Thank goodness they are riding old pros from the World Show. Ask Me for Details, aka Houston is a multiple World Champion in a variety of events with both Karen Evans Mundy and former youth Exhibitor, Katie Bello. Storm Waves ridden by Grace won an AQHYA World Championship in Equitation Over Fences a few years back. Katie Van Slyke will be aboard Zippin On Top former Congress Champion and a host of top ten world show placings.
Follow along this blog to see how the girls and the horses handle the pressure of showing at the industry’s top youth show. We’ve got bets that the horses won’t have a problem, but how will the girls do?
KATIE VAN SLYKE–Another year went by that I didn’t make a call back. Even though most of my classes improved from last year, I couldn’t help but be disappointed when I didn’t hear my number called over the loud speaker. I had some of my best rides ever, but I guess I’ll just have to keep getting better. On a happier note, I couldn’t be prouder if my horse. After only having him a few months and showing him only five times, we had some pretty awesome rides. I couldn’t believe how well our hunter under saddle and equitation went. Our lead change in the equitation pattern was a little bit early, but everything else was great. When you’re in a class with 150 great riders, it’s hard to make a mistake and get back to the semi- finals.
Leaving this morning, I did feel a little sad. I didn’t want the show to end. I just wanted more chances to try to prove that I can compete with the big girls, yet, I know that I will one day. Hopefully one day soon. So I will keep working hard, praying hard, showing hard, and maybe you’ll hear our names next year.
MARY GRACEN REED–Today was my last day to show at the 2013 Youth World. I had hunter under saddle with Sophie and equitation with Houston. My favorite part of my hunter under saddle class was trotting down the center of the show pen while they are calling your name out. The class was so big that they had to split it into five splits. I was in the 4th split with 19 other riders. I was very proud of Sophie because this was her first ever world show. My equitation pattern was a fun pattern. I loved doing the hand gallop in it because Houston is good at it and I am getting stronger so it is a whole lot easier and I enjoy doing it now. I am very proud of both of my babies. I can’t wait for many more world shows with them. They truly have my heart.
MARY GRACEN REED, Day 7, August 6th
While the horses rested, we went to watch the Working Hunter, Equitation Over Fences, Jumping, and Hunter Hack finals. I would have to say that my favorite jumping event would have to be hunter hack. Maybe because it looks the most approachable, or the fact that it really asks so much of the horse to jump down the line and then be great on the rail. All of the classes were so exciting. Afterwards we all saddled up and practiced Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation on the flat. Both horses were being very good–always a relief at a show like this! Each of them had to be bathed so that they would be ready to show tomorrow, I was able to take a nap because we were going to ride later to be able to get in the show pen and practice. We practiced around 9:30p.m. and then put them to bed for the night. Looking forward to a big day tomorrow!
KATIE VAN SLYKE, Day 7, August 6th
Since I wasn’t in either the showmanship or the horsemanship finals, my day was filled with equitation practice and the equitation “ride the pattern” clinic. This years equitation pattern has a trot serpentine with two diagonal changes. After you round the top of the serpentine, you enter the canter on the left lead and gradually enter the hand gallop. The tricky part in the hand gallop is the tight left turn and lead change while still in the two point position. The trick to standing out is having a smooth lead change and a noticeable speed change when you collect the canter. Then after making a circle on the right lead, you sit the trot down the center and stop. When you transition into the sit trot, you don’t want to be timid. The more you go for it and show that you can sit it at a forward speed, the better it will look to the judges.
In my equitation pattern, I am going to try to have fluid transitions and change diagonals in the center of the cones. Because this class has so many competitive riders, every little thing matters. There is basically no room for error in order to make it to the semi-finals. All I can do is keep calm, ride the pattern just like I practiced, and trust Kalvin to be a good boy and show to his full potential.
DAY 6
KATIE VAN SLYKE– Day 6, August 5th
If you had asked me how I thought my pattern was going to go in the warm up of showmanship, I would have been confident in saying that it would be amazing. He was being so responsive and focused out in the warm up that the thought of semi finals kept popping in my head! But when I walked from the chute to the arena, Kalvin noticed something that he believed deserved all of his attention…The jumbo-tron… He couldn’t take his eyes off of it! So when the ring steward nodded his head, I just went with what I had.
