AQHA Horse of the Year
No one understands the value of a great horse more than the American Quarter Horse Association, a fact that became even more obvious when the association renewed its sponsorship of the NHSRA/AQHA Horse of the Year Program.
A popular institution among National High School Rodeo Association members, the Horse of the Year Program recognizes the best American Quarter Horses that high school and junior high rodeo have to offer. NHSRA contestants in both high school and junior high who are also members of AQHA, can nominate their American Quarter Horses, the official horse breed of the NHSRA, NHSRA Junior Division, NHSFR and NJHFR, to earn an award as the top horse in the state or province that they compete in. Nominated horses must also be registered with AQHA. Two horses (one from boy’s events and one from girl’s events) will earn the award based on points won at their state or provincial finals rodeos. The contestants who ride the winning horses will earn $250 college scholarships and other awards.
State/province horse of the year winners are then eligible for the national horse of the year awards, if that horse is competed on at the 2013 National High School Finals Rodeo at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyo., or the 2013 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M. The winners at the national level – based on points earned at the NHSFR or NJHFR – will receive $1,000 college scholarships and other awards. The reserve champions on both the boy’s and girl’s sides will earn $500 scholarships and other awards.
“The American Quarter Horse Association has always been proud of our versatile horse and the members who support this great animal’s participation in equestrian activities,” said AQHA Director of Youth Development Todd Branson. “From racing, to the show arena, in recreation and in the sport of rodeo, we value his ability to be a reliable team member. Most importantly, we strive to support organizations who work to develop unique opportunities for youth, and in the sport of rodeo, NHSRA is outstanding. We are proud to support the sport of rodeo and NHSRA with the continuation of the horse of the year program. We believe the valuable awards and scholarships these youth earn on top of American Quarter Horses will make a positive impact on the future of the horse industry.”
The program is a win-win for both associations, as well as their members. NHSRA members can still join the American Quarter Horse Youth Association and be eligible for the horse of the year program in 2012-13. By joining, they’ll also have the opportunity to compete in the AQHYA World Championship Show, which is conducted each August in Oklahoma City. AQHYA Members are also eligible to apply for $137,000 in scholarships through the American Quarter Horse Foundation given annually. 
“We’re thrilled to extend our long partnership with AQHA,” said NHSRA Executive Director James Higginbotham. “This program allows us to recognize the phenomenal horses that contribute to our members’ success in the arena. I’m constantly amazed at the quality of the horses our members are riding these days. I’ve been around high school rodeo for more than 25 years, and it seems like the talent level of the horses improves every year. The race for this award is as competitive as it has ever been.”
Nomination forms for the award are available online at NHSRA.org, and must be received in the NHSRA office no later than March 1, 2013. No late nominations will be accepted. To learn more, visit NHSRA.com/AQHA-Horse-of-the-Year.
The 2012 NHSRA/AQHA Horse of the Year winners, were Miss N Twist (ridden by California’s Jordan Sparrowk, who finished fourth in boys cutting) and VF Red An Gold (ridden by New Mexico’s Leia Pluemer, the 2012 NHSFR Pole Bending National Champion) at the NHSFR. The NJHFR winners were HR Wily Gold Rush (ridden by Oklahoma’s Layton Little in multiple events) and Continental Sun Dust (ridden by Washington’s Scout Yochum, who finished fifth in girls breakaway roping).

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CHSRA District 9 is always open to new members.
The CHSRA was founded in 1970. Its aims are the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and character in the youth of our country.

To be eligible to join the California High School Rodeo Association, you must be enrolled in high school or attending schools which apply to high school credits. You must be in good standing and meet grade point and conduct requirements in both the National and California High School Rodeo Associations. Our Rodeo season is from September through May, with Finals in June. Your high school does not have to recognize rodeo as a school sport. If no one else in your school is high school rodeo, or you don't know them, you can still join by calling the District Membership Secretaries in your appropriate District.

To become a member of district 9 contact our Membership Secretary, Pam Belzil, at 661.722.8488 and go to the Membership Form & Rules Page to download the membership forms.