Greetings to all of you from the Youth World Show. I’m Paige Wacker of Hutchinson, Minnesota (and no, there’s currently no snow on the ground at home haha) and I am honored to reporting for GoHorseShow from this year’s Youth World. This week I will be covering the events taking place in addition to inspiring stories, catchy topics and even a few interviews. Additionally, I will be showing my horse, Javah Mon, “Willie” in showmanship, horsemanship and hunt seat equitation, along with showing my halter horse, Executee, in the Two Year Old Mares. Best of luck to the competitors and safe travels to everyone heading this way.
Report #3 Sunday, August 2, 2015
The prelims in trail, stake race, barrels and poles took place in addition to the aged mares, yearling geldings, two year-old mares, two year-old geldings and hunter hack. On top of all the excitement, the second annual The Paws Cause took place and 12 of the 35 dogs brought to Oklahoma City were adopted. Additionally, the Parade of Teams occurred this evening.
This time of year is a very sensitive time for me. Last year, God called for one of his angels, my all-around horse, “Jackson” (pictured right), to come home to heaven just a few weeks prior to the Youth World Show. It truly broke my heart and I forever will miss him. He was my soulmate, but I’ve learned that he came into my life for a reason. Even though I don’t know what that reason is yet, I remind myself that God has a plan and his plan is always in my best interest.
On the topic of losing partners at a rough time, I got the chance to talk to Avery Ellis who recently lost her long time show horse Consider Duplicated, “Spencer”, and Payton Neiberger whose horse, Zippos Goodfellow, “Tommy”, suddenly passed away at the Big A a month ago. They told me a little about the bond with their horses and how they are taking this anger, confusion, frustration and pain from this into the horses they were able to show at the Youth World.
Avery is competing at her last Youth World Show. She is from College Station, Texas and currently rides for the Texas A&M University’s Equestrian team.
“I’ve been showing horses since I was seven years-old,” Avery said. “This past June, I lost my horse, Consider Duplicated. I had him for almost five years. He was so incredibly special to everyone that was around him. Him getting sick happened very quickly and unexpected, it first started in April then progressively he became worse. This summer has been an emotional roller coaster, losing him right before our last Youth World together was shocking. I’ve been lucky enough to lease, Invite Me Forever, aka Josie, and she’s adorable. She’s the complete opposite of Spencer, but she loves her job and does anything you ask.”
Avery continues, “She has made this summer the best possible, and I’m super excited to get in pen with her. She has definitely been a big part of me being strong and overcoming my loss going into the world show. I would never wish this on anyone, it’s hard. Spencer was my best friend. Unfortunately things like this do happen.”
Ellis adds, “The best advice I got while going through this is it’s okay to be sad and mad about it. Keeping a positive attitude even when I didn’t want to made a huge difference. I tried to look at the opportunities ahead of me, and take what Spencer (pictured left) taught me and use it. This misfortune has taught me many things. I’m extremely grateful for all the blessings in my life. Also not to take anything or anyone for granted, you never know what or when something can be taken away from you so quickly. I’ve used all my frustrations to push myself. I’m not only showing for me but I’m doing it for Spencer. At first I was hesitant to show, but having Josie I know I made the right decision.”
Avery reflects, “All I’ve thought about is riding Spencer one more time. Unfortunately, when we found out he was hurt he couldn’t be ridden, and his past few months left some difficult memories. To have one more day with the strong, healthy, goofy Spencer would’ve been amazing.”
Even with the loss of Spencer, she and “Josie” made the Western Horsemanship finals against all odds. Best of luck to Avery and Josie, I know Spencer is with you every step of your ride.
Payton Neiberger of Argyle, Texas is 15 years old and fortunately enough is able to show her sister, Alyssa’s horse, Credits for Heaven, “Hatch”, at the Youth World. Being in the same barn as her, I single handedly saw the love her and her deceased horse, “Tommy” shared for one another. It truly breaks my heart to see one of my best friends going through this rough patch.
Payton said, “Tommy (pictured right) had an obsession with freeze pops, he and I often had deep conversations while we ate popsicles together. He was my best friend, the one I could always rely on to make my day better and put a smile on my face.”
