Today is July 17 and I sit here contemplating what the next week of my life entails. On July 21 I will begin my journey up to Rebecca Farm to groom at the 2019 North American Youth Championships to groom for CCIJ2*-L rider, Lynnea Woody. It didn’t hit me until about two days ago that this competition is so soon. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help Area IX behind the scenes at an international event. Although I know I will be working my tail end off, this experience is priceless and I will do everything in my power to be as beneficial to Lynnea as possible.
ABOUT NAYC
The North American Youth Championships is an annual competition between each North American country as teams fight for titles in Dressage, Show Jumping, and Three Day Eventing. This year, the eventing competition is held in Kalispell, Montana at Rebecca Farm. This incredible venue is one of the most well known events in the country and boasts divisions from Novice to CCI4*-L.
For Eventing, each area of the USA can bring up to 4 qualifying riders for each level (2* and 3*). If more than 4 riders qualify from each area, the area’s selection committee will choose 4 riders. The selection committee also selects one groom to accompany each rider. The Canadian and Mexico teams have their own selection processes.
The NAYC is on a level of its own. Very few other youth competitions are of the same caliber and are as important to E18 and E25 selection as this one.
Having the opportunity to groom at this event is amazing. But I am not going to lie, I’m pretty nervous. My braiding needs to be flawless, quarter marks stunning, and every little detail accounted for. More than anything I hope that my imperfections do not come at Lynnea’s expense. I need to set her up for success and I would hate to get in the way of that. At the end of the day, I must remember that I can do this. I can be there to support Lynnea, make her horse look stunning, and allow her to have the most amazing week of her life.
Trust God, Madison. Pray and let him take your stress away. You’ve got this girl!
Let’s go Area IX!
radison 