"The Arabian horse has enriched my life in countless ways, most significantly, working with them provided me a clear pathway for getting to and then through my college experience. I first got my introduction to the Arabian horse and eventually Region 2 through the non-profit Taking the Reins. This organization located in Los Angeles opened my eyes and gave me the resources I needed to explore a life outside of my low-income and under-resourced community. My mentors readily supported me as I became more involved in the Arabian horse community and helped to push me in becoming a well rounded horsewoman."

"More specifically, it is through the support of Region 2 and AHASFV that I was able to compete on the youth hippology & judging team at a National level for many years and ultimately set me up for success as I embarked my college experience with the Region 2 Youth Scholarship. I am the daughter of a single mother, who despite her best efforts was financially unable to sustain a college student. The Region's support therefore gave me the freedom to transplant my life to UC Santa Cruz and helped pay for the basic necessities of life as a student: including books, food, and most importantly housing."

"Now that I find myself at the end of that 4 year  undergraduate journey, I feel blessed to have had this community and Arabian horses in my corner for every step of the way. Without this motivation and contribution, finishing college early as both a sociology and community studies major would have been unfeasible. I am eternally grateful to everyone that has contributed to my success and am honored to be a part of AHA. My love for the Arabian horse has been nurtured in this space and as a recent first time Arabian horse owner I never see myself removed from this community. Our shared admiration of the love, grace, and intelligence that the Arabian horse brings to our lives is able to transcend ideologies and barriers that limit opportunity and instead allows us to contribute to each other’s lives in meaningful ways."