Youth Nationals IV: Photos

It's Finally Here! 

I'm leaving for my 11th Youth Nationals tomorrow, but this time, it's different. As an "adult" now, I am simply along for the ride. With the title of spectator and groom, I am still incredibly excited to head down to the youth event of the season. 

Thinking back to my first years of Youth, I have the fondest of memories of my experiences. I loved everything. The flight down, being in Albuquerque, viewing the breathtaking Awards Room, hanging with friends, showing against the best horses in America, and somehow, gladly taking home the roses. View these pictures as a sort of slide show of Nationals... Enjoy!

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English Gives Me Wings

Before I talk about the incredible English horse, please allow me to get a little cheesy. Okay, very cheesy; just bear with me. Think back to the part of the movie Titanic where Jack and Rose are at the front of ship and he tells her to close her eyes, step up, and grab onto the rail. Once he tells her to open her eyes to the Atlantic blue, cool breeze in her face, she gasps with delight and says the famous line "I'm flying, Jack!" Well, this feeling that Rose has, my friends, is how I feel when I'm riding an English horse. It's thrilling, surprising, and challenging--all at the same time. 

An English horse keeps me honest. He keeps me on my toes; I could never get careless or arrogant riding him. He knows that he is the show, and he's bound to prove himself every time he's in the show ring. Although getting in the ring is never easy. There is usually some form of the graceful sideways jump and upward leap (I'm just glad that the downward fall hasn't become a common occurrence for me). But we get back on track, and full speed ahead, we trot big and powerful into the entry. Then he sees the walls begin to close around him, inching closer to the big arena ahead. I feel his front end stall in fear, I see his ears lock forward, and I can almost hear him gasp in frightened excitement. From here, it's all on me. Our chances rest on my coolness, my ability to ease his nerves and get the best out of him.

Every gait is a challenge, yet so worth it in the thrill of the moment. In the trot, I see his powerful knees pop up when glancing over his strong shoulder, while I try to find the perfect tempo. It's that cadenced trot where he's about to run off his feet, but you're there to keep him together. There's nothing like catching your horse just before he breaks--that feeling you get when you know you've just prevented a major disaster from happening. Then, the walk. Oh, come on, right? Here I am, trying with all my might to relax him enough to get that four beat walk in, and I can practically hear the gears of his mind reeling and spinning in excitement. Whew, finally the canter. I hold on tight while he lunges forward into the canter, pulls hard on my grip of the reins, and pushes to build speed as we boom around the arena. I attempt to stay centered when he spooks and leaps toward the center of arena, my heart rate taking a leap of its own. But the joy ride is almost through--the final trot is here. I press my leg on his side, and as if he was poked with a branding iron, he's off like a rocket. As the crowd's volume increases, I see his neck slowly setting back farther and farther, his ears locking into a permanent forward position, and his trot getting stronger by the stride. But I'm not taken aback. This is what English is about. A big trot, big risks, and big gratification. Upon entering the lineup, I warmly pet his sweaty neck while he dances around, slowly winding down from the excitement. And when my number is called for champion, there is no better feeling. It's beyond flying. It's the ultimate payoff for my hard work and my horse's unsurpassed talent. And even though he's so terrified of the rose garland that it seems like a death sentence, all is well because he's an English horse. The thrill of flight cannot be achieved through ease and simplicity, he gives me wings through the challenge he presents me every time I ride him.

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It's a Mare Thing

The "Jekyll and Hyde" Effect

Some mares give females as a whole a bad name. In my experience, these types of mares are great horses in the beginning, playing the "sweet" card to ensure that you fall in love with them. They want you to think that they're different, that everything is peachy keen. They like to let you believe that they are just as dependable and even-tempered as your beloved gelding. But soon, something lights their fuse... And that's it. They have officially gone to the dark side. Say so long to cuddling in the stall and predictability under saddle, and say hello to a moody mare, a beloved bitter babe, a feisty and furious female. Once this alter ego has been employed, the grace period is forever gone, and she becomes the worst version of herself. I call it the “Jekyll and Hyde Effect” (patent pending). Another thing to keep in mind when dealing with these exceptionally ghastly girls is that the length of time they are "Jekyll" seems to be directly proportional to the gravity of misbehavior once turned "Hyde". In other words, the shorter your mare is sugary sweet, the more fire she is packin' to dish out on you.

I am two for two in acquiring this sought-after type of mare, and I must say, it's not ideal for the show ring. Depending on the severity of “Hyde” they turn out to be, showing may be virtually impossible. In my research, there is only one surefire way to avoid falling victim to this type of mare: buy a gelding. Avoid mares altogether and stick to the wonderfully levelheaded boy.

