Area III Young Riders
| News & Updates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer Camp Updated 07/03/08 |
2008 NAJYRC Updated 07/06/08 |
Fundraising/Sponsorship Info Updated 04/23/08 |
| Affilate Program Updated 04/02/08 |
"Ms. Karla Says" Updated 06/10/08 |
Nat'l Team Championship Updated 05/29/08 |
| 2008 Team Challenge Updated 05/29/08 |
Low Score Awards Updated 05/07/08 |
Activity Calendar Updated 03/06/08 |
| 2007 Team Challenge Updated 03/03/08 |
2008 Area 3 Calendar Updated 02/26/08 |
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| 2007 NAJYRC Updated 08/15/07 |
Participation Award Information Updated 02/11/08 |
Clinic Refunds Updated 12/10/03 |
| Membership Requirements Updated 02/13/07 |
How to Join Updated 01/25/08 |
Who to Contact Updated 03/09/08 |
News & Updates
Affilate Program -
The Young Riders have signed up with several of your favorite retailers and hotels for their affilate program. When you make a purchase from any of the links on the right side of this page, a percentage of your order will be returned to the Area III Young Riders program.
Updates from the Young Riders Coordinator -
2009 Young Riders Membership winners - I am pleased to announce the below Young Riders have a free 2009 Area 3 Young Riders membership for being the highest placing young rider in the Area 3 Championships.
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Cross-country fence sponsored by the Young Riders at the FENCE Horse Trials, March 22-23, 2008!!
National Young Rider Team Championship and Team Challenge 2008 Information!!! I would like to encourage all
Young Riders to take advantage of these opportunities to ride as part of the
Area III Teams in Kentucky 2008!
If you are currently riding at Novice, Training or Preliminary and wish to be a part of a team representing our Area,
consider trying out for the Area III Young Rider Team Challenge!
If you are currently riding at Preliminary level and wish to be a part of a National Young Rider Team Championship
at the One Star Level, this is also your opportunity. The NYRT Championship was developed to specifically help our
YRs who were over 18 and no longer eligible to do the NAJYRC at the one star level. You are eligible to do the
NYRT Championship if you are ages 16-21 and are currently competing at preliminary and have completed (or will
complete) 4 qualifying preliminary horse trials.
More information is below. Take advantage of all the Area III Young Riders has to offer!!
2008 Area 3 Calendar - The Area 3 2008 Calendar is a Young Rider Fundraiser. The calendar contains all the
Area 3 Horse Trials and the opening and closing dates. PLUS the calendars have young rider pictures each month.
Young Riders will be selling the calendars at upcoming show, or you can order one from Karla Nichwander,
email nichwander@mindspring.com.
The calendars are $20 each (plus $2.00 for mailing if you order one).
Our goal is for each Young Rider to sell 5 or more calendars. For each calendar sold, the young rider earns a $10 credit
toward their annual fundraising goal. For calendars and more information contact Karla Nichwander or Kathryn Guidry.
Fundraising and Sponsorhip Information -
April 2008 -
Your calendar money is now past due. Please send in all monies to me asap. If you have questions concerning calendar
sales, contact me.
I have been busy sending out sponsor packets, requesting help for our program. I would like to know how your requests
have been received. It is not too late to request help from family, friends, and local businesses. Believe me, you
will be successful if you use the tools I have provided you and go out and make the effort. People have a soft spot
for kids who are passionate about their "cause"!!
I am now in the process of packaging up my second offensive. A big "thank you" goes out to Ms. Christine Quinn for
producing our YR DVD!!! It is so professional! I will be sending these out with my second request for sponsorships.
I hope you are checking the website often for important and updated information. You will see we now have many
affiliates set up. Basically, if you order from these businesses, using our link, we will earn free money. How cool
is that? A huge round of applause goes to Ms. Amy Moore for long hours of hard work to set this up for us and to Ms.
Diana Lewis for maintaining the website. Thank you Ms. Amy and Ms. Diana!!!
I would also like to commend one of our young riders for her efforts in fundraising and donations. Caroline Lendl has
been working very diligently to obtain sponsorship and donations for young riders. She made packages from the documents
I provided and went out and promoted herself and young riders. She was able to secure donations from friends, family,
event organizers and a veterinarian. It can be done! Congrats to Caroline!!
Thanks to all young riders who have made our calendar sales a success!! I know it was difficult but you did it! The
plan is to have another calendar sale in the fall in time for Christmas gift giving. Lots of changes to the calendar
will also take place. Group photos, sponsor ads, and coupons are some of the ideas. I am happy to take your suggestions
also.
I am currently looking for a volunteer to head up the low score award shows. Please contact me if you are interested
and would like to know more.
"Live for the NOW, Ride for the WOW!"
Sincerely, Kathryn Guidry, Sponsorships, Fundraising, Donations Chair
February 2008 - I will be sending out many e-mails throughout the year. It is imperative that everyone
update their addresses. If you know of anyone who is not receiving the YR e-mails, please let us know. This is
our main way of keeping our line of communication going.
