At only 18 years of age, American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) President Banks Ready is beyond his years. Through a combination of southern charm, wit and impeccable manners, this young man from Hernando, Miss., has proven he has the ability to inspire youth and adults alike to reach goals they never knew they could achieve. While only mid-way through his first term as president, Ready has been able to raise $60,000 to make dreams come true for 12 children with catastrophic illnesses.
It was Ready’s goal, in fact, to lead the more than 6,800-member youth group and its 85,000-member parent organization—the American Paint Horse Association—in a drive to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That Foundation enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
And if anyone thinks Ready’s work is done, they should think again. The ambitious AjPHA president plans to raise an additional $10,000 to grant two more wishes when Paint Horse enthusiasts gather in Fort Worth, Texas, for the World Championship Paint Horse Show in late June. At last count, he already had commitments from donors to grant at least one of those wishes.
If Ready’s ability to set ambitious goals and continue to achieve remarkable results is any indication for what lies in store for AjPHA, the organization has a bright future.