After I watched the video of my pattern, I could see that it wasn’t as bad as it had felt, but he did pick up his pivot foot in the second turn. I could tell that he wasn’t focused, so it taught us that he needs a little more energy preparation for this class.
Since I was early to go in the class, I had a ton of time to watch everyone and see all the pretty jackets! My jacket was made by Dawn Haas Meyers, and I’m completely in love with it, but it was fun looking at everyone else’s! Even from the live feed online, you could see how beautiful and unique everyone looked.
Out of the 178 entries in showmanship, there was bound to be thirty nearly perfect patterns. Again, I would have loved to make the finals. Though after watching the semi-finals, I saw that those exhibitors clearly belonged there. Hopefully I will belong there one day!
MARY GRACEN REED, Day 6. August 5th
Today we had showmanship. I was 93rd to go out of 175 in the working order. Our pattern was amazing. Houston stuck all of his pivots, set ups were fast, my back perspective was just right, and I had a smile on my face the whole time. I could not be any happier with Houston. He filled my heart with joy. He always tries his best and gives 110%. When I was finished with my pattern and walking up the shoot I had tears in my eyes and it made me realize how thankful I am to have this amazing opportunity with this horse. When I got back to the stalls, I gave him peppermint treats for being a good boy. Today was a very successful day for Ask Me For Details and myself, but I am looking forward to the next few days of Hunt Seat Equitation and Hunter Under Saddle.
DAY 5
KATIE VAN SLYKE–. Day 5, August 4th
One thing I love about the World Show is getting to see so many exhibitors in different classes at such a high level of skill and ability. Yesterday, I got to watch barrels and poles and a little bit of trail. It is amazing to see the American Quarter Horse in action and being so diverse.
Tomorrow, my third class at the world show will be showmanship, and I could not be more excited! Showmanship has always been one of my favorite classes, and when I saw the pattern, I fell in love. Even though it makes it more nerve racking, I love when patterns are challenging. Because my horse and I are a new team, I’m going to try not to put too much pressure on myself. We’ve had a great world show so far, so I’m going to try to keep the streak going!
The pattern’s most challenging part is the back. After trotting past the judge, you have to back and land with your hip even with the judge. After that, you have to pivot 1 3/4 turns and walk to the judge. If your horse is like my horse, this is a pretty tricky maneuver. Kalvin takes pretty big backing steps, so if I don’t have his pivot foot in front of his non pivot foot, his is more than likely going to reposition his pivot foot before he sticks the spin.
My favorite part of the pattern is all the trotting! Kalvin has a very pretty trot which gives us a nice overall picture in my opinion. Yes, I believe that we can be a great pair in this class, but all the stars have to line up for us to have a “finalist worthy” pattern. There are over 170 entries in this class, and I’m sure that they all have worked hard just like I have. All I can do is practice hard, pray hard, and show hard!
MARY GRACEN REED– Day 5. August 4
Tonight we had the parade of states. There were people from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, and the United States. This year they did the year-end high point awards. It was really neat seeing all these amazing people that had worked hard all year gathering points for High Point awards–folks who had traveled so far to be here, and all of us just trying to go for a dream. Ford presented the new vehicle for the year, which is a major sponsor for the youth world show. Now that I am of driving age, it makes me want to start looking at trucks instead of cars! At the end of the ceremony, they presented the 2013 AQHYA directors and officers. This years ceremony was extra special because of the theme being “Be Your Own Superhero” which means so much because of all our men and women that serve in the armed forces to protect us and our country. The World Show is always special for many reasons, but this year it just seems even more unique and I feel even more blessed to be here.
GRACE ZLYSTRA– Day 4. August 3–Her final blog of the showIt was finally time! The day had come to compete in the Youth World. I got to the barn around seven am with the equitation class starting at nine. I was 69th in the working order, so I was looking at a ride time of about eleven. When the class started, I went to the arena and watched the first couple of rides. Some of the were amazing and I didn’t see how I was supposed to compete with them, while others weren’t so hot. As the time got closer, I went back to the barn to prepare!