I will be informing you of opportunities to raise funds and get your volunteer hours in. My job is to obtain
sponsors, to plan and implement fund-raising activities making sure every young rider is involved, and to help
raise awareness of our Area III YR program. You also have a job. You must go out into your communities and
solicit sponsorships, get your volunteer hours in, attend YR functions, and in general be an ambassador for
Area III. Many of you have scholarship requirements of community service. I will be happy to help you with
that, too.
Below some forms for you to use to build a sponsorship package for community solicitation. The most important
piece of this package is your personal letter. I am including some examples you can use. It might also be helpful
to include a photo. We want the package to be as personal as possible. If you have any questions please write
or call me. I really want you to be successful. If someone you know does not have computer access, please share
the info with them or contact me.
January 2008 - We are currently in the process of organizing and implementing our 2008 fundraising activities. Our annual calendar consists of the following:
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I want to assure you I will be doing all I can to insure a successful fundraising season, but I cannot do it without your help and support. My goal is to raise $50,000 this year. That is no small task. Please contact me if you would like to be involved in our overall campaign by organizing and/or implementing individual fundraisers. Along with the fundraising we will need to make sure the general public knows who we are and what we are about. We need to step up our efforts by having volunteers to man our YR booth at horse shows.
Here is a list of some fundraising ideas already taking shape:
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NAJYRC 2008 -
(1) Mentorship Opportunity - For the first time, USEA Young Riders is offering a Mentorship Opportunity to be held in conjunction with the North American Junior Young Rider Championships! If you have always been interested in some of the many professions which work together to hold an international championships, now is your opportunity to be a part of the mentorship program for this years competition in Parker, Colorado. The program is open to all Young Riders and Area III has been given the opportunity to submit two candidates for this inaugural program. Please print out and review the program details and application form. If you are interested contact me immediately as we have an extremely short timeframe to get your applications in. The deadline is July 8th! Call or email if you have any questions about the program!
(2) Selection Clinic - Selection clinic details and registration form.
(3) Selection Process - Please review the approved Area III Selection Process for NAJYRC 2008.
(4) 2008 Junior and Young Rider Eventing Championships Qualifications - For 2008 the FEI has agreed to the proposal put forward jointly by the United States and Canada regarding qualifications for the Junior and Young Rider Championships. A horse and rider must achieve a qualifying score(s) as a combination as follows:
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(5) Kicking off the 2008 NAJYRC Season, I am pleased to once again, formally announce our Coaching and Selection Team!!!
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As you build your competition schedules for the upcoming months, it is advised to include several of these observation events in your schedule. The Selection Horse Trials are required. Remember to introduce yourself to our Area Coach and Selectors and let them know of your interest in trying out for the teams.
Please complete the Letter of Intent and submit to Karla Nichwander no later than April 1st. Submitting this letter does not obligate you to anything other than your committment and intent to try out for the teams. You will still need to fulfill the qualifications and attend the mandatory selection clinic to be eligible for the teams.
The 2008 NAJYRC will be held at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado from July 29 - August 3, 2008.
Team Challenge 2008 -
To all young riders who are interested in participating in Team Challenge:
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National Young Riders Team Championship (NYRTC) -
To all young riders who are interested in participating in National Young Riders Team Championship:
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Background. The Young Rider National CCI* Team Championship will be run as a CCI* with Steeplechase. The championships are open to all riders between the ages of 14-21 and horses that are qualified to participate in a CCI*. The Junior/Young Rider National CCI* Team Championship event is in addition to and separate from the North American Junior/Young Riders Championship (NAJYRC). The NAJYRC competition encompasses dressage, show jumping and eventing competitions at the One- and Two- star levels and includes teams from Canada and Mexico. The eventing competition is a CCI* and CCI** without steeplechase (short format).
Team Challenge 2007 -
What a great experience! This article is well over due, but may also come at a time when riders are considering
their show season and goals for 2008. This competition gives youth the chance to experience riding on a team and it
can be used as a lead-in to upper level competitions such as NAJYRC.
It was a long haul but well worth the time and effort! The fall weather made the ride cool and the landscape beautiful!
The Kentucky Horse Park was just as beautiful as it was large and busy with multiple competitions taking place over
the course of several days. There were quite a few nice vendors which made shopping a must! Someone even took advantage
of the show prices and bought a horse trailer during the weekend!
We had a “hard-to-beat” roster of teams and a coach second to none! Everyone agreed to deem Jennifer Carter “Coach of
the Year”! Her assistant and our area mascot, Riley, cheered on Area III as well! It was truly amazing to watch
Jennifer school and warm up every rider, attend each competition, and pay attention to every detail. We still can’t
explain how she did it! Her patience and encouragement were truly appreciated! Thank you Jennifer!!
Everyone showed team spirit by decorating stalls, wearing team apparel, coordinating horses with team colors, and
contributing to the team snack shack! The buzz around the stabling area was all about Area III! But, the most commendable
trait of our teams was their sportsmanship and team spirit, each rider making every effort to be on the sidelines
encouraging and cheering on our riders. Of all our riders, the vote went to Mary Hollis Baird for the most team
spirit! Thanks for all your help and support throughout the competition!
