There are many different goals (and levels of goals) that we as riders set to achieve.   Sometimes it's a training goal, other times it's a showing goal, or maybe just a goal to form a stronger relationship with the wonderful horses that we ride. For many children and young riders, their goals include attending the North American Young Rider Championships.

It is incredibly difficult to qualify for these championships- both financially and competitively.  With a minimum of three recognized shows just to qualify (and you all know what those cost!), the riders that do make the team must also pay for hotels at the week long competition, stabling, show entries, an FEI passport for their horse and everything else that goes along with competing in an international competition.  That said- it is an amazing experience just to go and watch, and even more amazing to be able to compete.

This year's NAYRC was held in Bromont, Quebec, just over the Canadian boarder.  The Region 8 Team was comprised of Nora Batchelder, Dawn Sapanaro, Lindsay Whipple and myself.  Our Chief d'Equipe was Lynn Budd and we were each accompanied by our parents and trainers (as well as some friends/grooms who arrived later in the week).

On Tuesday the first order of business for us was the vet jog.  I have only participated in three vet jogs in my entire life and although I have an extremely sound horse, it is always nerve racking for me.  Last year one of our team member's horses did not pass the jog, so we wanted to make sure that everyone jogged their best.  Nora's father, Verne Batchelder, (in-hand handler extraordinaire) helped us the day before the jog to present our horses in the very best way we could.  It was a wonderful learning experience and I am glad to say that all of our horses passed with flying colors!

Tuesday evening was the official NAYRC welcome party at a local water park where we could meet the other riders.  I can't begin to explain how fabulous it is to be in a room with the best of the best under 21 in North America.  And not just dressage riders, but show jumpers and eventers, too.  There is not much recognition for horse sports in our everyday lives, and so coming to an event like this and getting to interact with other riders who share the same passion we do (and are the same age!) is fabulous.

Wednesday was the team test for all of the riders, with Dawn Sapanaro of Ramsey, New Jersey first to go for our team.  She was riding Muchacho, a 15 year old May Black son. Her ride did not go as well as we had hoped, with some uncharacteristic mistakes and an overall lack of steadiness from horse and rider.  It was disappointing as we all knew what she was capable of, but sometimes that's just how it goes.  I had a similar experience last year at the NAYRC when I let my nerves get the best of me and put in a not-so-good performance in the team test.

Our next rider was Lindsay Whipple from Plainfield, Vermont riding Hermes, a 14 year old KWPN gelding by Cantor.  Lindsay and her horse, Hermes had similar issues to Dawn, with an overall lack of steadiness and flow.  It was obvious that they were both a bit overwhelmed by the whole show, and who can blame them- it is a big deal to ride in your first international competition, and the pressure was definitely on!  Again, I thought back to my similar experience at last year's competition where the exact same thing happened to me- it happens to everyone sometimes!

I was third to go riding the wonderful stallion, Hierarch, a 14 year old KWPN stallion by Cocktail out of an Amor x Doruto mare, on lease from Holland by  Dutch Breeders NA., LCC.  As with Lindsay, the pressure was definitely on us to put in a good solid test, and our experience helped us out here as we rose to the occasion.  "Hero" listened to me extremely well and was just as light and happy as could be.  We received a 66% and took the lead in the competition.  We would end up finishing 3rd overall in the team test.  I was ecstatic.

Last to go for our team was Nora Batchelder of Piedmont, New Hampshire with her wonderful 14 year old Hessen bred mare by Rubinstein, Rue Facile.  Nora and Rue were the highest qualifiers for this years Region 8 team and put in a very steady team test with a 65% and took 7th place overall.  Although Nora felt the test was a bit flat, we were all very proud of her for putting in such a solid performance.

Lindsay Koffler of Kentucky put in a very good ride with her horse Alfredo and moved into 2nd position, with Michael Schondel of New Jersey (although riding for the Region 3 team) winning the first day of competition on Wallaby.  Michael also led his Region 3 team to a gold medal, with Region 1 winning silver and Region 2 winning bronze.

With two riders in the top ten, we were very pleased and finished 6th as a team overall.  Thursday we had the day off from showing and had the opportunity to school in preparation for Friday's individual ride.  Both Nora and I made it to the individual round, while Dawn and Lindsay could participate in the consolation class.

Friday was definitely exciting, as it was the same day as some of the show jumping competitions and there was a lot going on.  Nearly every rider in the individual test had some sort of major mishap.  Nora went before me, and we all let out a huge sigh of disappointment when her mare spooked at the clapping for the jumpers in the next ring over.  Although Nora handled it extremely well, it was disappointing that there wasn't a better set-up for the dressage.  I know horses should be able to handle clapping, but when it is coming from behind them as it was from the jumping ring, who can blame them if they get a little spooky for a moment.  Unfortunately for us, every moment counts in dressage, so Nora's score was dropped to a 60%.

