AHA will launch its first ever AHA Trail Ride on September 28 through October 1, 2005, at Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, Neb. Notable Arabian breeder and Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Sheila Varian will join the group as the official AHA Trail Ride clinician. The AHA Trail Ride is open to all breeds of horses and riders. Membership in AHA is not required. The fee of $295 ($350 for non-members) includes trail activities, indoor lodging and three hearty and delicious meals a day served at the lodge or on the trail. A wide array of activities will be available for riders and non-riders making it the perfect family activity. Space is limited to the first 100 horses. Don't miss out. Find details and registration info at AHA Trail Ride.

Equestrians at all levels have countless stories waiting to be brought to the world's window and that's why USEF has created Hoofprints from the Heart, a program that honors exceptional people and the horses they love. They're looking for submissions that bring tears and laughter that help connect the family of equestrians with stories all can share. Each monthly winner will be awarded a finalist's prize and go on to compete for a grand prize and a spot in EQUESTRIAN magazine. For official guidelines, visit www.usef.org and click on the Hoofprints from the Heart logo. For more information, e-mail sarah.lane@usef.org and include Hoofprints from the Heart in the subject line.

From now until December 31, you can enter your horse as an Original Entry for only $3,500, down from the regular fee of $5,000. If your horse was by a Non-Arabian or Arabian Nominated Sire or out of a Nominated Mare, the price is only $2,500. There is $4 million available for payout every year in a variety of classes, and most of that is paid at the regional level. If you own an Arabian gelding, you can earn an extra 25 percent for wins in performance classes. Why wait? There's no better time to enter than this year! Contact AHA for information on this and other Sweepstakes specials good through this year only!

Breeders, got a talented young horse ready to step into the arena this year? Consider the Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Performance Futurities at U.S. Nationals this year! These classes are the best place to showcase the show ring stars of tomorrow. Classes offered for both Arabians and Half-Arabians in reining and English, western and hunter pleasure. There's no greater thrill than watching the baby you bred and raised take its rightful place among these elite young performers. First payment of $200 plus a one-time processing fee of $15 is due by June 1. Contact AHA for information and payment schedule.

You're invited to apply for up to $100,000 in scholarships offered by the International Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes Program. This program is merit-based and open to any youth who has competed with a Sweepstakes-nominated horse during their youth career. To be eligible, a person must be in their senior year of high school and competed on a Sweepstakes-nominated horse at one of 18 regional or national championship shows or rides. Winning is not a requirement, and an applicant's overall academic, extracurricular, equine and community service activities will be considered as well. Up to 40 scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded. To apply for a 2005 scholarship, applications must be submitted by July 1, 2005. Download a form online at www.ArabianHorses.org/youth and click on Contests and Awards/Youth Scholarships.

In addition to the $1 million Personal Excess Liability coverage automatically included with an AHA Affiliate membership, did you know that Equisure offers a very good mortality/major medical insurance rate for Arabian horses? Premiums start at $175 a year, and multi-horse discounts are available. Call today for a free, no obligation quote for AHA members at 800-752-2472.

If you're in the market for a new barn, now's the time to take advantage of the MD Barns special discount for AHA members only through April 18. If you need to purchase an MD Barns product that's $16,000 or more, you can receive a $500 discount on the purchase price if you are a current AHA member. Please click here for further details.

Did you know that AHA offers you a community bulletin board where you can both list and find all kinds of activities going on in your area? At the Local Events Bulletin Board you can post activities and happenings for free. Promote your trail rides, auctions, open houses, clinics, forums and more, and get connected to horse people near you!

Sign up now for the 2005 YN Patron Program and get the following exclusive benefits:

• Golf cart or rental car for the entire show
• Six patron badges with access to the Patron's lounge
• Complimentary breakfast, lunch and evening hors d'oeuvres for six
• Applicable discounts on advertising rates in the Official Show Program
• Preferred stalling (Patron stalling assigned first)
• Specially selected gift package
• Recognition as a championship class sponsor

Please refer to your 2005 YN Prize List, mailed with the Feb/Mar Arabian Horse Magazine, for complete details.

The most inexpensive way to promote your farm at the Youth Nationals and get visible exposure to thousands all day, every day is by displaying your farm or business flag in the main arena. AHA will display your flag in the main arena at Youth Nationals for $100, or you can display your flag at Youth and U.S. Nationals for only $150. Contact Lori Dutoit in Event Sales for more information or call 303-696-4558.