But I understand that sometimes you simply cannot say no. And although I may not agree with your choice, maybe you’ll get lucky and buy “one of the good ones” with a "great" attitude. And I sincerely hope this is the case for you, however, the "Jekyll and Hyde" mare has turned me against the female horse altogether.

Me and "Hyde"

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Summer Lovin'

Summer, especially in the Midwest means a few things: 

1. No snow (finally) 

2. Hot, humid, and usually windy days 

3. More time to spend at the barn

The last of these is, of course, my favorite aspect of summer. I have the fondest memories spending entire summer days out at the barn, even if I only had one horse to ride. I would take my sweet time grooming and spoiling my horses with treats, and then ride in the outdoor arena with the hot South Dakota sun beaming down on me. It's such a feeling I get when I'm riding my horse outside, summer breeze against my face, not a care in the world. If I could, I would keep this feeling in my pocket and take it out whenever I need a pick-me-up. I'm convinced that there is not a thing in the world that inspires such pure happiness and inner peace. 

Time spent bonding with your horse, going on trail rides, taking them outside to graze, buttering them up with treats and affection- these are activities that not only strengthen the bond between you and your horse, but also create meaningful memories that you will never forget. My summers have always been horse filled and therefore, carry the finest memories of my life. I will always remember laying on the grass watching the clouds roll by, enjoying a cool Sprite, while my first horse, Justi, grazed next to me. We enjoyed each other and a relaxing afternoon outside. And since then, I've had many horses come and go, but the memories last forever.  

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Youth Nationals III: The Pattern Song

Through many years of showing equitation at Youth Nationals, I fully grasp the gravity of choosing the perfect pattern song. Though you may not realize just how much influence the song has on you, your horse, and the judges, the right song has the potential to be that extra something for you. And you never know, it could be the thing that pushes you that much closer to the coveted rose garland. But, with so many songs to choose from, how could anyone possibly know where to begin? Well, problem solved equitation riders! Although there are many factors one needs to consider in pattern song selection, I can help you narrow the field to find surefire song that you'll love. The main points you need to consider are:

1. Finding the right tempo for your horses motion. Does your horse have a quick marchy trot or a long-strided lofty trot? Find a song with a comparable tempo that will match your horse's natural gait.

2. Make sure the song doesn't have any surprising sounds to throw your horse off. A startling sound from your own song is the last thing you want your horse to spook at in the ring.

3. Now think of yourself. The song needs to mean something to you. Whether you get nervous or need to focus before your pattern, when you hear your song start, it should calm you and get you in the pattern mindset. The song should make you feel at ease, confident, and proud.

4. You must also consider the judges in your selection. Think of it this way. The judges are usually older than your parents, meaning that their musical tastes are much more "mature" than yours. Finding something that the judges won't be appalled by is incredibly important. And even better, choosing an old popular song that they know could make them associate a happy memory with your pattern.

Here are a few song options to get the search started:

My songs in the past:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Forrest Gump Suite- Alan Silvestri

Oldies:
Singing in the Rain- Frank Sinatra
Puttin' on the Ritz- Ella Fitzgerald
My Girl- The Temptations
Stand By Me- Ben E. King & The Drifters
Why Can't We Be Friends- War
Tuesday's Gone- Lynyrd Skynyrd

Modern:
Drive- Ziggy Marley
Fire It Up- Modest Mouse
Hero- Regina Spektor
Tighten Up- The Black Keys
1901- Phoenix


I think that the best genres to consider are classic oldies (Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, Nat King Cole, The Chordettes), rock oldies (Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, CCR, Aerosmith), modern rock (Muse, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys), feel good types (311, Bob Marley, Slightly Stoopid), and okay,  guilty pleasure too (Beach Boys, Hall & Oates, Michael Jackson).

Music is one of the most powerful memory triggers. You should think about making your pattern song choice not only important for you, but for the judge to associate you with. It is beyond our control, but subconsciously, they will form an association with the song you choose. If your song is ill-suited to you and your horse, you are undoubtedly worse off. Find a song that is the complete package for everyone, but most importantly, one that will fill you with confidence and joy. And when you find it, I promise you that whenever you hear "your pattern song" outside the show ring, you will be instantly transported back to that moment when you were performing your pattern. Youth Nationals is about creating lasting memories showing your horses, and the music you associate with them will only make the memories stronger and more meaningful.

http://ahtimes.com/