Hello Region II, my name is Megan Violand and I am the Region II Youth Director.  In July I attended the convention at Youth Nationals in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as our Region II Youth Director.  The Youth Board held meetings and events for kids at Youth Nationals, it was an action packed week filled with fun and excitement.

When I first got there, I had to attend a board meeting for youth directors.  There we went over old business and nominated officers for the coming years.  Afterward, we rehearsed our play to introduce David O’Conner who was one of our guest speakers.  Next we hung our Regional posters which we brought to display what your region does for its youth.  Later that evening we had dinner with David O’Conner at a local restaurant we had a chance to talk to him and ask questions. 

The next day we had a pancake breakfast for all of the youth at the show.  After that we had our Board of Directors skit to introduce David O’Conner.  Once David O’Conner was introduced he gave a speech of how he became so successful.  Later on we had more guest speakers that were well-known Arabian trainers.  They were asked a series of questions on how they became successful and their best horse memories and when they knew they wanted to be trainers.  After they talked we got a chance to ask many valuable questions. 

There was a parade of Regions in which Region II participated.  Our theme was "Fun in the Sun.”  Our golf cart was decorated with streamers, piñatas.  The girls all wore pink feather boas.  We received a Top Ten Ribbon for all our hard work.

Later on in the week there was a horse hipology test for kids of all ages.  This was extremely useful to test one’s horse knowledge.  There were different age groups with each set of questions becoming more difficult the older you were.  Questions included identifying different parts of the saddle, different brushes and grooming supplies, horse safety (do’s and don'ts), conformation and horse colors.  Youth had all day to stop by and fill out the questionnaires.  The next day the top ten ribbons and champion and reserve ribbons were awarded to the different age groups.  I received a top ten in my age group.  Lauren Porcher, a Youth Delegate, also received a top ten in the nine and under category.  

Finally there was an ice cream social for all youth that included a drawing for horse related prizes.  For example; there were Breyer horses, tack cleaner and much more.  This was a great chance to meet new people. 

Over-all this was a great experience for me to attend Youth Nationals and be the Region II Youth Director.  I hope to attend again in 2006 and repeat the positive experience.