AYHC- American Youth Horse Council

AYHC is an exciting and growing organization. First established in the early 1970's, the organization was founded by breed organizations and extension specialists to provide a nucleus of support to all the youth horse industry and particularly adult leaders. We accomplish this mission in several ways. AYHC promotes education through the development and distribution of quality educational materials and by providing ongoing training opportunities to those people looking to teach kids of all ages about the wonder of horses.
AYHC is also becoming a national information center, promoting greater communications between all breeds and disciplines and providing a forum for discussions. Lastly, AYHC looks to be a representative voice, crossing all breeds and disciplines, as an advocate for bringing horses and kids together. AYHC is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Mission Statement
The American Youth Horse Council is the umbrella organization providing leadership and resources to serve and promote the youth horse industry.

Vision
The vision of the American Youth Horse Council is to be a visible and connecting force in a vibrant and growing youth horse industry. AYHC strives to support the youth horse industry with factual and quality educational materials and to engage the participation of all breeds and disciplines within the industry. The organization seeks to illustrate the value of the human-horse experience. By accomplishing these goals AYHC believes that the youth horse industry will expand both numerically and monetarily as educated and committed participants enjoy the benefits of equine activities.

Major goals will be the focus of committee work and their activities should support measurable outcomes defined by these goals. The goals may be accomplished within the next three years.

Goals
1. AYHC will provide opportunities for networking and cooperation among adult and youth leaders in the youth horse indusry.

2. AYHC will grow and engage its membership

3. AYHC will validate the measureable impact of equine experiences on youth.

4. AHYC will continue to compile, develop, and distribute high quality educational resources.

5. AYHC will become more visible in the horse community and increase public awareness.

6. AYHC will maintain and improve its financial stablity.

Projects
Educational Materials such as the Horse Industry Handbook, Youth Leaders Manual, Safety Manual, and Careers Brochure.

NEW Research effort validating the impact of equine experiences on youth,

Annual Symposium - moves around the country and provides three days of learning opportunities,

Grants Program - AYHC accepts and awards grant funding to quality youth and youth leader programs annually.

Funding
AYHC is funded through the sale of its publications, membership and the sponsorship of events. We are grateful for the support of our membership. Donations to AYHC, a 501c3 organization, are welcomed. These gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.