Finally, I was ready. I made my way to the warm-up arena. It was insane! With my warm-ups done, it was time to get my head in the game. My nerves were calm. I was ready. The announcer called my number as the next go. I stood in the shoot watching the girl ahead of me ride. I went over the course one final time before the gate was opened, and I was told to go in. I stepped into the arena and Storm’s ears perked up. He looked around and I could just feel. He was ready. We picked up our left canter lead and got on our step. My body took over, and I rode as hard as I could. We had a great round that Karen and I were so proud of. Although, on the last jump of the entire course Stormie nicked the rail. I couldn’t have been happier with my performances this weekend. I couldn’t believe I had come this far after just two years of riding.
Later that afternoon, I rode my working hunter course. It also went well, but shortly after my working hunter go I learned that Storm had sold and that the new family was taking him home from the youth world. I knew this was for the best as Storm gets older, but it was still extremely difficult for me to let him go. I cried for a good 30 minutes and was still in tears when it came time for hunter hack. As everyone expected because of my emotional state, I bombed hunter hack. I did not let that get me down though, I was so happy with my experiences at the Youth World. Even though its really difficult for me to even think about Storm without tearing up, I’m so glad he is going to a great home! It’s not like I left empty handed either, Mom and Dad bought me the horse of my dreams. I cannot wait for another great year and the next three years at the Youth World!
MARY GRACEN REED– Day 4, August 3
Having two horses at the Youth World has been very time consuming; cleaning two stalls, longing two horses, feeding, riding and all the things you have to do to prepare yourself for the classes. Houston, the veteran, doesn’t require as much time as Sophie, the three year old. He has been there and done that so he knows his job. It is nice to have Houston, while I have Sophie still in training so I can focus on my riding skills instead of with Sophie, I have to focus on her. I love both of my horses and wouldn’t trade them for the world!! I still have several classes with Houston…showmanship and equitation (fingers crossed) and Sophie in the Hunter Under Saddle. Showing at this show, I know prepares me for a lifetime of showing at bigger shows with tougher competition. It is nice to have an old pro on my side through the process and knowing that he excels at equitation has me excited for this class.
KATIE VAN SLYKE– Day 4, August 3
Even though I did not make the finals of the western riding, I was still so happy with my ride. I’ve seen so much improvement in my horse in this class, so not making the finals was not the end of the world. When I watched the finals, I paid attention to the poise and fluidity of the exhibitor’s patterns. It made me realize what kind of pattern I need to be working towards! All of those riders deserved to be in the finals and I enjoyed watching them.
Mary Hannah Brown was the western riding world champion this year. She more than won that class. Her changes were lovely and I thought that she knocked it out of the park. Would I have loved to have been in the finals? Yes! But it wasn’t my time. I have confidence that it will be one day, but today it was fifteen other riders’ day to shine. I enjoyed sharing that experience with them from the sidelines and setting goals for my future world shows.
KATIE VAN SLYKE–Day 3, August 2, 2013
When I woke up the morning of my western riding class, I immediately started thinking of the possibilities. I thought about how my horse has only been shown in the class a handful of times, and many of the other entries have excelled in the class for years! I was worried that I was going to let my nerves show through my riding. I’ve always had trouble with letting my nerves get to me, so when I walked into the chute leading to the world show arena, I was surprised to find that all of my nerves were washed away. I trusted Kalvin to be a good boy and do everything just how we had practiced. I kept Kalvin relaxed by walking him in small circles until the man at the gate finally told me it was my time. I also found that humming or singing softly right before the class kept my body relaxed and my mind from thinking about the pattern too hard.
When it was finally my time, I took a deep breath and walked into the arena. The walk from the gate to the cones felt like it was miles long! I kept looking in the stands at my trainer, but at this point, it was all up to my horse and me.
I returned my focus to the cones that were slowly but surely approaching. I asked for a jog, and I was so relieved that we were finally on coarse. Kalvin hasn’t had much experience when it comes to poles, so I was praying that he wouldn’t hit it. When I realized that we made it over the log without hitting it, my confidence shot up! I was happy for a split second before I started to focus on getting him on a long enough pace. Once we approached and nailed the first lead change, I knew that it was going to be a good ride.
I was ecstatic when my pattern was over! All of our changes were clean and in the center, which is better than I could have ever asked for! The only thing that I wasn’t one hundred percent happy with was when our stride over the log at the end was a little long and our back was a little crooked at the end. When it was all said and done though, I was very proud of myself and my horse. On his sixth western riding pattern ever, we received a score of 206! That score landed us in the top 35 exhibitors!
