programs that enhance the lives of youth through involvement with horses.  Each year we recognize a Leader of the Year (adult leader of a youth horse program), a Student Leader of the Year (a youth from 14-19 who shows leadership to other youth) and a Partner (a program that helps "Connect Kids Through Horses).  The awards are announced at the annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium each year.  The deadline for these nominations is September 30th. 


AYHC Leader of the Year Award
Sponsored by Certified Horsemanship Association

This program is an annual award to recognize an adult offering outstanding leadership to young people within the horse industry. This award is presented each year during the annual AYHC Youth Leadership Symposium.

The Youth Leader of the Year Nomination Form is due on September 30 annually.



AYHC Student Leader of the Year
Sponsored by Oster Professional Products

An annual award to recognize a student leader (age 14 – 18) who has offered outstanding leadership to young people within the horse industry. This top leader introduces newcomers to the horse industry, mentors young horsemen, and promotes the horse industry within the local community and accomplishes these goals in fun, innovative ways.
Student Leader of the Year Nomination Form



AYHC Partnership Award
Sponsored by Purina

The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) is seeking to recognize programs or organized activities that help build strong youth leaders within the horse industry.  AYHC is seeking nominations for the Annual AYHC Partnership Award.  This award has been created to recognize an organization for a program or formal activity that provides leadership and inspiration to young people in accordance with the overall mission of AYHC exemplified by its motto, “Connecting Kids Through Horses."  The winner will be announced each year during the National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium.

To access the application click here



The AYHC Network News Quarterly Newsletter is always looking for great pictues of kids connection through horses. If you have an image you'd like to share, give in to the urge and send it to the AYHC offices along with a signed copy of the photography release below.

AYHC Photography Release

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