It was apparent that Area III was gaining the most recognition beginning with Dressage. When the novice team won
the competition and one of their riders received the best score in the entire division, we knew we were off to a
great start! We also had attention from other sources, which although stressful, helped to pull our riders together
even more. Sadly, one of our riders spent the weekend in the hospital with a minor condition that took her out of
the competition. Later, one of our riders was paid a visit from the show’s EMTs and one of our horses was treated
by the Haygard Equine Medical Team. Thank goodness all outcomes were positive and by the weekend’s end all were on
the road to recovery.
I think all riders and parents will agree. Team Challenge is a rewarding experience for all. The atmosphere of
team spirit with everyone pulling together can’t be beat. All riders should consider putting Team Challenge at the
top of their list of goals for 2008.
The Area III YR - Krewe of Carter Novice team WON the Novice Team Challenge. With 36 teams finishing, this is quite an accomplishment! Team members were Leah Guidry, Emily Renfroe, and Allison Mickler. Individual placings: Leah - Novice A 1st, 21.1; Emily - Novice C 1st, 24.2; Allison - Novice D 4th, 34.7.
The Area III YR - White Stripes placed 2d of 26 Training teams finishing. Team members and individual placings: Kayla Diehl - Training A 1st, 28.2; Laura Orlowski - Training D 3d, 30.3; Mary Hollis Baird - Training C, 40.5; and Danielle Bolte - Training B.
CONGRATULATIONS to all!
Summer Camp 2008 - We had a great camp thanks to all trainers, volunteers, parents and campers. We should have some pictures soon.
Summer Camp 2007 -
Summer Camp
Photo Album. Enjoy!
Camp started off in a frenzy of registration. Was it that we did such a great job last year or maybe it was the
beautiful location change to Pine Top Farm in Thomson, Georgia? Who knew, but the registrations came in with a flurry
and we knew we would squeeze in every last rider no matter what magic we had to pull out to get them all there!
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Sunday morning several out of state riders had already arrived and as the day progressed 50 more riders and 70 horses
found their respective barns and got settled in. Everything clicked along smoothly without anyone being disappointed
at where they were located. In the evening came the rules and introductions from our very talented staff of trainers
we managed to secure for this year’s camp - Kyle Carter, Mike Winter, Hilda Hick Donahue, and Tiffany Loudon. What
lucky riders they are to have such talent teach them for the week. All riders were charged up and ready for the next
morning, we just hoped the trainers we up to riders enthusiasm! The group this year ranged from Beginner Novice to
Intermediate and all under the age of 19!
Monday began with flatwork and followed by our famous Musical FreeStyle Dressage competition. Three arenas danced
and sang with riders performing their individually created tests hoping that they would grab the attention of Kyle,
Mike, Hilda and Tiffany to win the prizes. Music again this year ranged from Fergie to classical with a little
Disney mixed in! Four jeweled brow bands were awarded to the surprise of the recipients.
Tuesday and Wednesday began the dressage and jumping with all riders lessoning at least twice a day, some with
several horses just rode all day! In the evenings we had helmet fitting seminar hosted by Charles Owens, a nutrition
seminar hosted by Seminole Feed, and swimming. All riders got to weigh their horse and a competition was held at
dinner to see who could guess the weight of three horses. Prizes were, of course, awarded to who ever got the closest
to the actual weight.
The riders were never bored. However, we were beginning to see a little wear and tear on the trainers and adults.
Somehow, the kitchen angels never slowed down, presenting to us the most amazing food three times a day for which
we were all so grateful.
On the last day, after hours of riding on Pine Top Farms exceptional cross country course, the week culminated with
the Thursday evening Cattle Roundup Party hosted by Glen Wilson (mounted on his horse Moose) and his lovely wife,
Janet. The evening was full of music and awards. Many prizes were awarded thanks to all the wonderful contributors
for this year. No camper was left empty handed!
A Big Thank-You to all the parents that volunteered for the week. Our gratitude to Glenn and Janet Wilson for
supporting all these talented young people and a special thanks for the use of their very special Pine Top Farm
for another year of making memories and dreams at the 2007 Area III Young Rider Summer Camp.
See you all at Camp next year – be safe and have fun until then!
Jacqueline Carter and Colleen Zaic
Coordinators Area III Young Rider Summer Camp
NAJYRC 2007 -
The NAJYRC Photo Album. (If you have pictures to add, please email to zerkus@bellsouth.net.)
Results are posted and the Area III 2-Star Team Wins GOLD!
Individual placings were Kirsten Selvig - 3d; Georgia Gibbes - 5th;
and Kate Luce - 7th. The 1-star individual placings were Tyler Frey 6th and Liz Zerkus 15th. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
August 5, 2007 -
Today is the final day of the competition. All the girls looked beautiful in their jog out outfits this morning. All
our horses passed the jog with no problems. They will each do a short hack this morning and then get ready for
show jumping. Wish us luck for 5 double clear rounds!