Overall, I had a blast! After my ride was over, it was so much fun getting to watch all of my friends in the class and cheer them on just like they had done for me. I saw some beautiful rides that made me want to strive even harder for a better ride next year. It was an amazing experience to have with my horse, and it made me even more excited for the next four classes!
GRACE ZLYSTRA–Day 3, August 2, 2013
Youth World, day three. I hardly even know where to begin on this insane day. Let me just start off saying, today did not go as planned, but as Karen Mundy always says “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This morning, I was supposed to get up around seven to go watch Mary Gracen in halter mares, but because of an allergy pill I had taken the night before I was too drowsy to get myself out of bed. I slept a while longer hoping that I could sleep the medicine off and wake up feeling refreshed. This was not the case. Waking up a few hours later I realized I was a little under the weather.
For a little background, I am allergic to horses and early this summer I was diagnosed with bronchitis. I have been struggling with the bronchitis all summer and being around horses triggers it worse then it sometimes is. It leaves me grasping for air and suffering from a tight chest at times. My mother saw that this was going to be a serious issue this show, and not having an allergist specialist appointment until returning home to Nashville, she had to think quickly. Mom located an urgent care center fairly close to the fair grounds and we made plans to go there before going to the barn that day.
Finally, at 10:30, we were ready to depart for the day. Walking out to the truck, I notice something odd as we are drawing nearer. Our tailgate was gone. So, back into the hotel we went to file a police report and a claim with the hotel. After multiple calls to the police, Ford dealerships, and the insurance company we think, we have it all figured out. It was now getting close to noon and I had a 2:15 warm up ride time. Forget urgent care, time to buck up and ride.
Arriving at the barn I needed to warm up on the flat and jump the practice jumps outside the arena before going in for my warm up because we only got 10 minutes. When my warm up time had I arrived, I walked into the arena with five other girls. Immediately we all cantered off and attacked the jumps as if we were on a kamikaze mission. This would be overwhelming for any rider trying to prepare for the Youth World. It was even more overwhelming to me knowing that I have a horse with traffic control issues. Nevertheless, I knew I had to make it happen. My 10 minutes seemed more like 10 seconds when trying to prepare for such a challenging show. Even though it was crazy and seemed like a complete mess, Storm and I did it. We were properly prepared for the following day! With crazy warm ups over and Storm properly attended to, I could finally go see the doctor.
By this point in time, I was really struggling, gasping for air. My chest felt tight and it was painful to breath. Walking into the lobby of the doctor’s office, the nurse quickly took me into the back and gave me a breathing treatment. Finally, instant relief– I was breathing again! Equipped with antibiotics and an inhaler, I was ready to go back to the hotel and prepare for the big day ahead. It’s now getting close to 10:00 pm as I finish writing this article. Seems like this day would never come but now, its less than 12 hours away. I’ve never felt more ready! Cannot wait to prove to everybody that my old pro has still got it.
MARY GRACEN REED–Day 3, August 2, 2013
Today was my first class at the 2013 Youth World, and Sophie’s first ever world show class. She was great in the Performance Halter Mares. She stood there the whole time, which I was proud of her because she is just a 3 year old. The class lasted about a hour. It felt amazing walking down the shoot and seeing you and your horse on the jumbo-tron and hearing the announcer call out your name. It makes you feel proud of all the time and hard work you have put in with your horse. My first class at the Youth World with Houston is tomorrow. I’m so excited!! I am very thankful to have this opportunity to show such an amazing horse. The days seem to fly by now, and I find myself in the whirlwind of the Youth World!
DAY 2
GRACE ZYLSTRA. Day 2. August 1st.
Waking up this morning,
anticipation was slowly building inside me. I could hardly wait to
arrive at the fairgrounds and find out what the Youth World Show was
really like. As we pulled up to the main entrance, I could see the mass
amounts of Ford pick up trucks and trailers. Before even entering the
barns, it was clear that there were many people at the show. With the
truck parked and extremely helpful directions from Don Mundy, sounding
something like “well, I think we are in barn 2b, but I don’t know. We
are near the restrooms.” My family and I set off on the considerable
task of locating Storm’s stall. Luckily, we came upon our stalls fairly
quickly. After little chit chat with the other team Mundy members, the
time came to tack up Stormy.
