2013 Youth Natl's: Pattern Songs

When it comes to choosing a pattern song for Youth Nationals, few riders consider the weight that such a song carries for their success. However, I'm here to tell you that it can alter the image you project, increase your "cool" factor (obviously you want to be the kid with the awesome pattern song), and most importantly, it will calm you and give you confidence as you complete the challenging patterns Youth Nationals tends to throw at you. And now that I've built this task up, I'm going to make this process a little less daunting. Your suit may fit well, your horse may be a pattern whiz, but girl (or boy), your perfect pattern song is just waiting to be found! I will begin by listing the main considerations of your search:

1. Appropriateness. This is a given. Swearing, suggestive language--just keep it clean, kids. 

2. Time and length. A pattern usually lasts no more than a minute and a half, so the beginning is all you will really hear. Sometimes the first 10 seconds really sets you up for strong impression. If your song doesn't really open up until much after that, you might want to choose another. 

3. Play it at home. Ride with your song at home. Even if it's just in the walking cool-down after your lesson. And then go home and play it. Still like it? Assess from here. 

4. Pay attention to how it makes you FEEL. Does the song make you happy? Music is intensely linked to memory and offers one of the quickest ways to access to emotion, so make sure the song is surrounded by positivity. 

5. Does it match the pace of your horse? A quick-trotting horse needs a song with a similar tempo. The same goes for a quiet horse--just find a song that matches. 

6. Don't be afraid to look into the past. Just a quick question--do you think a judge would prefer a song from their own youth or a bubbly pop song that they have never heard before? This is something to keep in mind considering their opinion is a pretty vital one! 

Start with these and branch out to find your perfect match! As you can probably tell, my personal opinion falls somewhere in between a "I'm so cool and retro" choice and a "look how fresh and modern I am" option. Spotify is a great place to find these songs, similar artists, and make a playlist of potential pattern songs! I wish you luck in your quest and, of course, at Youth Nationals!

2012 Youth Nationals III

With one day of the 2012 Youth Nationals remaining, we find ourselves asking, "where did the week go?" This year's show has been filled with incredible classes, fun events, water fights, and so much more. Yesterday and today, especially, have held some very special and very 'unique to Youth Nationals' events. 

First, in the dog costume contest, the second favorite animals of the grounds made their way up to Tingley wearing everything from a sheep outfit to a tutu, while the more athletic pups sped their way across the arena in the annual dog race. Today brought the event of the lead line class, where adorable youngsters showed off their Arabian mounts while smiling and waving at the crowd and judges alike. The end of the afternoon session gave way to the AHT youth yearbook group photo and ice cream social, where the youth of the show piled their roses and ribbons on and trekked into center ring while Mike Ferrara commemorated the moment. And in the final class of the evening, the freestyle reining, the crowd was wowed ride after ride by the creativity and talent of the reining competitors at the 2012 Youth Nationals. The winning horse and rider team happened to be a boy in an incredibly nontraditional outfit. It was when the song "Dude Looks Like a Lady" came on that the crowd realized that the lovely brown sidesaddle rider followed the lyrics of the song exactly. Other costumes were Fred Flinstone, an escaped inmate, and more. It was such a fun class for all! 

2012 Youth Nationals II

Another day of Youth Nationals has gone by, and all of a sudden, the show is over halfway through! Before we know it, we'll all back home and out of this blissful Youth Nationals 'bubble' we've all come to love. Today, there were still a few cut ribbons awarded, even more national championships received, and for me, a very informative and interesting experience. After I rode a purebred hunt horse in the YN judge's clinic, I was able to spend a few classes of the Horse Arena's afternoon session in the announcer's booth, taking in the mechanics of various Youth Nationals classes at their most fundamental level. I was able to speak with ring stewards, the music girl, commissioners, judges, and more about their experiences and thoughts on the show. It was an incredibly enlightening and fun afternoon for me!

This Wednesday of the show also offered a more free time for all as there were no evening classes held in either show ring! Because of this uncustomary free time, there were a couple events on the show grounds. These were the 20th anniversary celebration of Youth Nationals and Burkman Training Centre's open house party. Below are some pictures of the event! 

20 years of Youth Nationals Celebration 

Burkman Training Centre Open House Party 

2012 Youth Nationals I

With four days of the 2012 Youth Nationals already behind us, we're at the point where the eventful days have started to mold together seamlessly, cuts have been made and conversely, not made, and several national championships have been awarded as well. Yes, Youth Nationals is in full swing! The summer Albuquerque weather has cooperated wonderfully so far, which always makes for a more enjoyable horse show. Late afternoon showers keep the dust down, and when it's all just too hot to handle, there's always the option of making the trek up to Tingley to chill with an Icee or some cookie dough ice cream! And still, as in years past, the competition is incredible. Every class that I've watched has left me with a sense of pride and inspiration for the future of the Arabian horse. The horses are first-rate and the riders have the skill and talent to match, class after class. But Youth offers so much beyond the competitive classes; it's a show that has events and parties nearly every day to ensure that everyone involved has a great time. Just in case you're not here to be a part of the daily events, here's a recap of what you've missed! 

FRIDAY: AHYA Convention

SUNDAY: Parade of Regions

MONDAY: Stick Horse Contest 

And there's so much more to come! Stay updated on Youth Nationals with pictures, blog posts, tweets, and more from AHT through the week! Thanks for your time and comments are welcome!