AQHA YOUTH EXPERIENCE A WEEK TO REMEMBER

October 30, 2009 – Each year AQHA invites a select group of young people to become a part of the Bank of America Challenge Championship experience.

From all over the country, teenagers came to the 17^th Bank of America Challenge to learn every element of the racing experience. They were introduced to the elite trainers at Los Alamitos Race Course, got a tour of the entire backside including the test barn, had a chance to learn about the tote system and even see how the track photographer prepares for the exact shot as America’s Fastest Athletes cross the finish line.

Career opportunities in horse racing encompass many avenues and the 2009 Youth attendees were thrilled to be a part of the premier racing weekend.

Logan Eaton, from Winterset, Iowa, spent a morning bathing and hot walking horses for noted conditioner Christopher O’Dell.

“It was hard work, that’s for sure,” said the lanky teen. “I would like to be a trainer, so I learned a lot by seeing how he runs things at his barn.”

The annual event is directed by Ward Stutz, AQHA director of Youth Programs and Education.

“This is a great group of kids,” said Stutz. “They came with a true interest in learning about horseracing and were prepared to work hard. This is a testament to the commitment of the Executive Committee to fund this program. We know from past experience that it does inspire great kids to pursue careers in our industry.”

One of the more noted graduates of the AQHA Youth Experience is Candice Frome Carden. She was assigned to the barn of the late Steve Van Bebber and had an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with AQHA World Champion, Tailor Fit.

It inspired her to go to Veterinarian School and work with race horses. She met her future husband, trainer K.C. Carden and both are great ambassadors for the sport of Quarter Horse racing.

The week also included a trip to Vessels Stallion Farm in Bonsall, California. The students had an opportunity to tour the farm and meet First Down Dash, the sire of 11 millionaires and the leading sire of All American Futurity winners.

It was a highlight that each of the attendees will cherish, but it was also special for Vessels Stallion Farm owner, Scoop Vessels.

“There was a funny story,” recalled Vessels. “I arrived a few minutes late for the tour. Our vet was in the breeding barn and asked the kids how many had heard of First Down Dash. Everyone raised their hands. Then he asked if they knew who Scoop Vessels was and not one of them did!”

Vessels got a kick out of that, but reiterated his commitment to the Youth Program and he enjoyed hosting the tour.

“We started that program many years ago,” said Vessels. “The Youth Program at AQHA is such an important part of the organization and it is great that it is incorporated into racing. This was a very bright group of young people.”

On Friday, October 30, the schedule included dinner in the Finish Line room at Los Alamitos Race Course and the opportunity to watch an action-packed race card. The featured event was the $1,272,250 Golden State Million Futurity (G1). LD Fire went to the gates as the favorite and was attempting to win the Los Alamitos version of the Triple Crown. However, The Partys On Fire, at odds of 32-1, emerged the winner for trainer Dan Francisco.

For Chelsea Vilches, who had mucked stalls that morning for Francisco, watching The Partys On Fire win a race of that magnitude, was an experience of a lifetime.

“I was screaming at the top of my lungs,” proudly recounted Vilches. “Then I got to be in the winner’s circle photo.”

On Sunday, November 1, the seven participants will return to their homes in Vermont, Iowa, Indiana, Utah, Texas, Minnesota and Ohio. It is very likely that some, if not all, were so inspired by this week, that they will embark upon careers in the American Quarter Horse industry. By Martha Claussen