Coliseum. As I walked under the “Gateway of Champions”, I dreamt of
what it would be like to be one of those champions. What was it like to
win a globe? Snapping myself back to reality, I had stay focused on why I
was here: to have the best ride I could have. The small shoot into the
main arena opened up and I could finally see fully into the ring. Horses
were everywhere, going in every direction at all different gates.
Taking a long deep breath, I walked into the ring and went along the
rail at a walk. I looked around, again letting my mind wander to dreams
of having a perfect ride in the finals and winning a globe.
soon snapped me out of it, telling me to hack Storm around and let him
get used to this arena. After riding, I took Storm back to his stall and
gave him his proper care. All of this World Show stuff had worn me out.
It was defiantly time for a nap back at the hotel before another big
day At the Youth World Show.
MARY GRACEN REED. Day 2. August 1st
The first full day at the Youth World went great! First off we went to the show office and got signed in for the show. They gave me a packet, and it had the Youth World Souvenir Program in it so I opened the first page and I saw my ad. I was so excited. Then I went and waited in line for about 20 minutes to lounge Houston. After that we saddled up and rode in the coliseum. It felt amazing being on the back of an eight-time world champion in the 2013 Youth World show arena. I just have a lot of confidence in him being comfortable and knowing his job. We had a great first warm up ride. I also had to practice halter with Sophie. For a 3 year old, she did great (crossing my fingers that one day she will might fill Houston’s shoes!). After I got all of my stuff done for the day one of my friends from Mississippi, Mary Claire Cornett, who is the AQHYA treasure wanted me to meet the rest of the officers and directors so we went into the youth conference room where they all were. I saw some of my friends I met at the Y.E.S. conference this year. I am so glad that I had that opportunity to meet them and then catch up with them again at the Youth World Show. Part of this show is more than jut showing your horse, but also having fun, seeing old friends and celebrating our horses. I am ready for tomorrow and to step in the show pen for the first time this year!!
KATIE VAN SLYKE. Day 2. August 1st
During my second day at the world show, I attended a “Ride the Pattern” clinic on Western Riding. Brad Kearns, the clinician, did an amazing job of walking everyone through every detail of the pattern. He put a big emphasis on how the pattern should be smooth and flow through the gait transitions and lead changes. When going through the cones to do the short changes, you shouldn’t make big, weaving motions, but straighter lines that fall closer to the cones. I was also glad to hear him talk about the way you exit the arena. No matter how good or bad your pattern was you should always ride out with a pleasant expression. If you had a bad pattern, find something good about it. Think about how much worse it would have been if you had been bucked off!
When I show in the Western Riding, I will definitely remember what he said about smoothness and how to exit the arena. Kalvin (Zippin On Top) has gorgeous changes, but he is still green in the class! We’ve only shown in it a handful of times, so if my pattern isn’t the best, I’m going to try not to focus on the negative pieces. If it’s a good pattern, then I will be more than thrilled! If it’s bad, then I will find something good about it and move on to my next class. Also, I have to count every step during the pattern to maintain my stride to be able to achieve a pretty lead change. Mr. Kearns mentioned that in Western Riding, if you start out at one speed, maintain it throughout the whole pattern. It makes the ride look much smoother and effortless. Overall, Mr. Kearns said one thing that will stick with me through the rest of my show career. “Show to win, not to not lose.” Be confident when you show! Don’t be scared to trust your horse and show the judges what you can do! It’s the World Show! Be confident that all of your preparation has paid off and show to win!
MARY GRACEN REED–Day 1, August 1, 2013
What a day! At 4:30 A.M. on Wednesday July 31, 2013, we were headed to the barn to feed the horses, load last minute things in the trailer, and wrap Houston’s aka “Ask Me for Details” legs. At 6:15 A.M., we were Youth World bound. It takes us about eight hours from Batesville, Mississippi to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, so not as far as some folks have to travel, but definitely a trip. I am super excited about this year with both of my new horses Shake N Tail aka Sophie and Ask Me For Details aka Houston at the Youth World. Seeing everybody’s post this morning on Instagram and twitter about going to the Youth World made me even more anxious about getting there. Although traveling with Houston, I know that he has done this so many times; I really have nothing to worry about. As an AQHA World Champion with two different people already, I know that the trip, the arena and patterns are no problem for him, but we have only been together since April, so hoping it all comes together in the arena this week! We met up with some friends in Hernando, Mississippi, and we are traveling together.