I have to check out of the hotel so this ends my internet connection until I get home. Check the USEA website for
final standings - and we will send out our final notes and some pictures the first of the week. It has been a
wonderful experience again this year. Riders and horses take home so much new knowledge of the upper level of
this sport. I highly recommend that all young riders strive for this competition. I also think that any young
rider riding at the training or preliminary level would greatly benefit from grooming at NAYRC. It is hard work,
but also a lot of fun. Get ready for Colorado next year!
August 4, 2007 -
Cross Country Day! The course, designed by David O’Connor was beautiful.
The grooms and Karla were out early this morning picking out the best spots and setting up the vet boxes. The grooms
worked diligently together. Each groom and parent had a place and a job and everyone stuck to the plan. It went
like clock work! Kyle commented afterwards that it was the best job ever.
Our first riders out were the CCI** team with Kirsten Selvig leading the pack. Kirsten and Rocket went double
clear as expected. Kirsten is currently placed in 4th with a score of 59.6. Next out was Georgia and Delta. The
pair also had a beautiful double clear run with a score of 61.8 and a placing at 7th. Our last team member out
was Kate Luce with a clear round and 1.6 in time. She finished today with a 61.4 and in 6th place. The Area
III/Area X team is currently placed in 2nd with a combined score of 182.8. First place is Area IV/Area II with 180.2.
The individual first place score is 50.4. This is so close that Sunday a rail can make the difference.
Unfortunately, the day did not go as well for the CCI* team. Last evening brought some tough decisions for Seth, Kyle
and the owners of Molto Bravo. Due to some minor swelling in his leg, they decided it would be best to not run
the cross country and risk further injury to the leg. The decision was made to withdraw. With Seth out they were
now a three person team with no drop score option. Our first pair out was Liz and Selina. They successfully went
double clear and are currently in 20th with a 62.9. Missy and Rowdy, had a really good cross country round going
but, unfortunately, took a jump out of order and were eliminated. Tyler and Rudy were the last pair out. They
also went double clear finishing the day in 5th on 51.9. Unfortunately, the team is out of the running and is
currently sitting in 8th place. The individual first place score is a 48.1. While they were disappointed the
four riders banded together and supported one another. “It was an unbelievable morning with 5 clear runs and
only 1.6 in time!” reflected Kyle on the events of the day.
All the horses are recovering nicely from the run this morning. Each of the horses seemed to enjoy the water and
the attention as they were cooled down in the vet box. The grooms seemed to enjoy the same with a water fight
after the last horse was done. Buckets of water were flying everywhere as they all chased around and enjoyed
the cool water. The burst of energy made it hard to believe that they had been up since 5 AM and had worked non stop
through the morning. Back in the barn shoes were checked and fluids were flowing. Legs were iced. Grooms and
riders were taking turns with stop watches and keeping the proper leg in the bucket of water. As the afternoon
wound down so did the riders and grooms. The barn was very quiet as everyone napped and took care of the horses.
After a mock jog for Kyle and our vets, all the horses were ready for feed and an evening of rest.
The riders and families were all treated to a cook out at the Gibbes’ RV. The CCI** girls walked the show jumping
course with Kyle. Another day had gone like clockwork. One day left.
August 3, 2007 - Hello All:
It is hard to believe that we are already into the second day of the competition. Time is flying - partly because
we are so busy and partly because we are having so much fun! The CCI* team rode dressage today. Everyone looked
fantastic and things ran as smooth as silk this morning. Our CCI* team is Liz Zerkus, Seth Tousey, Missy Miller
and Tyler Frey.
Liz, is from Fayetteville, Georgia and is here on her Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare Roselina. At 6 years old,
Roselina is the youngest horse at the competition this year. Liz has just completed her first college classes
this summer at Georgia State University. She is a proud member of the Wayfarer Eventing team riding with Emma
and Mike Winter. She attended the first YRAP Summer camp in 2003 and returned to Poplar Place for YRAP camp in
2004 and 2005. She rode on the 2003 Area Team Challenge Novice Team and came to NAYRC last year for the CCI* on
her New Zealand Thoroughbred, Satori. Liz and Selina placed 2nd this spring at the Ocala CCI*, 9th place at the
Poplar Place CIC*, 4th in the preliminary division of the Ocala Winter Horse trials, Pine Top Thanksgiving and
November Poplar Place. This fall Liz will juggle college and competing Selina at the Preliminary level and
Selina’s sister Chloe at Beginner Novice.
Missy Miller is back at NAYRC this year riding her 11 year old Thoroughbred/Connemara gelding, Leprechaun’s Rowdy
Boy. This is Missy’s 3rd NAYRC as a rider with an impressive individual 4th place in 2005. Missy has had an exciting
season competing three horses at the preliminary level with a 2nd place finish at Red Hills, the highest placed
Young Rider at Bromont finishing in 7th, a 3rd place finish at the Lost Hounds Horse Trails, 1st place finish
at Rocking Horse III, 2nd place at Rocking Horse II, 3rd Place at Rocking Horse I, and 4th place at the Ocala
Winter Horse Trials. Missy, 18 years old, is from Gulf Shores, Alabama and graduated this spring from Bayside
Academy. She plans to ride full time next year with her trainer, Darren Chiacchia. She participated in the
YRAP summer camp in 2004 and 2007. She also groomed for Area III at the 2004 NAYRC.
