When Megan Waugh boarded a plane on July 7th for Amarillo, Texas, she was already thinking beyond the conference name tags and icebreakers. Representing Canada at the 2025 AQHYA Youth Excellence Seminar (YES), she arrived with a clear goal: to step into leadership — and to make her voice count.
On July 10th, that goal became reality. Megan was elected as a 2025–26 AQHYA Region 11 Director, joining a diverse international team of youth leaders from the United States, Mexico, Germany, and now, Canada. She was one of three Alberta youth — alongside Reese Stone and Briella Schroeder — who attended YES as voting delegates, thanks to AQHA International Travel Grants.
Megan didn’t wait until she got to Amarillo to start preparing.
“About a month before we left for YES, around 25 of the youth from the States found me on Instagram,” she shared during a recent debrief with the CQHA media team.
“They gave me advice on what my board should look like, what to wear, and how to approach the experience. That was life-changing — when I got down there, I had familiar faces waiting to see me.”
Throughout the week, Megan navigated campaign events, built connections, and stepped into leadership with confidence — even when it pushed her outside her comfort zone.
“I hate public speaking,” she admitted. “The night before we left for Texas, I was ready to pull out. But I was encouraged to go, and I’m so glad I did. I didn’t expect to do so well — and I learned that being outgoing is a strength.”
Her peers clearly agreed. Megan was elected to represent Region 11 — the region that encompasses all AQHA international affiliates — on the AQHYA Executive Committee.
But for Megan, the win is just the beginning.
“I want to create more togetherness and inclusivity; not just in Canada, but across Region 11. I loved hearing how some U.S. regions have started their own mini-YES leadership seminars, with leadership activities and clinics unique to their area. That inspired me. I’d love to organize something like that for Canada — to bring YES energy home.”
She’s already getting started. Megan has proposed monthly Zoom meetings to connect international youth from other Region 11 affiliates and is working with her co-directors to develop a stronger global network.
“We represented Canada in a kind, honest, non-stereotypical way,” she added. “And I was really proud of how Reese and Briella handled themselves. They trusted me when I said, ‘These people are cool — come meet them.’ And they jumped in.”
As Megan begins her one-year term with AQHYA, she will also play a key role in facilitating youth outreach and feedback exercises as part of the newly launched CQHA Provincial AQHA Affiliate Engagement & Transition Task Force. This national initiative is designed to engage all Canadian Quarter Horse community members including youth in meaningful ways — capturing their insights, values, and bold ideas to help shape the future of the Quarter Horse in Canada.
Youth across Canada should watch for upcoming virtual meet-and-greets with Megan and the Canadian YES delegates, along with brainstorming sessions open to all young fans of the Quarter Horse breed.
“Reese, Briella, and Megan each brought something unique to Amarillo — and together, they represented the very best of Canada’s Quarter Horse youth,” said Laurie Haughton, CQHA First Vice President and a member of the AQHA Youth & Young Adult Committee.
“They showed up with open minds, kind hearts, and a willingness to step into the unknown; which is what true leadership requires. I was especially impressed by Megan’s ability to lead with both confidence and humility. Her leadership is grounded in reflection, action, and a deep sense of responsibility. She understands what it means to show up, represent, and then look around and ask, ‘Who else can I bring with me?’ That’s the kind of leadership our industry needs — one that lifts others as it moves forward.”
To learn more about the full 2025–26 AQHYA Executive Committee and Directors, visit:
🔗 AQHA Announcement – Executive Committee and Directors Named
Canadian youth are encouraged to get involved with AQHYA programs, and consider attending the next Youth Excellence Seminar.
Whether your goals include building leadership skills, representing your region, or running for office; there’s a place for you in this community. You don’t have to wait to be invited.
Show up, speak up… and be the reason someone else believes they can too!
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