GoHorseShow would like to congratulate 17 year-old Austin Halvorson of Guthrie, Oklahoma, who was recently elected the new AQHYA President at the Youth Excellence Seminar (YES).
“Wayne and I are so very proud of Austin!,” says, his mother, Rebecca Halvorson, who is also an AQHA judge and actively involved with AQHA, along with her husband, Wayne. “He truly has the gift of leadership and loves serving others.”
The seminar was held this past weekend, June 20th through the 22nd in Amarillo, Texas at AQHA Headquarters. Halvorson and other AQHYA national officers and directors were elected by their peers after campaigning throughout the first days of YES. Candidates elected for the national officer and regional director positions will serve from June 2013 through June 2014. The Youth Excellence Seminar was also an opportunity for AQHYA members to meet new people and have fun learning about leadership. This year’s seminar was full of amazing opportunities, exciting activities and inspiring speakers focused on youth.
Let’s find out more about Austin’s background and his plans for his presidency this year.
Q: So, for the our readers that don’t know about your background–Tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Austin Wayne Halvorson. I’m from Guthrie, Oklahoma and have been actively involved in AQHYA for as long as I can remember. My parents, Wayne and Rebecca Halvorson, are the owners of Halvorson Ranch where they train halter horses and run a breeding operation. My siblings, Lauren (21) and Calyn (12) are also active in the horse industry, and my sister is an All American on the OSU Equestrian team. Growing up in a family that is very involved with AQHA gave me a passion for the association and a desire to be involved. I have shown in multiple halter classes and roping classes throughout my youth career at the Youth World Championship. I also enjoy being on the school football, soccer, debate, and academic teams for my high school, Oklahoma Christian School where I am currently a senior.
Q: What are some of your favorite accomplishments in the horse industry?
A: Winning my world title in the 2008 Youth Aged Mares is by far one of my favorite wins. Besides my success in the ring, I’m also very proud of my political success in the association. At my first YES, I was elected Region 8 Director, and it was one of my most memorable experiences, because it got me involved more in the association and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Q: What are your future horse and career goals?
A: When it comes to the horse industry, I would like to continue to show in various classes along with serving the association and industry in a leadership role. Although I’m not entirely sure yet about a career choice, I have it narrowed down to some form of civil service such as a politician or attorney. My dream job would most definitely be a US Ambassador to a European country.
Q: What do you enjoy about the horse industry?
A: The horse industry is very diverse and creates one of the greatest and most fun environments I have ever experienced. The melting pot of culture from across the country combined with the common interest in our breed makes everyone fast friends. I also love the family feeling that allows us to help each other out when we need it and celebrate accomplishments together.
Q: What made you decide to run for the presidency?
A: I want to say the first inspiration for me to become AQHYA president is the year my mom was youth advisor and brought me to Amarillo for the convention. Although I did not actively participate in the seminar due to my age, I was at the banquet when Caroline Gunn gave her retirement address– that was when I decided I wanted to be president. Fast forward a few years to my first YES– I ran for director and experienced my friend, Abigail Pait, take the reins of the association. Lastly, my close friend, Mark Mowbray’s, success as president led me to decide that my next step should be the president and carry on his legacy.
Q: What was the process of running for AQHYA President?
A: The process is a bit tedious. You essentially have to work your way through the ranks in a short amount of time to gain the position. First, I became president of my state affiliate at 14 and ran for director that year. The next year, I advanced to an officer position as I took on the challenge of being treasurer. Then, finally, this year, I carried out all of the previous steps to reach the point at which I could run for president. (pictured right in June 2011 with Abigail Pait at YES)
Q: What are some of the issues and platforms you presented to the youth—what would you like to see changed or improved with AQHYA and or the horse show industry?
A: The main platforms of my campaign were to continue my work with the public policy committee, getting current members more active, and also working towards gaining international youth affiliates. Unfortunately, I had to relinquish my title as chairman of the public policy committee, so, that I might be able to better pursue my goal of gaining international affiliates as the chairman of my newly formed international committee. If I could change one thing about the industry, it would be to get current members more involved in our industry so that we might be better able to reach out to other equine related associations.
Q: How did you feel when you won?
A: The feeling can only be described as pure relief. All of the stress and hard work is immediately released and you feel shocked that it’s real. The first thing I did was fulfill my promise to text my grandma and tell her first!
Q: Have any past presidents given you advice?
A: Like I mentioned earlier, many past presidents have influenced and helped me along the way. Specifically, Abigail Pait, Dakota Diamond Griffith, and even Peter J. Cofrancesco, III. Abigail has been texting me asking if I needed any help for the past three months; Dakota told me all about the way to be successful as president, and Peter supported my dreams all along the way. Also Mark Mowbray’s year was a huge inspiration and was a great role model on how to lead the association.
Q: Anything else you would like to tell our readers?
A: If I could say one thing, it would be to get involved. Don’t be intimidated by us because we are all very eager to meet new people and we really want to make this association better no matter the cost. Youth are the future and now is a pivotal time in their lives.
Q: Thanks Austin and good luck to you this year!
A: You’re Welcome!
Photos © KC Montgomery
