The Year of the Fire Horse
Let's hold on summer a little bit longer with this ray of sunshine! Here to help usher in September is leadline rider, Piper Mecke.
Check out all the amazing events going on this month by clicking on the button below.
Past Region 5 Youth Highlights
AUGUST 2026
Summertime Support
Thank you to everyone who supported the R5 Tank Top Fundraiser! Every purchase helped support our upcoming 2027 Conference, making it a great way to represent R5 while giving back.
This was a limited-time offer, with the ordering window coinciding with the excitement and heated competition of the 2026 AQHA Youth World Championship Show.
AUGUST 2026
R5 in OKC!
The AQHYA World Championship Show is the world’s largest single-breed horse show exclusively for youth exhibitors aged 18 and under. This year's prestigious event was held July 31–August 9 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Follow the link below to check out the highlights!
JULY 2026
Making It Count in Texas!
Each year QH crazy youth collect in Amarillo to learn, have fun and elect their new national leadership. Congratilations to our 2026-2027 R5 Directors:
- Lauren Goolsby of NJ
- Addison Kimble of VA
- Brody Marshall of VA
Thank you to Anna Goolsby and Caroline Wisniewski for their past leadership. Both young ladies are now in college and forgig new paths in the AQHA adult division.
Just Horsin' Around
June 2026. Did you know Region 5 Director Brody Marshall has his own podcast series, Just Horsin' Around? Be sure to check out his interviews featuring Todd Hulings of Shady Lane Farm, past YES attendees, and even VQHA Youth Advisor Dr. Nicole Marshall. Tune in for great conversations, industry insights, and stories from across the equine community!
Graduation
Time
May 2026. Designed to be worn during high school or college graduation ceremonies, the AQHYA cords are a meaningful way to represent a member’s dedication to the association and celebrate their accomplishments. Thanks to the efforts of our Executive Director, Anna Goolsby, these cords can now be ordered this link.
R5 in the
House
May 2026. The annual Capitol Hill Trip for AQHYA leadership delivered an action-packed experience focused on advocacy and industry engagement. Region 5 was well represented by Executive Committee Member Anna Goolsby and Directors Caroline Wisniewski and Lauren Goolsby (L to R). The youth contingent participated in more than 40 meetings with representatives, discussing key issues critical to the success of the equine and agricultural industries.
R5 on the
Rise!
April 2026. Several Region 5 Youth riders competed at the 2026 AQHA Level 1 Championship Show in Ohio. Congratulations to all that attended. To celebrate their accomplishments, check out these highlights!
R5YLC
2026
February 2026. February made up for January’s weather delay with a successful AQHYA Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference in Maryland. Youth from across R5 enjoyed a fun, engaging weekend with activities and speakers. Head to The Equine Chronicle to read Lauren Goolsby's review piece.
Where the Champions Hang
January 2026. Thank you to the Region 5 families, exhibitors and associations that supported the 2026 wall calendar. All of the proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit the planning of the 2026 Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference (R5YLC).
Spreading
Cheer
December 2025. The 2025 R5 Holiday Card Exchange was a success! Cards traveled from New York to Virginia and from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Lauren Goolsby collected and shared contact information among R5 members so they could exchange cards. Make sure to check out our Facebook page for other current activities!
Giving Thanks!
November 2025. Youth and family members of Region 5 volunteered to be a part of Gratitude Campaign to let our 2025 supporters know how much we appreciated them. In under two weeks, over 100 messages of gratitude were sent via mail and email. Great job R5!
Congress Line-Up
October 2025. Several top R5 riders are participated at the 2025 All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. Thank you to those riders that sent in their ads and information. Check out the awesome R5 youth line-up that attended!
Youth Racing Winners
September 2025. Congratulations to Adrian Davis of Pennsylvania and Olivia Crigger of Virginia who were 2 of 8 youth from across the US selected to attend the AQHA Youth Racing Experience at the Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque, NM. This unique opportunity allows participants to learn more about the industry by working with an experienced trainer at the three-day Challenge Championship event.
Young Horse Program Recipient
August 2025. Claire Assur of Virginia was recently selected a 2026 AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program (YHD) participants. As her horse experience has grown, Claire has shared her interest in raising and training young horses. Now her dream has come true! Meet Rawhide Dunit Risky. She plans to post their journey together on YouTube. Thank you to Big Valley Ranch of Virginia for their support of this program.
25-26 AQHYA Leadership
July 2025. Congratulations to the Region 5 candidates that were recently elected at the Youth Excellence Seminar in Amarillo, Texas. (L to R): Adrianna Goolsby of NJ, Executive Committee Member; and Region 5 Directors Lauren Goolsby of NJ, Brody Marshall of VA, and Caroline Wisniewski of NJ.
YES Travel Grant Recipients
July 2025. This year's AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar was in Amarillo, TX. Due to the fundraising efforts of R5 Director Caroline Wisniewski, two $200 travel grants were offered to R5 youth to help offset travel expenses. Congratulations to the winners, Brody Marshall and Olivia Crigger of Virginia, pictured with Caroline Wisniewski.
Regional Championship
June 2025. Hosted by the New Jersey Quarter Horse Association (NJQHA), the Region 5 Championship celebrated its 20th anniversary! The show was so big that stalling tents were added for the overflow. Check out some of the great moments captured by the Equine Chronicle and InStride Edition.
Ride the Future Trivia
June 2025: Executive Committee Member Anna Goolsby challenged youth and adults to test their AQHYA knowledge. After correctly answering a daily trivia question, one winner was randomly selected to receive a T-shirt and other AQHYA swag.
The 31 selected winners represented members from across the country, ranging from New Jersey to Washington!
R5YLC 2025
January 2025. Youth from NY, VA, and even OH gathered in State College, PA for the 2025 AQHYA Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference held January 25–26. With more than 90 attendees, the conference continued its annual tradition of promoting equine education and AQHYA awareness while providing plenty of fun and opportunity. Click the button to read the full summary posted by The Equine Chronicle.