AQHYA Leadership Team

AQHYA President Abigail Eddy

Serving as the 2024-2025 AQHYA President is Abigail Eddy from Rocheport, Missouri. Currently serving as the Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association President, National Snaffle Bit Association President-elect, and formerly as the AQHYA First Vice President, Abigail brings a strong commitment to enhancing affiliate teamwork under her slogan "we’re all in, and we’re in for a T.R.E.A.T (Tailoring Resources to Enhance Affiliate Teamwork)." Abigail is ready to take on the year with the goal to increase affiliate collaboration and to strengthen youth involvement. She plans to achieve this through quarterly calls with youth advisors and members, focusing on these topics. Abigail believes by strengthening our affiliates it will strengthen our association all together.

First Vice President Layni Wills

Layni Wills from Richwood, Ohio, is the 2024-2025 first vice president. Currently serving as the vice president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association, Layni is actively engaged in various leadership roles including FFA, National Honors Society, Student Council, and Student of Service Organization. Her primary objective as an officer is to strengthen the connection between AQHYA and amateur members by supporting youth aging into AQHA. Layni wants to encourage their continued involvement in AQHA activities, establishing a pathway from being youth to young adult within the organization. Her motto, “where there’s a Wills, there’s a way,” embodies her determination and vision for enhancing youth engagement and continuation within AQHA.

Second Vice President Colton Smith

Colton Smith from Bellefontaine, Ohio, is the 2024-2025 second vice president. He currently serves as the president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association and formerly as an AQHYA Executive Member. Colton is actively engaged in community service efforts where he has organized food and clothing drives and initiated new community involvement activities. Colton is passionate about creating a strong and positive involvement within AQHYA, believing it strengthens the association as a whole. His primary objective as an officer is to create and distribute a comprehensive video showcasing the different programs AQHA and AQHYA have to offer. Through this video, Colton aims to increase awareness and encourage greater participation among youth members from all associations such as 4-H and FFA.

Executive Committee Member Adrianna Goolsby

Adrianna Goolsby of Sussex, New Jersey, serves as an executive committee member for the 2024-2025 term after serving as a region 5 director for two years. She thrives on collaborative project work and enjoys interacting with people within the organization. Adrianna’s dedication is inspired by the youth involved in AQHYA, and she is committed to serving, supporting, and advocating for their interests. Her goal for this year is centered around increasing community engagement and promoting all the programs offered by AQHYA and AQHA. Adrianna is passionate about expanding interest not only among current AQHYA members but also among young horse enthusiasts. Her love for the association drives her to ensure that everyone has a positive, fun, and memorable experience within AQHYA.

Executive Committee Member Harley Jo Jones 

Harley Jo Jones from Romance, Arkansas, serves as an executive committee member for the 2024-2025 term. Harley Jo is the current Arkansas Quarter Horse Youth president in her third term and has previously served as a director for region 9. Her platform, titled “Smile and Lead,” aims to incorporate principles such as positivity, empathy, and inclusivity within AQHYA. She envisions this platform as a beacon towards a future where every member feels included and valued. Harley Jo believes by fostering inclusivity, raising awareness, and reaching out to others, AQHYA can promote its educational programs, leadership opportunities, and networking experiences to a diverse group of young horse enthusiasts from all different types of backgrounds. Harley Jo is committed to enhancing engagement and creating a welcoming environment where all can thrive.

Region 1

Taitum Connick

Taitum Connick from Eagle Point, Oregon, is serving as 2024-2025 region 1 director for her second term. Along with serving as the Oregon Quarter Horse Youth Association treasurer, she has also participated in the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program and AQHAchieve. Taitum has three main goals with the main one to promote the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development program to youth in her area. Her next two goals are to improve communication and involvement within her region, as well as to focus on educating AQHYA members on the careers that are available in the equine industry.

Region 3

Addison Hinton

Addison Hinton from Ashland, Missouri, is a region 3 director for 2024-2025. She also serves as the Missouri Quarter Horse Youth reporter and previously held the position of region 3 director for the 2022-2023 term. As she steps into her current role, Addison is focused on preparing members for their future with AQHA. She believes that young members are crucial to the association’s success and aims to maintain their interest and involvement. Her vision for this term is to create a system where motivated young members will have tools to access information they need to be to be knowledgeable about all the opportunities AQHA has to offer and how to pursue a career supporting the equine industry.

Ava Welman

Ava Welman from River Falls, Wisconsin, is serving as a region 3 director. She is currently the treasurer and secretary of the National Reining Horse Youth Association and has held numerous leadership positions within her local FFA chapter. Ava is looking forward to gaining new skills and collaborating with the AQHYA board to better both equine associations and encourage youth to be members of multiple organizations and associations. Grateful for her leadership roles and mentors, she hopes to be able to encourage and educated others on youth programs and leadership opportunities within AQHYA.