Tyler Frey is at her first NAYRC. She is riding her 11 year old Thoroughbred gelding, Rudolfo. Tyler is 17 years
old and will be a senior this fall at Daphne High School. She has been a working student for Jim Graham and
currently rides with Hilda Donahue. Tyler has taken dressage lessons since she was 7 years old from Dorothy
Maxfield and was excited that she was here to see her dressage test this morning. She would like to thank both
Hilda and Jim, without them she doesn’t think Rudy would be jumping. She has attended YRAP summer camps in 2004-2007
and place individually in 2nd place on the Area III 2006 Preliminary Team Challenge Team. This season Tyler
place 7th at the Rocking Horse III, 4th at Rocking Horse II and 13th at Rocking Horse I at the Preliminary levels.
After NAYRC Rudy and Tyler plan to move up to Intermediate this fall.
Seth Tousey, 17 years old from Tryon, is riding at his first NAYRC. He is competing on a 10 year old, off the
track Thoroughbred gelding, Molto Bravo. Seth and Bravo have only been together since April but have bonded after
an impressive 5 events together. They placed 2nd at Fence, 3rd at River Glen and 9th at the CCI* in Virginia.
Seth has also ridden a successful season on his other mount Griffin X at the Intermediate level with a 5th place
at the May Poplar, 3rd place at River Glen and 3rd place at Pine Top Spring Trial. Seth will be a senior this
year at Keystone High School. He trains with Amy Barrington and Carol Bishop but is quick to note that there
are many riders who have helped him along the way. Seth attended the 2003, 2004 and 2007 YRAP summer camps and
was on the 2003 Area III Novice Team at Team Challenge.
Our riders had beautiful dressage rides with Seth scoring a 55.2, Liz a 62.9, Missy a 59.0 and Tyler a 51.9. The
team combined score is 166.1 placing them in 4th place. Area IV is in 1st place with a score of 157.4. With dressage
out of the way the team is focusing on Cross Country. Both the CCI** and CCI* teams are walking the course again
this evening with Kyle. Our day will start early in the morning with the hard working grooms setting up our vet
boxes at 5 AM. Our CCI** team will start first immediately followed by the CCI*. All riders are expected to be
finished by noon.
Once again our wonderful grooms have worked hard to make the days go smoothly. Our CCI* grooms are all at NAYRC
for the first time this year. Felicia is 17 years old from Kennesaw, Georgia where she will be a senior this year
at Harrison High. She will be moving her 6 year old Thoroughbred, Odyssey to Preliminary at Poplar Place this
September. She has participated in the Area III YRAP summer camp in 2006 and 2007. She also rode on the 2006
Area III Novice team at Team Challenge where she finished 2nd individually. She has been selected to ride on
the 2007 Area III Team Challenge Team this fall. Emily Renfroe, from Daphne, Alabama, will be a junior at Daphne
High School. Emily and her 14 year old Thoroughbred, Chaps, will be riding for Area III on the Preliminary team
at Team Challenge this fall. She has attended the 2006 and 2007 YRAP summer camp. Sam Johnston from Griffin, Georgia
will be a junior this year at Spalding High School. He is currently competing his 7 year old Irish Sport horse,
Benedict at training level. Mary Hollis Baird, 17 (or at least she will be in 20 days), is from Signal Mountain,
Tennessee. She will be a senior this year at Girl’s Prep School (GPS). She currently is competing at training level
on her 9 year old Thoroughbred, Slim Jim II. Mary Hollis has attended the 2006 and 2007 YRAP Summer Camps and
has competed for Area III on the 2006 Novice Team Challenge Team. She has been selected for the 2007 Area III Training
team at this fall’s 2007 Team Challenge.
Despite all the happenings of NAYRC, I would have to say the most important event of the week has to be the
celebration of Emily Renfroe’s birthday today. Happy Birthday Emily - but hope you didn’t expect the day off . . .
I would also like to note that there has been a bit of trickery as usual. A mystery person has decorated Kyle’s car
multiple times with signs and gooey substances. He may not admit it but he would miss it if the harassment stopped. . .
We would like to take a moment to say thank you to Hilda for the beautiful encouraging note and roses she sent to
the riders, thank you to Glen Wilson and Pine Top Farm for the use of the facility for our selection clinic and
the paddle with the Good Luck wishes inscribe and also to Dani Ditchting for the basket of horse treats for our
beloved horses. Thank you to all who have sent good wishes by email - they will be passed along to the riders!
August 2, 2007 - Hello Area III:
The competition has begun at the North American Young Riders Championship. Today our CCI** team rode dressage. Our
dressage arena is at the top of the hill behind the coliseum. The view and setting is beautiful. The weather today
was clear and pleasant. Our team is Kirsten Selvig, Georgia Gibbes and Kate Luce. We were able to round out our
team with a fourth rider, Brett Elise Handy and her mount Promising Sports Field. Brett is from Area X.
