2026 TNSHA Youth Leadership Team Application DEADLINE Dec. 31, 2025.
Interested in becoming a part of our Youth Leadership Team?
Fill out the application and submit your resume by Dec. 31st.
Click Here for Application
Fill out the application and submit your resume by Dec. 31st.
Click Here for Application
2025 Leadership Team to be announced at the TNSHA Banquet
TNSHA YOUTH LEADERSHIP
MISSION & STRUCTURE
**Amended as of January 21, 2025
Purpose
The TNSHA Youth Leadership was created to promote a strong sense of community amongst our youth membership, provide additional educational resources, offer leadership opportunities and create an avenue for which to hear the youth voice.
Mission
The TNSHA Youth Leadership’s mission is dedicated to helping our youth reach their full potential through mentorship, education and opportunity in and out of the saddle.
MISSION & STRUCTURE
**Amended as of January 21, 2025
Purpose
The TNSHA Youth Leadership was created to promote a strong sense of community amongst our youth membership, provide additional educational resources, offer leadership opportunities and create an avenue for which to hear the youth voice.
Mission
The TNSHA Youth Leadership’s mission is dedicated to helping our youth reach their full potential through mentorship, education and opportunity in and out of the saddle.
The “Leadership” Team will be structured as follows:
Application Process
Leadership Team Executive Board shall consist of the following: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer
1. The duties of the President shall be as follows: preside over all meetings of this association, appoint any necessary committee; attend Tennessee Stock Horse Association Board meetings, report previous year’s activities at the annual banquet, and other duties as required.
2. Duties of the Corresponding Vice President shall be: to report activities of the association to ASHA, assist the President, and perform duties of the President in his/her absence.
3. The duties of the Secretary shall be: to keep minutes of all meetings, keep an up-to-date roster of association members, call roll at each regular meeting, furnish the President of the Youth Leadership Team and Youth Director(s) a copy of the minutes of each meeting.
4. Duties of the Treasurer shall be: to keep detailed records of all monies associated with the fundraising and youth account. Provided updated financial reports at each youth meeting.
TNSHA Youth Leadership Team Public Relations Representative
The Public Relations (PR) Representative for the TNSHA Youth Leadership Team is responsible for promoting and enhancing the visibility of the team’s activities, events, and initiatives. This role involves creating engaging content for social media platforms, writing announcements or newsletters, and collaborating with adult advisors to ensure accurate and professional communication. The PR Officer will act as the voice of the youth team, helping to build connections within the equestrian community and encouraging participation in TNSHA programs. Strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for teamwork are essential for success in this role.
TNSHA Investment in the Future Committee
This committee will consist of 1 to 10 TNSHA Youth members dedicated to supporting the TNSHA Youth Leadership Team. Its purpose is to provide a platform for youth members to gain hands-on experience and knowledge of leadership roles while contributing to the success of TNSHA initiatives. Members of this committee will actively collaborate with the leadership team, offering fresh ideas and assistance while developing the skills needed to serve as future leaders within the organization.
Meeting requirements
There shall be a minimum of four (4) meetings a year or as deemed necessary by the officers and Board of Directors. The annual meeting shall be for the election of officers.
The Youth Leadership Team shall have as its principal objections:
Objective 1. Development of leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship and other desirable traits of character.
Objective 2. To promote pride of ownership of horses among boys and girls.
Objective 3. Safety
Objective 4. The teaching and learning of horsemanship, both care and handling of horses, and participation in above.
Membership Specifications
Membership shall consist of boys and girls 18 years old and under. Dues shall be annually and will coincide with the annual dues of the Tennessee Stock Horse Association.
TNSHA Leadership Team Duties
- Youth Director
- Youth Leadership Team Executive Board
- 2-10 Youth committee members recruited by TNSHA board members, the Youth Director or other TNSHA youth members
Application Process
- Applicants must have held a TNSHA membership for a minimum of 1 year.
- Application must be filled out and submitted by December 31st of the current calendar year to be considered for the future year.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted
- Approved applications will then participate in an interview with TNSHA Board members either in person or via online platform.
- All applications will be processed and the Leadership Team structure will be organized prior to the TNSHA annual banquet.