Around 11:30 A.M. we stopped for lunch in Ozark, Arkansas. We filled up with diesel, got lunch, and gave Houston some water. Now we are on the road again. Three more hours to go!! Just checked in with Mrs. Karen and they are a hour behind us with Sophie. “Mom are we there yet?” No Mary Gracen, one more hour to go.
Yay, we finally made it at 3:25 P.M. time to unload everything. The horses are unloaded, tack put up, and trailer set up.
Time to get 2013 Youth World started!!
KATIE VAN SLYKE–Day 1, August 1, 2013
My journey to the Youth World started at five AM when my parents, grandmother, dog, horse, and I all pulled out of our driveway. The drive was going to be a long one. For ten hours, we all rode in the truck together. We all napped, snacked, played games on the iPad, and laughed at my dog, Tink, who kept finding weird places to take a nap. She was on the dashboard, in the floorboards, in all of our laps, on the console, and on all of our nerves! Kalvin (Zippin On Top) was also a little unhappy. He loves to have his windows open for the ride, but it was pouring down rain when we left. He was much happier once we crossed the Mississippi River and were able to open his windows. After that, Kalvin was much more content with munching on his hay the rest of the way. For the remaining hours of the trip, we were all fighting off boredom. My parents were chatting in the front seat and taking turns driving while my Nana was reading magazines and napping a little here and there. I on the other hand was watching the show, Scrubs, on my iPad and playing games on my phone just trying not to think about the hours ahead of us.
It was a long trip, but it sure was worth it! Nothing could beat the feeling of excitement when I knew we were close to the show grounds. I had been relaxed the whole ride, but as soon as I saw familiar restaurants and buildings, my hands started sweating. I don’t know if it was nerves or excitement, or maybe it was both! When we pulled in, we sat in line to check in before pulling around to our side of the Super Barn. It felt amazing to get out and walk around for a bit before we unloaded everything. Kalvin was ready to get off of that trailer just as much as we wanted out of the truck! As soon as we backed him off the ramp, his ears were perked and eyes bright. I knew that he was probably just as restless as I was, so while my mom and grandma put the shavings in his stall, Kalvin and I walked around the barn for a little while. He was looking around and soaking it all in the whole time we walked. I had a feeling he knew what show we were at.
I wasn’t worried about how Kalvin would react to the World Show pen. He’s a bit of a veteran when it comes to showing at any World Show. It’s almost like he is more comfortable in that arena than he is anywhere else! He may look around a little bit at first, but nothing really affected him! He doesn’t mind the jumbo tron or the bright lights, which I am very thankful for! All in all, our first day at the world show was as exciting as ever, and it made me very excited for the days to come.
GRACE ZYLSTRA–Day 1, August 1, 2013
Waking up the morning of the departure for the Youth World Show, I looked out the window to a grey, dark, and rainy sky. I was not looking forward to the long and boring ride ahead, especially when remembering the circumstances of the last journey I made to and from Oklahoma City. Remember the tornado at the Red Bud! After dressing and doubling checking at least a million times that every horse show essential was packed, my dad and I tackled loading the truck. All of our luggage, covered in garbage bags, loaded in the bed of the truck surely announced that Tennessee rednecks were arriving. With the pick up loaded and family in the car, we departed around noon. With not much to see or talk about on the 12-hour ride, we reverted to such diversions as candy crush or country music concerts staring my mother and I. As the day wore on and the night closed in on us, we finally pulled into our hotel at midnight. My trainer Karen had already hauled Stormy aka “Storm Waves” earlier in the day, and we knew he was settled in (this is also not his first trip to this show!). Exhausted and anxious for the morning to come, I drug myself into the hotel room, plopped on the bed, and fell asleep dreaming of what the week at the Youth World Show would bring.
**Special thanks to Sarah Elder Chabot for putting this together for us!