Kate Luce is back for her 4th NAYRC this year riding Tia Lusso. Tia Lusso is an 11 year old Hanoverian. While
this is Tia Lusso’s first NAYRC, Kate competed for the Area in the 2004 CCI*, the 2005 CCI** on her horse BellTrees
Sampras and the 2006 CCI** on Fox in Flight. Last year the Area III CCI**team won the Gold Metal. Kate has
trained with Darren Chiacchia for the last 4 years. Kate, a 20 year old, is from Mobile, Alabama and will be a
junior this year at Auburn University. Kate and Tia Lusso have had a good season, including a 1st place in
Intermediate at the 2006 Fork Gold Cup. She also placed first at the 2007 CIC*** at Red Hills on Fox in Flight. Her
plans after NAYRC include taking Fox in Flight to the CCI*** in Fair Hills this October. Kate is the Area III
Young Rider Representative.
Georgia Gibbes, from St. Matthews, SC, is 18 years old. She is riding the CCI** Championship on her 8 year old
Irish Sporthorse mare, Bounce Back. Georgia and Bounce Back competed last year on the Area III CCI* team. Georgia
competed successfully this season at the Intermediate level at Pine Top, Poplar and the Fork. The pair also had a
double clear run at the Ocala CCI** this past spring. Georgia will be a freshman at Auburn University this fall
and leaves immediately following the NAYRC competition for Rush. She plans to major in Business and Finance. Georgia
is such an inspiration to all and appreciates the opportunity to be here and hang out with everyone.
Kirsten Selvig and her partner Ruse de Guerre are from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Kirsten has finished her
freshman year at the University of South Carolina Honors College and will return this fall to start her Sophomore
year. This is Kristen’s 3rd NAYRC experience. She groomed in 2005 and was on the 2006 CCI* Championship team.
Kristen attended the 2005 and 2007 YRAP Summer Camp. Kristen proudly finished first at her first CIC** this year
held in May at the Virginia Horse Park. For those of you following the results online, the event staff has renamed
Kirsten – she is now known as Selvia Kirsten.
The CCI** grooms, Katy Nichwander, Alaina Stumpf, Ginsie Britton and Lightsey Laffitte along with all the other
grooms had the riders and their mounts at the arena on time, beautifully turned out and ready to compete. Katy, 15
years old, is attending her 2nd NAYRC as a groom and has participated in every YRAP Summer Camp since 2003. She is
currently riding training level on Patrick her new Irish Thoroughbred. Ginsie has attended the YRAP summer camp
and rides training level on her paint mare Cat. Alaina, 15 years old, is new to young riders. She recently
acquired a new horse name Woody and we are all convincing her Eventing is the only way to ride. Lightsey is a
friend of Georgia’s from Columbia, South Carolina and is a Preliminary rider. She will be a freshman at Clemson
this Fall.
Our first rider out this morning was Brett who scored a 59.2. She was followed by Kirsten who scored a 59.6, Georgia
with a 61.8 and Kate with a 59.8. The team is currently placed 2nd with a combined score of 178.6 putting us behind
the Ontario/Alberta Team who has a total score of 162.2. With dressage over, the girls have turned their focus to
Saturday and the cross country. After the afternoon flat lessons for the CCI* team both groups walked the cross
country course with Kyle for the first time. Everyone was impressed with the course which has been designed by
David O’Connor.
Kyle, who has been most accommodating, is coaching for the sixth year. He brings great insight to the
competition. When asked about the dressage competition this morning he commented the markings were exceptionally
tough. He was pleased with our riders and felt there were good parts about every test. He is complementary about
the grooms, saying they are a fabulous group and the best ever.
Tonight riders and parents enjoyed the Mexican Fiesta Dinner and demonstrations in Vaulting and Reining.
Friday the CCI* team will ride dressage, there will be jumping lessons and the grooms will be getting ready
for a busy Saturday morning in the Cross Country vet boxes.
July 31, 2007 -
Hello to Area III from NAYRC at the Virginia Horse Park!
It is an exciting time and the young riders present want to let Area III know how proud they are to represent our
Area. This year we have two strong teams of horses and riders lead by a great group of adults. We appreciate all
the area has done to support these kids as many dreams have been realized as they travel the road to this exciting
competition. If you don’t know much about NAYRC, I encourage you to go to the website (www.youngriders.org) and
read about it. This year many of our competitors and grooms have come up through our YRAP (Young Rider Advancement
Program) which was designed to prepare the young rider for this team competition. They have all had a successful
competition season and have proved themselves to be the some of the best at their levels. They have raised money
and spent time preparing for this week and it is finally here.