I was one of the last riders to go, and although I did not have any clapping during my ride, the air was electric and my sensitive horse reacted to it.  Although he behaved very well, our ride was more tense than the team test, and we had a major mishap in our extended canter when a loud crackle came over the loudspeaker.  We recovered well, but the tension plagued us throughout, and we received a disappointing (but very well deserved) 62%.  I came in hoping to win an individual medal and after the first day our chances were excellent, but I knew that we probably didn't have a shot after the individual test.  But, life goes on!  I was pleased that my horse stayed with me so well and really tried hard in difficult circumstances.

The top placings switched a bit in the individual test, with Lindsay Koffler now taking the lead (despite an exciting incident with a helicopter during her ride!) and Michael dropping to second, while John Murray from Region 7 moved into 3rd position (on a wonderful mare named Festival who we all just adored!).

Since Nora and I had both done so well in the team test, our averages between the team and individual allowed us to go on to the final day of competition and the freestyle.  We were excited to get to strut our stuff in the freestyle, and make up for our individual rides. 

On Saturday Dawn competed in the consolation round and got another shot at doing her team test and did much better.  Saturday night was the closing party held at a hockey arena, and despite the slippery floor (aka a melted hockey rink!) the Canadians definitely knew how to put on a good time.  With a live band, great food (and amazing deserts) and lots of dancing, a good time was had by all, although I had to leave early to get enough rest for my ride the next day.

With the temperature dropping 30 degrees overnight, all of the horses were a bit tight and cold the following morning.  Nora went just before me so I did not get to see her ride, but her mom said it went well despite missing a movement and ending up with a tiny bit too much music at the end.  You have to give her props though, because she only rode the freestyle in competition a total of two times, and for her first international show, I think Nora did super, although she was upset that she made the error, finishing with a 62%.

My stallion was pumped for our ride to say the least, but perhaps a bit too pumped as evident by his playing in the warm-up.  Although he is generally not a spooky horse, we had a very exciting bolt from one side of the warm-up to the other and I was laughing until I realized that we were rapidly approaching the exit.  Upon entering the competition ring I could tell he was trying very hard to listen to me, but again was tenser than I would have liked due to the cold weather.  We only had one mistake in the extended trot, but the harmony which we usually have (and get so many points for!) was lacking, so the Freestyle which had earned us a 72% a few weeks before for five international judges at the CDI Blaineville only received a 64%. 

The big upset of the show was when Mary Haskins Gray (who was hovering around 5th place the whole time) and Fregat, had the ride of her life in the Freestyle and got a 74%.  This moved her into the lead, and also earned her the individual gold medal.  It was very exciting as she wasn't top three the whole week, but then she really performed when the pressure was on.  I don't know Mary well, but the little bit I have talked to her she seems like a wonderful girl and she deserved it, plus she is a beautiful rider and her horse is just phenomenal.  Silver went to Lindsay Koffler and he fabulous gelding Alfredo and individual bronze went to one of the show favorites (and my favorite!) John Murray and Festival.  Mike Schondel moved to 4th place and Catherine Malone of Region 1 moved up to 5th place with her impressive gelding Kashmir.  6th went to Jodie Kelley of Region 3 with Weltkaar who had wonderful freestyle music and a super partnership.

Hero and I finished 7th overall which is an excellent place to finish, although there will always be in the back of my mind that little voice that says, "but it could have been gold."  But, there are other shows and other goals, and just to make it to the NAYRC is a feat in itself, and to finish top 10?  Well that's even better. 

I do not think I will be returning to the NAYRC next year, although I have two more eligible years left.  The financial aspect of it is overwhelming, and I would like to move up in the levels as Hero and I have been showing at this level for two years very successfully.  That said, the NAYRC is an experience like no other.  The people are amazing and I have met more wonderful kids and made more friends than I ever imagined in the two years I have done it.

A huge thank you goes to all of our wonderful sponsors who made this experience possible:  Strafford Saddlery Shop, Guy's Farm and Yard, The Horseworks, The Tack Exchange, The Tackbox, Tony's Tackshop, Bits and Bridles Tackshop and all of the other sponsors who helped us along the way.  I would also like to personally thank Dutch Breeders NA and Scot Tolman for giving me the opportunity to ride the fabulous stallion Hierarch who gained a huge following at the NAYRC and is just the most delightful horse to ride.  I would also like to thank my mom/trainer Madeleine Austin, because we never can thank our moms enough.

To the 2004 Region 8 NAYRC team (whoever they may be), a few words of advice.  You are representing your region, your country and yourself at these championships, so act professionally.  Ride to win, but remember all that our horses do for us and how willingly they let us ride them.  Thank the people who help you to get to the competition, many of them are not getting paid and have no reason to help you. And last but not least, remember that one of the greatest virtues in life is being a good sport: sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we can always play the game with grace and compassion.  Good luck!