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Youth Nationals Journalists Dish on the 2008 Show!
Education, inspiration and Fun All found at Arabian Horse Youth Nationals By Lauren Schumann
Education, inspiration and Fun
All found at Arabian Horse Youth Nationals
By Lauren Schumann
My summer vacations have never been "normal" for a teenager. Instead of days at the beach, or hanging out at the mall, I spend most of my days at the barn, where I work and board my Arabian horse, Khodi. This year, however, my "normal" summer of mucking stalls was pleasantly interrupted by an amazing opportunity. I entered a journalism contest found on the Arabian Horse Association website. About a month later, I received a letter informing me that the writing sample I had submitted was accepted. I was asked to travel from my small town in New Jersey, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. There I was to attend the AHA Youth Nationals to act as a journalist.
After five hours of being on two planes, I was happy and excited to be in Albuquerque. Growing up in a small suburb just outside of New York City, I imagined Albuquerque would resemble a city similar to Manhattan. When I arrived, however, I realized that the city was not what I had expected. Nonetheless the Expo New Mexico was incredible. I have been to a lot of different horse show grounds on the east coast, but the Expo was unlike anything I had ever seen before. There were stalls in classic adobe fashion, complete with brightly colored stucco. There were also sections of stalls set up in a rectangle with private courtyards in the middle. There were private tack rooms, large enough to accommodate the immense and varied amounts of tack needed for each barn. There were many schooling and show rings, always filled with action and events. And of course, the gorgeous, and ever present Sandia Mountain ranges in the distance.
Even more amazing than the show grounds were the young riders and handlers who competed there. The level of maturity in these young kids is absolutely incredible, as well as the drive seen in all the exhibitors. When asked what tips she would give to other young riders looking to compete at a national level, 13 year- old Natasha Costello said, "Don't be intimidated by large classes." I also asked the same question to 16 year- old Jessica Allen, and her response was, "Don't give up; be dedicated. If you put your mind to it, you can do it." Also interviewed was 15 year- old Katie Matthews, and her simple response was, "Breathe and relax."
While at the Youth Nationals, I also had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Ms. Anita Owen, a dressage judge at the event. I asked Ms. Owen if she felt there was any difference between judging youth and judging adults. She responded by saying that the difference was "only in experience," and that youth riders had "not as much mileage and education." Owen also went on to say that, "a good instructor is someone who knows what goes into it [dressage training]," and that "eighty percent of money spent [on riding] should be in education and training," while only twenty percent should be spent on exhibition. I asked Owen what she expected from a national level youth dressage rider, and she stated that in her judging, she looks for "correct seat, educated hands and effective aids." Owen said that "the essence of a good seat is in seat and leg aids; hands are of very little importance."
After boundless inspiration and education, several pictures, souvenirs for friends and hours on planes later, I was back at home with my family. I learned so much from this remarkable experience. I was able to meet with incredible people, who offered me inconceivable amounts of advice, and I was able to learn so much from the experience. I strongly advise all other aspiring youth journalists or national champs-to-be to get involved with one (or several) of the programs offered for AHA youth. There is something for everyone, whether you are interested in writing or drawing, photography or even judging horses, there is a contest or program for you! And whether it is a hobby, or a career idea for the future, you are sure to have loads of fun!
Questions?
Contact Youth Programs Coordinator Angela Mannick by
clicking here or call 303-696-4505.
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