The CCI** team is Kate Luce on Tia Lusso, Georgia Gibbes on Bounce Back and Kirsten Selvig on Ruse de Guerre. The
CCI* team is Liz Zerkus on Roselina, Missy Miller on Leprechaun’s Rowdy Boy, Tyler Frey on Rudolfo and Seth Tousey
on Molto Bravo. Once again Kyle Carter is successfully guiding our kids through the excitement and nerves of this
competition. We are also happy that Chris Newton is our team vet and is doing his best to keep all the horse in
top shape. We also must mention the wonderful organizational skills of our area Young Rider Coordinator and
Chef de Equip - Karla Nichwander.
Last week riders and grooms all attended a training session at the Bouckaert Farm in North Georgia. We would like
to take this opportunity to thank them for their wonderful hospitality and especially for Nathalie who jumped in and
gave dressage lessons while Kyle was returning from a competition in Rio - (for those of you that don’t know our
Coach Kyle attended the Pan Am games and came back with a Silver Metal and an individual 5th place.). The kids
trained hard last week but had time for some fun and a lot of bonding which included the annual shopping trip for
jog-out outfits and the white water rafting trip.
Karla and the grooms left on Sunday for the Virginia Horse Park in Lexington so they could get an early start on
setting up the stalls for the arrival of the horses and riders. This year our grooms include Young Riders Katy
Nichwander, Ginsie Britton, Mary Hollis Baird, Felicia Bradley, Emily Renfroe and Sam Johnston.
Check back for updates as the NAJYRC week progresses.
July 7th, 2007 - The Young Riders representing Area 3 at the 2007 North American Junior Young Riders Championships (NAJYRC) are:
| CCI-CH-Y** | CCI-CH-J* |
| Kate Luce Georgia Gibbes Kirsten Selvig |
Missy Miller Tyler Frey Liz Zerkus Seth Tousey |
These kids have worked hard to train and compete their horses to be able to qualify and try out for our Area. In addition, they have all been required to raise funds and gain sponsorships to help offset the expenses of sending our teams to this junior Olympic level competion. They will now continue on to a rigorous training session and then off to the VA Horse Park in Lexington, VA, for the 2007 North American Junior Young Rider Championships, to be held August 1-5th. Watch this website for daily updates on the competition! We wish our Area's Young Riders a rewarding and successful international competition!!!
ACTIVITY CALENDAR - The Activity Calendar has the clinic, training, camp and activities dates for 2008.
2008 LOW SCORE AWARD SHOW RESULTS - Young Riders, please make sure and send thank you notes to the business and/or family who donated prizes for you to win!
| EVENT | LOW SCORE WINNERS |
|---|---|
| FENCE - March 22-23 |
|
| Preliminary - Kristie Dillon, 48.4 Navy Blue Quilted Jacket Show Bag; Young Rider Shirt |
|
| Training - Jackson Roberts, 33.5 Halter and lead rope donated by The English Rider/Alpharetta GA; Young Rider hat |
|
| Novice - Kristen Gallo, 32.5 Saddle pad donated by Ellie Thompson Family; Bracelet donated by Leah Guidry Family; Young Rider shirt |
|
| Beginner Novice - Tyler Moore, 36.3 Hoofclix.com Gift Certificate donated by Hoofclix.com; Grooming Stone donated by Leah Guidry Family; Young Rider hat |
|
| Poplar Place Farm - May 3-4 |
|
| Preliminary/Intermediate - Devon Brown, 35.7 Navy Blue Ice Boots donated by Nichwander Family and a YR T-Shirt |
|
| Training - Samantha Bielawski, 50.0 YR Jacket Bag and YR T-Shirt |
|
| Novice - Rachael Isaakson, 26.5 Halter and Lead Rope donated by The English Rider and a YR T-Shirt |
|
| Beginner Novice - Caroline Lendl, 32.8 Grooming Kit and YR T-Shirt |
|
| Full Gallop Farm - September 6-7 |
|
| Chattahoochee Hills - September 13-14 |
|
| Ocala 3-Day and HT - November 13-16 |
ATTENTION YOUNG RIDERS:
Time to restock the prize trunk for the Low Score Award Shows! If you have not done so for the year yet, please
ask your local tack store for an item donation for the Area Young Riders! You can also purchase an item and
donate it if you would rather.
Good ideas for items are: halters, saddle pads, grooming supplies, polo wraps, any type of tack, gift certificates,
etc. We usually try and have the item(s) have a value of approx. $35. You can group things together in a bag if
you wish.
This donation also helps you as a member to fulfill your participation award! So, that puts you eligible for an
embroidered Young Rider Award Saddle Pad to proudly use at your competitions!
Send all items to:
Annette Lacefield
Area III Low Score Award Show Chair
109 Pond View Point
LaGrange, GA 30240
gvp107@charter.net
Each Spring and Fall we select 3 horse trials to reward our members and promote our program. A tent with literature and representatives is made available at these shows to answer questions, display our photo albums from past activities and sign up new members. Items that are donated from our various sponsors are awarded to participating members that finish with the lowest score at each level. This year's winners are:
CLINIC REFUNDS - Policy on refund requests for clinics is as follows: If you have to miss a clinic for an excusable reason (as determined by the Young Rider Coordinator) such as an illness, you may request that your clinic fee be put towards your fundraising responsibilities for the year or your dues. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide cash refunds after the closing date since we base our fees on a cost per rider basis and cannot afford to lose money on our clinics.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS - To be a member of the Area III Young Riders program, you must meet
two basic criteria:
|
|
PARTICIPATION AWARD INFORMATION -
Every year our program grows. More members. More clinics. More expenses. Many volunteers work hard to help promote
our Young Riders program, to help raise money, to find product and financial sponsors. Our Participation Award was
created years ago to recognize our members who give of themselves – their time and their experience.
