14th Annual Youth Nationals

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Cajun Party Raises Funds for Local Charity

The second annual Cajun party sponsored by Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, La., featured crawfish, jambalaya, shrimp, corn, potatoes and a live band direct from Lafayette, La. Exhibitors lined up from 5:00 on to partake of the buffet and festivities which lasted about two hours. The infectious Cajun music by Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins kept everyone entertained even those standing in line for the food. Brent Stevens, owner of Evangeline Downs, appealed to the crowd to open their hearts and wallets for the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, official charity of the Youth Nationals. More than $1,600 in donations was collected at the dinner.

	Party Time on Heritage Avenue
Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins
	Dig In! Finger-lickin' authentic Cajun food served up in cardboard tray.
Party sponsors Brent and Annette Stevens
	Cancer patient Rachel Brandt and her family with Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico Executive Director Mary Ellen Kurucz enjoy the evening

First-Time Exhibitors

"I have a good feeling," said Allyson Friedman after making her cuts in showmanship and western pleasure 13 and under with Sweet Promises+/. Her trainer Carolyn McDonald of Cactus Rose Stables told her to "stay straight and not get too close to the judge" in showmanship and "not to get jammed into the rail" or "wiggle too much" in western pleasure.

"It was fun. I was nervous," said Allyson, feeding "Sweetie" red licorice, but I made the cuts!"

Elaina Roeder didn't make the cut on EA Crown Prince in Walk Trot Country English pleasure and the UPHA Challenge classes, but she loved certain aspects of the class like "trotting" and "putting on makeup." Her reverse was a little tricky because she "backed up and turned the wrong way." She does remember what trainer Libby Ferguson told her. "Stay on the wall, back up with my reins, look between my horse's ears and loosen my reins."
For Dana Bechtel and KK Kool Water, the first time in a national show arena was "intimidating" and she didn't make her cuts in trail, western pleasure and western horsemanship. "Now I know how I can improve for next year," she said. "It's not worth getting nervous for." She only got to show in the Horse Arena this year and hopes to make it to Tingley Coliseum in '07.
Rebecca DeRocker and Flash MA+/ made the Top Ten in Arabian Reining Seat Equitation the first time at Youth Nationals. "This show has the best in the nation so it's a big deal," said Rebecca, who found the pattern, which required a spin to the right directly after circles, a bit tricky. "She's really earned this," says trainer Kevin Christiansen. "This is not a gift." Rebecca works and trains at Krista Lambert Stables where she feeds, grooms, breaks colts and spends weekends. She rides despite scoliosis and "works extra hard on her balance," says her trainer.

Around The Show

Half-Arabian English Pleasure JTR 13 and Under

Champion Indecent Proposal and Kira Dell
	Reserve Forty Second Street and Kira Harkins
Sharing the Win