- The Leadership Team will, at a minimum, consist of a President, Vice President and Secretary. Additional positions and committee’s may be formed at the discretion of the Executive board.
Leadership Team Executive Board shall consist of the following: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer
1. The duties of the President shall be as follows: preside over all meetings of this association, appoint any necessary committee; attend Tennessee Stock Horse Association Board meetings, report previous year’s activities at the annual banquet, and other duties as required.
2. Duties of the Corresponding Vice President shall be: to report activities of the association to ASHA, assist the President, and perform duties of the President in his/her absence.
3. The duties of the Secretary shall be: to keep minutes of all meetings, keep an up-to-date roster of association members, call roll at each regular meeting, furnish the President of the Youth Leadership Team and Youth Director(s) a copy of the minutes of each meeting.
4. Duties of the Treasurer shall be: to keep detailed records of all monies associated with the fundraising and youth account. Provided updated financial reports at each youth meeting.
TNSHA Youth Leadership Team Public Relations Representative
The Public Relations (PR) Representative for the TNSHA Youth Leadership Team is responsible for promoting and enhancing the visibility of the team’s activities, events, and initiatives. This role involves creating engaging content for social media platforms, writing announcements or newsletters, and collaborating with adult advisors to ensure accurate and professional communication. The PR Officer will act as the voice of the youth team, helping to build connections within the equestrian community and encouraging participation in TNSHA programs. Strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for teamwork are essential for success in this role.
TNSHA Investment in the Future Committee
This committee will consist of 1 to 10 TNSHA Youth members dedicated to supporting the TNSHA Youth Leadership Team. Its purpose is to provide a platform for youth members to gain hands-on experience and knowledge of leadership roles while contributing to the success of TNSHA initiatives. Members of this committee will actively collaborate with the leadership team, offering fresh ideas and assistance while developing the skills needed to serve as future leaders within the organization.
Meeting requirements
There shall be a minimum of four (4) meetings a year or as deemed necessary by the officers and Board of Directors. The annual meeting shall be for the election of officers.
The Youth Leadership Team shall have as its principal objections:
Objective 1. Development of leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship and other desirable traits of character.
Objective 2. To promote pride of ownership of horses among boys and girls.
Objective 3. Safety
Objective 4. The teaching and learning of horsemanship, both care and handling of horses, and participation in above.
Membership Specifications
Membership shall consist of boys and girls 18 years old and under. Dues shall be annually and will coincide with the annual dues of the Tennessee Stock Horse Association.
TNSHA Leadership Team Duties
- Leadership Team members will:
- Speak up and advocate for the TNSHA Youth membership
- Make a purposeful effort to participate in all meetings whether in person or video/conference calls;
- Assist with TNSHA year-end banquet preparations and duties;
- Represent theTNSHA as youth ambassadors at any equine events locally or nationally.
- Contribute to the growth and outreach of TNSHA Youth
- Participate in fundraising opportunities for scholarships and awards
- Participate in educational opportunities such as but not limited to: Speaking contest, horse bowl, clinics, etc.
TNSHA Youth Director: Courtney Smith
For information regarding youth events or how to get involved email Courtney at [email protected]
For information regarding youth events or how to get involved email Courtney at [email protected]
Youth Leadership Team
Introducing our Youth President
My name is Courtney Dantes, I'm 17 and super excited to be your Youth president this year! This is my third year showing TNSHA with my horse, Dually. I am currently a Junior in high school with power homeschool, also the Need A Hand team manager while working 25-35 hours a week at a horse ranch for retired performance horses. I started at a young age with a love for horses. My first show experience was in western pleasure, but now show ranch at AQHA, TNSHA, YEDA, and any other show I can fit on the calendar. My favorite class is Working Cow horse or really any class that involves cows. I hope to have a career in the equine industry. Outside of Riding and training for horse shows I enjoy hanging out with my friends and listening to any and all horse training podcasts. This is going to be a great year for the TNSHA, I can't wait to be a part of this growth. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about anything with the youth!
