We're proud to name Christina Derango as the 2004 Youth of the Year! Christina served as the Region 11 Youth Director and is active in 4-H and FFA. She'll represent the best of Arabian youth at events throughout 2005. Additionally, Christina will receive a saddle donated by Arabian Saddle Company to be presented at this year's Youth Nationals.

We know you: You're easy to spot. You want to have fun with your fave equine, wouldn't mind meeting some cool kids, and you sure want to get some awesome stuff back for your troubles…especially for all the times you get out of bed super early to ride on the weekends! Well, guess what? We've got somethin' for you. It's totally easy and cheap! We call it Regional Youth Team Tournament. Here's how it works:

• Join as many teams as you want- super cheap! ($10 per team of 6)
• Max out your fun at shows and rides
• Count results from competitions you already go to
• Get prizes!

Entries are due May 1, so get a move on!
Grab an entry form today! Click here.

Check out what three kids had to say about Youth Nationals! Read stories from winners of the Youth Nationals Journalism Contest. Pssst! Don't forget to check out Blaze Magazine, the main rag written by kids for kids. Want to be a journalist this year? Stay tuned for details.

Boot up the 'puter, charge the cameras, and sharpen your pencils. That's right, kids. It's Creative Contest time! No excuses needed! Put your spin on the 2005 theme Mystery of the Arabian Horse in Art, Photography, Creative Writing, Computer-Generated, and Audio/Visual. The best part: enter as many categories as you want for a mere $10! You've still got lots of time to create, cuz your deadline is June 1. Grab a form here.

Are you gonna be at the 2004 AHYA Convention? Clue in to AHYA on July 22 and 23 at the Youth Nationals showgrounds! Have free pancakes, vote on officers, and jump into discussions. And if that's not enough, we've got a Keynote Speaker you don't wanna miss! Who is it? Well, this horse crazy person eludes detection but offers tantalizing clues toward his, or her, identity. Click here for clues, then email youth@ArabianHorses.org with your guess!

They give loot and cash so you and your friends can have awesome youth programs. Return the favor by checking out their websites and buying their stuff! Psssst: You'll often get an AHA member discount, so you can't go wrong! Go to Sundowner Trailers, Inc. and MDBarns. Tell your parents to hurry for their $500 MD Barns discount, good through April 18!