14th Annual Youth Nationals

Monday, July 24, 2006

Saddle Up a Stick Horse and Ride Away

By Brittany Butterworth

	The future of AHYA has been discovered! On Monday, July 24, children came to their love of Arabians and their wonderful riding skills at the Stick Horse Workshop and Contest. These children, ages 6 and under, were able to have fun creating their own stick horses.
These horses seemed to come to life once the final touches were made. The youth enjoyed dressing their horses in rose garlands, costumes, ribbons and beads. Overhearing a conversation, one boy stated that he was going to ride his horse so there would be no 'bucks" left during the contest. These beautifully made horses had an array of names. The names ranged from Robo Horse to Fluffy. A few more are Missy, Jazzy, Scary Dragon, Lazzlow, Shekina and Ginger.
	The Stick Horse Contest was held at 6:30 p.m. in the Tingley Coliseum. The children and their horses were rearin' to go while they waited patiently in the warm-up arena. The 36 contestants completed a full trail course. The judges had a horrible time picking the first time winner. They decided that all of the contestants should receive 1st place. Thank you to Hesten Park and the Hoffman Family for their sponsorship.

Question of the Day

Brittany Butterworth (Left) and Olivia White (Right)

Roving reporters Olivia White and Brittany Butterworth asked a variety of exhibitors the following question, "Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions that you use before going into the ring?

	Grace Famestad "I always wear my lucky socks. Before my class, I listen to my ipod and try to ride my class in my head before going in."
Jess Mannion "I always braid my horse.and leave a rubber band on my pinky. I guess it is lucky."
	Chelsea Lloyd "Before the ride, I make sure to talk to my horse. I also have a charm bracelet with boots that I always wear.'
Kirsten McKillop "The horse I ride is PattyCake. So right before I show, I sing the song "payycake" to her."
Jordan Hodge "I own a pair of lucky gloves. They are dirty and about to fall apart, but I can't show without them."
	Angela Duden "I always pray before I show."
Erisyn Meek "My superstition is to listen to upbeat music before my classes."
	Lauren Christiansen (Left) and Angi Ruppert (Right) "When I dress for my class, I make sure to wear my lucky socks." (Lauren) "I always make sure to wear my diamond earrings. They always bring me luck." (Angi)
Nikki Capps "I guess you could say I'm superstitious. You can always find a rubber duck, a silver "believe" stone and a guardian angel figurine."