Seventeen year-old Abigail Pait of Sparta, New Jersey was recently elected the new AQHYA President continuing a family legacy in the horse industry. Find out more about her background and her plans to help increase the youth membership and get more youth involved in the industry.
Q: Hi Abigail–Thanks so much for talking to GoHorseShow. So, for the readers that don’t know about your background–Tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Abigail Pait, and I am from Sparta, New jersey, although I’m not a big fan of the Jersey Shore. I am seventeen years-old, and I’m going to be a senior at Pope John XXIII High School. I love reading GoHorseShow because it’s a fresh new look on the horse industry.
Q: How did you get involved with horses?
A: Well, I have always been involved with horses, and I plan to always be because they are amazing animals. To begin with, I have always been involved in the horse industry because my family has had a long history of caring for and working with horses. My father, Jeffrey Pait, trains halter horses; both my uncles, Jamie and E.H. are western pleasure trainers; and my mom showed horses locally as a youth. As a result, I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by it most of my life and have taken on the love for horses.
Q: Favorite accomplishments in the horse industry?
A: Having the opportunity to be around Quarter Horses is really an honor. Some of my favorite accomplishments are: winning the AQHYA World Championship Show in the Yearling Mares in 2009 with, Taryn Rose, and soon after I won with the same class in 2010 with Virtues. Also, making the top twenty in horsemanship at the AQHYA World Championships with, Lizzys Gold Boy, was quite an honor and definitely one of my favorite accomplishments. I am so thankful to be blessed with such outstanding horses. Most of all, being President of such an amazing organization such as AQHYA is one of the greatest accomplishments I have received! (Pictured left-Abigail with Lizzys Gold Boy)
Q: What are your future horse and career goals?
A: Although I’m not certain on what career I want to pursue, I am considering going into Mediation or Psychology, but one thing is certain: I will continue to show horses. Hoping for the best in all that is to come, I continue to work my hardest to succeed in the show pen.
Q: What is it you like about the horse industry?
A: I love many things about the horse industry because it’s all about promoting horses we love. In my case that horse is the American Quarter Horse. I also love showing. By being involved in showing and the Y.E.S. Conference, I have been able to establish friendships with people who are now like family to me.
Q: What was the process of running for AQHYA President?
A: The process of running for AQHYA President was just normal campaigning. I had to become elected from my region, Region Five, which consists of: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. This was the hardest part since six candidates were running from my region, and only three spots are available. After being elected into the position of Region Five Director, my next step was to run for the presidential spot. I ran unopposed and was motioned in as the 2011-2012 AQHYA President. (Pictured right is Abigail with Past President Dakota Diamond Griffith)
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 one major concern I have for the AQHYA is membership. That is why I have made increasing membership and activity a priority for this year. It is very important for the youth to be just as important as the rest of the association since we are the future of the industry. This was one of the major reasons why I decided it was important why to run for AQHYA president. This is an industry that not only I have grown up in, but my parents have grown up in it as well, and it is something I want my own kids to grow up involved in. So, if the youth are not a priority, how can we expect this association to continue on? We cannot do this unless we, the youth, the future of the American Quarter Horse Association, become actively involved! There are so many wonderful opportunities the American Quarter Horse Association has to offer from scholarships to showing horses to the racing experience.
Q: How did you feel when you won?
A: It felt amazing, and it still feels surreal to be in this position. I am ready to make a difference and help anyone who wants help!
Q: Has Dakota given you any advice?
A: Dakota will always be there for whatever help I need. She is an amazing young lady, who did a wonderful job with this association, and I hope to succeed helping this organization grow with her help. (Pictured left Abigail at Yes conference with friends)
Q: Anything else you would like to tell our readers?
A: I would just like to say thank you to everyone who helped me reach this position and has had faith in me along the way.
Q: Thanks Abigail!
A: You’re welcome!
