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August 1, 2009

2009 Youth Nationals Comes To A Close

Kaylee Bussell and Glor-eze Amber Wave

What is it about the last day of Youth Nationals that is so exceptionally poignant? It is rather like youth itself. Stunningly beautiful and painfully brief, we can't wait for it to be over and then spend the balance of a lifetime glancing longingly back at its days. As a spectator and as a parent at the Youth National show we are privileged to watch the birth and growth of a love affair with Arabian horses. There are many second and third generation families involved with Arabian horses and many siblings as well. It is impossible to over estimate the power of family within our Breed.

Lead line enroute to the chute

The large Desiderio family is a great example. Rick Desiderio has spent his entire life breeding, working and showing Arabian horses. Rick's son Michael holds the record for the most national championships, and though he is no longer a competitor at the Youth Nationals, his brother Anthony, and now his little sister Alex, are still dominating the Hunter division. Young Allison Cederberg, one of the winningest riders at this year's Youth Nationals is from a devoted Arabian family. Skylar Powell and his brothers, sons of the noted reining competitor and trainer Larae Fletcher Powell, made their presence known with several championship rides in the reining and Western Pleasure divisions this year. There are Ariel and Jessica Medved, the Redmond girls, the Dell and the Roeder sisters, and Madison Stevens and her younger sister Holland and all of them won championships at the Youth Nationals this year. Some won many championships.

Lead Line lady

It's a great thrill to watch them grow so quickly and sad to see how they so quickly leave. If they must go away from us for a few years, we can only wish them a speedy return to their extended family as soon as they are able.

Tatum Rehorn

There are many years in a lifetime to be spent appreciating, enjoying and savoring a relationship with the beautiful Arabian horse, but only a few in youth. So, here's to the years when the dream is pure and the love is sweet and new. May our children always love the Horse and may we honor that and keep their heritage safe and sound for them.

The lost tooth