My name is Courtney Dantes, I'm 17 and super excited to be your Youth president this year! This is my third year showing TNSHA with my horse, Dually. I am currently a Junior in high school with power homeschool, also the Need A Hand team manager while working 25-35 hours a week at a horse ranch for retired performance horses. I started at a young age with a love for horses. My first show experience was in western pleasure, but now show ranch at AQHA, TNSHA, YEDA, and any other show I can fit on the calendar. My favorite class is Working Cow horse or really any class that involves cows. I hope to have a career in the equine industry. Outside of Riding and training for horse shows I enjoy hanging out with my friends and listening to any and all horse training podcasts. This is going to be a great year for the TNSHA, I can't wait to be a part of this growth. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about anything with the youth!
Introducing our Youth Vice President
Story Esparza is excited to serve on the TNSHA 2024 Youth Leadership Team as the Vice President. Story has passionately loved horses since she was little; currently, in 7th grade and homeschooling, she spends all her free time at the barn with her horses. She began her training in Hunt Seat, including both flat and over-fence competitions. She competed locally and with IEA. After joining Team Need A Hand (NAH) in Murfreesboro, Story began training in Western riding, mainly ranch, reining, and horsemanship. This is her 2nd year with NAH's YEDA Team (Youth Equestrian Development Association). She is also on the NAH Leadership team as a Team Captain. When Story is not riding, she enjoys working out, crafting, gardening, and being outdoors. She looks forward to growing the involvement of the youth in the Tennessee Stock Horse Association.
Story Esparza is excited to serve on the TNSHA 2024 Youth Leadership Team as the Vice President. Story has passionately loved horses since she was little; currently, in 7th grade and homeschooling, she spends all her free time at the barn with her horses. She began her training in Hunt Seat, including both flat and over-fence competitions. She competed locally and with IEA. After joining Team Need A Hand (NAH) in Murfreesboro, Story began training in Western riding, mainly ranch, reining, and horsemanship. This is her 2nd year with NAH's YEDA Team (Youth Equestrian Development Association). She is also on the NAH Leadership team as a Team Captain. When Story is not riding, she enjoys working out, crafting, gardening, and being outdoors. She looks forward to growing the involvement of the youth in the Tennessee Stock Horse Association.
Introducing our Youth Secretary
My name is Talynn Ramsey. I am very excited to serve on the TNSHA youth leadership team as the Secretary. I have been riding horses since I was 9 years old, i am now almost 15 years old. I have been showing in TNSHA for 2 years now with my horse Stik and been showing in YEDA (Youth Equestrian Development Association) for 4 years on Team Need A Hand. I am also the secretary for the YEDA youth leadership team at the Need A Hand barn. I started off when I was 9 occasionally riding a 17hh dressage horse then came to the Need A Hand barn and now currently ride a 14.2hh reining horse. When I am not at the barn, I like to workout, and I am homeschooled. I am so excited to see growth and more involvement in the Tennessee Stock Horse Association!
My name is Talynn Ramsey. I am very excited to serve on the TNSHA youth leadership team as the Secretary. I have been riding horses since I was 9 years old, i am now almost 15 years old. I have been showing in TNSHA for 2 years now with my horse Stik and been showing in YEDA (Youth Equestrian Development Association) for 4 years on Team Need A Hand. I am also the secretary for the YEDA youth leadership team at the Need A Hand barn. I started off when I was 9 occasionally riding a 17hh dressage horse then came to the Need A Hand barn and now currently ride a 14.2hh reining horse. When I am not at the barn, I like to workout, and I am homeschooled. I am so excited to see growth and more involvement in the Tennessee Stock Horse Association!
Introducing our Youth Treasurer
Hi youth! I'm Abigail Davy, I've been showing with TNSHA for 3 years and I am excited for this year with my new mount Craisin. I am 15 years old and have had a love for horses for so long I cannot even remember. I started showing on a beloved lesson pony Zack and was hooked from the start. It is so exciting to see so much growth in the TNSHA and I'm so excited to be showing with everyone this year!
Hi youth! I'm Abigail Davy, I've been showing with TNSHA for 3 years and I am excited for this year with my new mount Craisin. I am 15 years old and have had a love for horses for so long I cannot even remember. I started showing on a beloved lesson pony Zack and was hooked from the start. It is so exciting to see so much growth in the TNSHA and I'm so excited to be showing with everyone this year!