Region 4

Elden Fredenburg

Elden Fredenburg from Straughn, Indiana, is serving as a region 4 director for 2024-2025. Currently, he is also the vice president of the Indiana Quarter Horse Youth Association. A strong advocate for community service, Elden has dedicated over countless hours to volunteering at preschools and nursing homes, where he helps organize events, socials, and develops personal connections with those he serves. As a region 4 director, Elden’s goal is to build on the strengths of previous region 4 directors, striving to involve every state in activities and social events to enhance youth participation throughout the region. He would like to work toward every AQHYA member attending YES, as he believes getting to know your fellow members is a great way to strengthen the Association and draw in new membership.

Elizabeth "Lizzi" Smith

Elizabeth Smith from Burton, Michigan, is returning for her third term as region 4 director. She has held the positions of reporter and director and is currently the president of the Michigan Quarter Horse Youth Association. During this past year, Lizzi implemented a program called the “welcoming committee” within her region to greet and support new youth participants at each show, aiming to help them feel welcomed and comfortable. This initiative is designed to foster growth and improve the experience at all horse shows. Lizzi believes that by making a personal and positive connections, she can create a supportive environment for newcomers who might be feeling nervous and would like to continue with this concept nationally to make sure AQHYA remains inclusive and exciting to new members.

Jenna Fischesser

Jenna Fischesser from Dry Ridge, Kentucky, is serving a second term as region 4 director and has been involved in the Kentucky Quarter Horse Youth Association as a director, reporter, and currently as president. Jenna is committed to community service, volunteering at, donating to, and raising funds numerous events and organizations. Jenna is passionate about uniting different sectors of the equine industry by creating a new initiative called the Collaborative Board of Equine Youth Associations. This board aims to bring together AQHYA and other youth associations serving as a platform for sharing insights, pooling resources, and coordinating efforts to benefit the broader equine community. As she puts it, “We are all a part of the same industry – the equine industry.” Jenna is committed to championing collaboration, encouraging innovation, and promoting inclusivity to advance our shared goals and aspirations.

Region 5

Addison Kimble

Addison Kimble from Kents Store, Virginia, is serving as a region 5 director for 2024-2025. She is involved in her local affiliate, the Virginia Quarter Horse Youth Association serving terms as secretary and president. Seeing her personal strengths of communication, creativity, and initiative, Addison is looking forward to sharing all AQHYA has to offer to her local youth groups and associations. Addison is a true cheerleader for everyone, and she plans to carry her enthusiastic support across to each youth member she encounters during her term.

Caroline Wisniewski

Caroline Wisniewski from Glassboro, New Jersy, is serving her first term as a region 5 director. Previously serving as the New Jersey Quarter Horse Youth Association’s treasurer, she is now actively pursuing a degree in Agribusiness as a recent high school graduate. Caroline’s biggest goal for her term is to bring region 5 closer and bring in members from affiliates outside of AQHYA.  As a natural planner, she would also like to create inviting spaces and events for potential members in the coming year.

Lauren Goolsby

Lauren Goolsby from Sussex, New Jersey, is currently serving her second term as a region 5 director. She was an AQHA Region 5 and 6 Youth Leadership Conference facilitator and attendee, a New Jersey representative at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and served as the reporter for New Jersey Quarter Horse Youth Association. Highly engaged in her school community, Lauren is involved with the student council and holds leadership roles in her sports teams. Her role as region 5 director has further integrated her into her state’s national AQHYA community. Last year, Lauren’s efforts contributed to record-breaking attendance at their Region 5 conference. For this term, her goal is to further increase youth participation in region 5 through creating a region-specific website and increasing social media presence to promote exposure.

Region 7

Brylee Leach

Brylee Leach of New River, Arizona, is serving as a 2024-2025 Region 7 director for her second year. She has also served the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association as president and treasurer.  Brylee is actively involved in her community regularly visiting local schools to promote the importance of water safety. She is committed to advocating for youth who may have missed out on various opportunities through the year to feel more included such as graduation ceremonies for homeschooled members and letterman jackets for equine sports. Additionally, Brylee has proposed a combined, discounted membership for youth participating in multiple organizations like 4-H, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and AQHYA.

Kamryn Perkins 

Kamryn Perkins from Prescott Valley, Arizona, is currently serving as a region 7 director. She is currently the treasurer for the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association while also being the 13-&-Under representative. In her spare time, Kamryn volunteers at a pony rescue and helps prepare her grandmother’s horses for sale. Kamryn’s goal is to highlight the remarkable skills one can gain through AQHYA, such as leadership, communication, and social skills. Kamryn also emphasizes how the Youth Excellence Seminar has been a key experience in her life, where she has made some of her best friends and wants to highlight the incredible opportunities it offers to participants while also being a key to the growth of and interest in the Association.

