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The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is proud to announce that three exceptional Alberta youth were selected to receive AQHA International Travel Grants to attend the 2025 Youth Excellence Seminar (YES), taking place July 8–10 in Amarillo, Texas. The recipients—Reese Stone, Megan Waugh, and Briella Schroeder—will represent Canadian youth on the international stage, gaining valuable leadership skills and connecting with fellow members of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA).
Funded through AQHA International, the YES Travel Grant is designed to assist international youth members in attending this signature leadership event. The program covers travel-related expenses such as airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration. Only eight youth from AQHA’s global affiliates were awarded this grant in 2025, making this a significant honour for Canada.
Sixteen-year-old Reese Stone of central Alberta lives on a working cattle and grain farm, where Quarter Horses are part of everyday life. An active member of both 4-H Beef and Horse clubs, Reese is passionate about horsemanship and competes in junior rodeos, horse shows, and cattle events. She rides in both Western and English disciplines, and outside of the barn, enjoys curling and painting portraits of her horses.
Also 16, Megan Waugh hails from Fort McMurray, Alberta. She owns and competes with two Quarter Horses, Benny (My Radical Dimension) and Alice (Lets Gets Southern). Megan is eager to bring back ideas and experiences that can help grow the Canadian Quarter Horse community. Megan will be campaigning while at the conference to become a director for AQHYA’s International affiliates under the Region 11 banner.
Thirteen-year-old Briella Schroeder, from Leduc, Alberta, balances a high academic standing in French Immersion with her equestrian pursuits. A committed AQHYA and 4-H member, Briella recently competed with her 19-year-old mare Delightfully Dressed at the L1 West Championships in Las Vegas. Her enthusiasm for learning and advocacy for youth programming are hallmarks of her commitment to the industry.
The Youth Excellence Seminar is one of AQHA’s flagship youth leadership programs, offering workshops in personal development, team building, and industry advocacy. Through this experience, these three young Canadians will grow as ambassadors for AQHYA and CQHA, while building lifelong connections with peers from across the world.
CQHA 1st Vice President Laurie Haughton, who has long supported youth development through AQHA leadership channels, shared her perspective on the significance of this experience:
“As an AQHYA alumnus, former voting youth delegate, and current member of the AQHA Youth and Young Adult Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how the YES Seminar transforms young people into leaders. I’ve chaperoned this event twice and each time, I leave inspired by the confidence, creativity, and community it builds. It’s incredible to see three Alberta youth stepping forward to represent Canada this year—I couldn’t be prouder.”
— Laurie Haughton, CQHA 1st Vice President
CQHA encourages members and supporters to follow along on Facebook and Instagram this week for live posts, photos, and video updates direct from YES 2025, shared by the attending youth. Their stories will offer a firsthand look at the impact of AQHA’s youth leadership opportunities.
Canadian youth are also encouraged to consider applying for the AQHA International Travel Grant and attend the YES Seminar in 2026. This life-changing experience helps shape the next generation of leaders in the Quarter Horse industry—and provides a global network of peers united by their love of the breed.
The Canadian Quarter Horse Association is the national governing body representing AQHA members and owners in Canada. Our mission is: “To preserve and promote the American Quarter Horse in Canada through leadership, advocacy, and grassroots engagement.”
To learn more about YES and future youth opportunities, visit: https://www.aqha.com/youth-excellence-seminar
