The competition for Youth of the Year consisted of some of America's brightest youth. The girls had qualified to compete in Oklahoma by winning a state or regional youth contest. Needless to say, this group of girls was well prepared to compete for the 2008 Youth of the Year Contest. The Youth Contest started early in the week with an introduction and briefing meeting. Following the briefing, the girls competed throughout the week in four categories; judging, horsemastership (patterns), oral presentation and the written exam. In addition, many of the girls were also competing in the horse show.

The ultimate prize for the winner of the Youth Contest is a one month trip anywhere in the world as an ambassador for the Morgan breed. While this is an exciting prize, the winner assumes responsibility for sharing her knowledge of the Morgan breed and representing the American Morgan Horse Association. Being named Youth of the Year is quite an honour.

Now, for the Champion of the 2008 Youth of the Year contest, Hillary Wiles Lafayette! Hillary is sixteen years old and trains at Bittersweet Farm with Lance Wetmore. She has been riding for 8 years. Her hobbies, in addition to riding, include field hockey and crew. Hilary’s favourite school subject is environmental science. Hilary plans on going to college next year. She’s not sure where but the possibility of learning different things at college are exciting for her. When they announced her name as Youth of the Year, Hillary she said she was overwhelmed. “This has been a dream of mine for so long.” Hillary wasn’t expecting to win as this is only her second year competing in the Youth Contest. She said she tried her best but knew everyone else did also so she didn’t want to get to excited. Hillary said she plans on going to Australia because they have a Morgan Horse Association and she would like to help broaden their knowledge of the breed. Hillary hopes to learn how they ride and different techniques of caring for the horse and the barn. She hopes to give them a different perspective of training. Hillary would like to let riders of other breeds know about the Morgan horses’ versatility and their great attitude and willingness.

Hillary was there for one reason…to win; and that she did! Hillary would like all youth riders to know all the opportunities that the Youth Contest brings you. She said she learnt so much about herself and that the Youth Contest is a great program. Congratulations Hillary for winning the Massachusetts Morgan Youth of the Year and The Youth of the Year Championship in Oklahoma City!