The 2026 R5YLC Will Be In Maryland!
The AQHYA Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference will be in northern Maryland on February 14-15. For $35 per person, you will receive two days filled with fun, engaging activities with 10+ speakers, meals and conference swag - plus meet several people from across R5! To learn more about this annual event, hit the button below.
The Year of the Fire Horse
Warming up February, meet Melanie Patterson and IMA COOL CHOCOLATE. This competitive duo is showcased on the February cover of the 2026 AQHYA Region 5 calendar. Thank you to the Region 5 for supporting this youth fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the 2026 Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference (R5YLC). To see what is offered this month, head to our events page.
Region 5 Now Has A Remind!
We received our notice, did you receive yours? Text @aqhyr5 to 81010 to sign-up to receive alerts and updates about AQHYA Region 5 from R5 Youth Director Lauren Goolsby.
Past Highlights
DECEMBER 2025
Where Champions Hang
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
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. Participation was free—the only cost was for cards and postage to spread some holiday cheer. Make sure to check out our Facebook page for other current activities!
NOVEMBER 2025
Giving Thanks
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!
OCTOBER 2025
The R5 Congress Line-Up
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 in the link below!
SEPTEMBER 2025
Youth Racing Experience Winners From R5
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. Plus, participants will attend various informational sessions and attend the AQHA Racing Committee meeting. To learn more about this program, click the button below.
AUGUST 2025
R5 Young Horse Program Recipient
Claire Assur of Virginia was recently selected as one of the 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. And 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. To learn more about this program, click on the button below.
JULY 2025
2025-6 AQHYA Leadership Elected at YES
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
- Lauren Goolsby of NJ, Region 5 Director
- Brody Marshall of VA, Region 5 Director
- Caroline Wisniewski of NJ, Region 5 Director
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!
Congratulations to the 2025 YES R5 Travel Grant Recipients
JUNE 2025
Region 5 Championship
Hosted by the New Jersey Quarter Horse Association (NJQHA), the Region 5 Championship celebrated its 20th anniversary this year! 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.
With Level 1 and 2 buckles up for grabs, click here for more information on the other AQHA regional shows across the country.
JUNE 2025
Ride The Future Trivia
Executive Committee Member Anna Goolsby challenged youth and adults to test their AQHYA knowledge. After correctly answering a daily multiple choice trivia question, a winner was randomly selected to receive a t-shirt and other AQHYA swag. The 31 sleected winners ranged from New Jersey to Washington!
JANUARY 2025
R5YLC 25' Was A Hit!
Youth from New York, Virginia, and even Ohio gathered in State College, Pennsylvania for the 2025 AQHYA Region 5 Youth Leadership Conference held January 25–26. With more than 90 youth and adults in attendance, 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.
