AREA X YOUNG RIDER NEWS

Lucy Lippon on Princess Hattie 1st event at Trojan

DIARY OF A YOUNG RIDER

March 2001- WOW! I did it. I completed my first competition! I got to be out of school on Thursday and Friday. Isn't this a great sport! Actually, I was working pretty hard. On Thursday, I exercised my horse, cleaned my tack, then bathed and braided her mane for my early morning dressage test on Friday. Then there was a briefing for all the competitors. We were introduced to the judges, told about the cross-country course and given our numbers to wear during competition. My coach then took me out to walk the course. She gave advice on how to ride each jump - direction, speed, balance. It was a bit scary looking, but I hoped it would be as much fun as everyone said it would be. At our young rider meeting later in the day, many of us met for the first time. Our area is very large requiring our members to travel great distances to compete. We were asked to volunteer for a lot of the work it takes to help the event run smoothly. I didn't know that so much was expected of us as young riders. They want us to jump judge on Saturday, jump crew on Sunday, help our parents set up our fundraising dinner, put in a shift or two at our booth, and work at our tack sale. I'm wondering when I'll have time ride! There were awards given for last year's accomplishments. I was eyeing the leather halters and Area X embroidered saddle pads that the top riders received. As for me, I was given an award for being a hard worker last year. My prize, a bucket with tack cleaning supplies means only more work and no glory, but, for now, I'll be satisfied with that and keep dreaming my dreams.

Friday. Mom is in at 5:30 AM telling me that it's time to start the day. By the time I wake up I'll have my dressage test ridden already! My mare worked overtime in the night rubbing out her braids. Oh, well, after all this isn't the Olympics. I must say I look pretty professional in my white breeches and jacket. I doubt, however, that my hair net will ever start a fad with my friends at school - all for the love of a horse. The novice test is pretty basic, and we do an acceptable job of it. After taking care of my horse, my focus is back on the cross-country course. My trainer wants me to walk it alone a few times before my ride tomorrow afternoon. My jumps look a lot smaller than the ones for the upper divisions, but it doesn't seem to matter. Looking at any of them puts my heart in my stomach today.

Saturday. Cross-country day is exciting, and you can feel it in the air! The riders in their brightly colored vests and helmets are jazzed up and focused. The horses, sensing fun, are forward and powerful looking. I have most of the day to wait for my division. My trainer stops me from walking the course for the fifth time for fear I'll use up my energy before I ride. I have my safety vest and helmet on. We're warmed up and ready to go. One minute call. I'm circling behind the start box. Thirty seconds to the start. Fifteen seconds. I'm in the start box. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. I'm off! Mom and Dad are cheering. The first jump, the scariest of all, comes up fast. My mare hesitates, but my crop and leg are convincing. The course seems to fly by. The jumps are right for us. I find myself greeting some of the jump judges as we go along. This really is fun! And over too soon. Before I know it, I am through the end gate. My mom has run from the course to meet me. She's taking pictures of me, and I don't even care. I feel great. I want to do it again! My mare isn't even hot. Our training is paying off. Now it's time to coddle her with a leg massage and wraps. When I'm done with all of that, maybe someone (like my mom) will do some of that for me.

Sunday. After the excitement of cross-country day, stadium jumping seemed pretty tame. I rode really late today, so I spent my time doing my volunteer jobs, grooming for other riders, and just watching and daydreaming. My mare was still full of energy for jumping.

I wanted to ride forward with confidence, trying to leave behind some of the fears my naughty pony instilled in me at other jumper shows. We did it! We had a clean round with no time faults. Oh, I think this is so much fun! I didn't place in the ribbons this time -. I'd really love to ride in that victory lap. But, honestly, I am so proud of my horse and myself. We finished! That was my goal this time. After the event was over, I went on my own private victory lap. Only my mom was there to see me, and that was just OK with me.

UPCOMING · May 12,2001- 1-Day Area X YR benefit horse trial- Albuquerque, NM · June 16&17,2001- David O'Connor Clinic- Goose Downs Farms, NM · August 7-11,2001- North American Young Rider Championships-Temple Farms, IL