In addition to being a dues paying member of both the USEA and the Area III Young Riders, if you would like to
be one of the dozens of members who give back to their organization, here’s how you can do it.
The criteria that the Coordinator reviews at the end of each year are:
1. Dues paid?
2. Met fund-raising goals for general membership?
3. Volunteered 8 hours?
4. Obtained a donation for Awards Program?
5. Wrote 3 thank you notes to our sponsors?
But how do you achieve these goals, you might ask?
Volunteer Hours
You can meet these goals by volunteering to promote Young Riders at the Low-Score Award Shows each year where
the Young Riders tent is set up. This is an opportunity for you to connect with other Young Riders as well as
tell other interested riders about the organization. You’ll have the chance to make friends, and find out more
about the benefits of being a Young Rider.
You can also volunteer to help at the annual summer camp, as a camp counselor, unmounted instructor or by helping
in other ways as needed. Or you can volunteer at various clinics throughout the year, perhaps checking in the
riders or arranging for lunch. We had one member last year travel to Kentucky for the Team Challenge competition
as a volunteer groom, at her own expense! That was greatly appreciated by all the riders there!
Other opportunities will be posted on the Web site, so please visit often for updates.
Fund-raising Goals
We ask our members to help us raise the money to provide the programs that will benefit them the most. Our
operating budget in 2004 exceeded $100,000. All of this money was raised through the efforts of our members
and their parents. We ask that each level of membership raise a specific amount of money.
Beginner Novice - $300
Novice - $300
Training - $300
Prelim/Intermediate - $500
All funds are applied towards clinic expenses and Team Challenge/NAYRC team expenses.
Please do your part to help. Thanks!
Thank You Notes
At every clinic, camp, and team activity, we set aside a time to write thank you notes to our sponsors and
those who have supported our program. This is an easy way to promote our program, to thank all those wonderful
businesses and individuals who have given to our program, and makes a lovely impression on the sponsors so they’ll
want to give more!
Awards Donation
You can visit a local store and obtain a $35 item to be given away at the
Low-Score Awards shows. The donator will receive an acknowledgement postcard for their support. You’ll need to send
the item and sponsor information to the Awards Coordinator, listed on the
Participation Report Form (below).
Tracking and Recording Your Efforts
We have put together a simple form for you to fill out as you complete part or all of a criteria. You can print
out the PDF file, fill it in, and mail to Patti Wiliams.
Or you can open the Word form, fill it in,
and e-mail it to Patti.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER - The Young Riders membership application is available by clicking HERE. Click HERE for information about the program, membership dues and activities.
CONTACTS -
| Young Rider Coordinator Karla Nichwander Home - 770.410.0960 nichwander@mindspring.com |
Assistant YR Coordinator Jacque (Jackie) Carter Home - 678-423-8774 (preferred number) Cell - 678-592-0121 Jacque.Carter@earthlink.net |
| Memberships/Secretary Participation Tracking OPEN (Contact Karla Nichwander) |
Sponsorships / Fundraising Chair Kathryn Guidry 850-729-7541 khguidry@juno.com |
| Low Score Award Show Program Gena Driscoll 251-639-9685 danielgena@bellsouth.net |
Team Challenge Leigh Littrell Home - 256.353.3017 LeLittrell@aol.com |
| NAJYRC Karla Nichwander Home - 770.410.0960 nichwander@mindspring.com |
Summer Camp Judy Dobbs Lewis Home - 251-634-9553 Cell - 251-402-9899 JudyDLewis@aol.com |
| YR Area Coach Kyle Carter 352-595-1165 352-895-9682 fiverings@hotmail.com |
YR Area Selectors Mike Winter 678-423-1779 mike@wayfarereventing.net Tiffany Loudon-Meetze 803-261-7808 tffn@aol.com Hilda Hicks-Donahue 407-884-9292 |
AFFILIATES -
Click on logos below to shop with affiliates -
Jeffers Pet & Equine
Petsmart
Wal Mart
Enter COUNTRY-CARE Code 'useaarea3yr' during checkout
Netflix
Disney Shopping
Mrs. Fields Gifts
Macy's
Lumber Liquidators
Puritan's Pride
Wireless from AT&T
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
HotWire.com
Oriental Trading Co.
Sirius Satellite Radio
Plow & Hearth
US Olympic Shop.com
SPONSORS -
Click on logos below to visit our sponsors -
Pine Top Farm
Soho Hero - Create*Print*Ship
AtLast! Flyspray