Taylor Mack

Taylor Mack from Tucson, Arizona, is serving her first term as a region 7 director while also serving as the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association’s vice president. She is deeply involved in her local 4-H horse project as a member of the 2023 Western National Round-Up champion horse judging team and giving back to the program that launched her equine journey. Taylor is passionate about helping youth refine their judging skills and aims to reach out to all horse-loving youth who might not be currently involved in AQHYA. By highlighting the leadership opportunities within AQHYA she hopes to offer a meaningful way to engage with the Association.

Region 8

Charylet Lee

Charylet Lee from Mcallen, Texas, is currently serving her third year as region 8 director. She has held several leadership titles for the Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association, including president and board member. Charylet is highly active in her community particularly through local outreach programs. Her favorite service project involves collecting socks and blankets for a local veterans’ home, a cause close to her heart due to her family’s military background. Charylet is always forward-thinking, aiming to boost engagement within AQHYA. Drawing from her experiences and participation inside and outside of the arena within the organization, she plans to enhance communication by utilizing social media to keep youth updated on opportunities and events.

Hozanah "Zanah" Hanon

Hozanah Hanon from Mustang Oklahoma is currently serving as a 2024-2025 region 8 director. She currently serves on the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Association board of directors and is a participant in the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program. She takes great pride in her community service projects involving horses, aiming to make them accessible to everyone. Zanah strives to create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome. She believes that bridging the gap between different levels of involvement will help grow membership and strengthen the organization.

Jake Huston

Jake Huston from Douglass, Kansas, is serving his first term as a region 8 director and is president for the Kansas Quarter Horse Youth Association. Previously, he served as the KQHYA vice president and fundraising chairman. He is also a recipient of the KQHYA youth sportsmanship and Kansas Quarter Horse Association Justin Rookie Youth of the Year awards.  He is involved in his community, dedicating his time to various charity efforts. Jake is passionate about the potential of 4-H and FFA to attract new members to AQHYA and believes that trainers and AQHA Professional Horsemen can play a crucial role in drawing in more youth participants.

Region 9

Carrie Brigham

Carrie Brigham from Clanton, Alabama, is serving a second term as region 9 director is the Alabama Quarter Horse Youth Association president while also being AlQHYA horse show committee chair.  Carrie is involved in many associations, including the American Stock Horse Association, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, 4-H and Youth Equestrian Development Association. She plans to utilize the technology available to AQHYA members to help create more opportunities for its members while also educating them on the resources that are readily available. Carrie is committed to motivating and guiding youth to actively engage within AQHYA with the goal of helping them achieve competitive excellence.

Madelyn "Maddie" MacLarren 

Madelyn MacLarren from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is serving as a 2024-2025 region 9 director. She has been actively involved in her school’s service club, volunteering at food banks, the Salvation Army, a local pet shelter, and a homeless shelter. Madelyn takes pride in helping those in need and contributing positively to her community. As president of the Tennessee Quarter Horse Youth Association, she has introduced a “kindness board” where members can read uplifting messages. Maddie aims to boost youth participation by rewarding those who use AQHA programs to further their education within the association. She strongly believes that youth members can be successful and have impactful experiences through the Association even if you do not own a horse.  

Taylor Breland

Taylor Breland of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is serving as a 2024-2025 Region 9 director for her second term. Taylor has served as the secretary and second vice president for the Mississippi Quarter Horse Youth Association and is now the president. She guides her youth association positively by creating numerous opportunities for community involvement, including volunteering at the Equestrian with Disabilities National Horse Show. Taylor is committed to volunteer work with horses and individuals with disabilities. Throughout her time with AQHYA, she has gained valuable life lessons from her role on the youth board. Taylor would like to work toward one simple goal this year: increase AQHYA membership numbers. She plans to do so by educating youth about opportunities that are available to them and preparing them to take on leadership positions in the Association.

Virginia "Gracie" Sater

Virginia Sater from Canton, Georgia, is serving as a 2024-2025 Region 10 director. She currently serves as the first vice president and has held the position of activities director for the Georgia Quarter Horse Youth Association. In her leadership roles, Gracie has observed strong leadership potential among the youth. She believes the novice division offers the greatest opportunity for growth within the association and would like to see an increase in the number of novice shows offered as she believes it will draw in and motivate more youth not currently involved.  Gracie will also focus on expanding AQHA’s reach, increasing interest in the Association, and growing the community of equine enthusiasts who share love for the American Quarter Horse.

Alejandro Diaz

Alejandro Diaz from Tequisquiapan, Mexico, is serving as 2024-2025 region 11 director. As a recipient of the inaugural Youth Excellence Seminar international travel grants, he was able to attend YES in person and dedicated his time to learning more about leadership opportunities for international members. His primary goal is to enhance the presence of AQHYA in Latin America by educating young members about the Association’s programs and opportunities. Alejandro aspires to reflect humility and leadership through his term as a director.