I then asked her what she’s doing to prepare for showing “Hatch” (pictured left) and how she’s overcoming the hardship of losing “Tommy.” She said, “I’ve been out in the barn every day riding Hatch to keep my mind off of losing my best friend. I’ve realize that God wants the best for you, and does everything for a reason. Never take things for granted because you never know when everything can change. My best advice is to work hard and be thankful for every bit of time you have to spend with your horse.”
I then asked her what she would do if she could spend one more day with Tommy, she said, “I’d ride him bareback and spoil him with everything he deserves. Instead of only giving him a few freezies, I’d give him the entire bag. I’d tell him it’s okay to go home to heaven.”
Even with the heartbreak, Payton and “Hatch” have come together in a short span of a few weeks and made the trail finals. I couldn’t be more proud of my best friend for overcoming these obstacles and making miracles happen.
Report #2 Saturday, August 1, 2015
Today, the newly crowned champions were in yearling mares, two year-old mares, three year-old geldings and western riding. Shyanne Smith won both the two year-old mares and three year-old geldings; Monica Hamm, the yearling mares, and for the second year in a row, Deanna Green took home the gold in the western riding. So congratulations to those girls and to the top 15 horsemanship finalists. Make sure to watch for the horsemanship finals on Tuesday afternoon!
With all of the excitement, emotions and pressure radiating throughout the youth world, getting advice from former AQHYA World or Congress Champions would help those kids putting excessive amounts of pressure on themselves to succeed. I got the chance to speak with champions such as Bryce Briggs, Klay McDowall, Sydney Scheckel, Madison Thiel and Livvie Van Lanen. I asked them all the following five questions:
1. What is the mindset you have going into this world show with your past championships?
2. How do you handle the pressure of your success?
3. What advice do you have to future champions?
4. Do you have a good luck charm or ritual before you show? If so, what is it?
5. How do you think your success will help you in your future?
First up, I had the pleasure of talking to Sydney Scheckel of Richmond, Kansas. She and her horse, A Perfect Pleasure, “Pippi”, have won six Congress Championships and were third at the world in Showmanship.
1) “I’ve had many great successes at the Youth World, so I just do my best to treat it like another horse show. I stay extremely focused before this show though. When preparing, I just focus on my horse and I. I always want to do my absolute best, so I try to keep outside influences out of my mind.”
2) “It’s definitely easier said than done dealing with past successes and living up to them. I always just tell myself, ‘it will be, what it will be.’ It’s very stressful dealing with that pressure though. I’ve always been the type of person that wants to please people. Those people especially include my trainer and parents. I just want to make them proud and give them something to brag about.”
3) “Advice that I have to give to future champions is please stay humble. I honestly don’t enjoy bragging about myself, but when other people brag on you, you know you did something right.”
4) “My ritual before I show is just telling myself how lucky I am, no matter if I win or lose. After the finals of the showmanship last year, the sweetest little girl came up to me and asked if she could pet Pip–my showmanship horse. I was more than happy to let that little girl pet her. The little girl said she didn’t have a horse. So, just the fact that I owned a horse made me realize how lucky I already was. It didn’t matter if I won or lost. That experience will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
5) “Showing and caring for my horses has taught me so much responsibility and the fact that hard work does pay off. Both of those traits will help me tremendously as I grow up. I wouldn’t trade my experiences with my horses for anything. The people I’ve met and things I’ve learned just simply can’t be replaced.”
Next up, I spoke with Livvie Van Lanen of Green Bay, Wisconsin. She and her horse, All But Sudden, “Stevie”, have won numerous Congress all around titles and championships, along with world show top 5 and top 10 placings. Livvie will be attending SMU in the fall to compete on their equestrian team.
1.”Going into the Youth World, I have a very positive and excited mindset. Last year, I had a great show just by trusting myself and my horse. I am so excited to lay out my best patterns and be reunited with all of my friends.”
2.”When it comes to handling pressure, I just have to tell myself to trust my horse and my trainers. If you put so much pressure on yourself to win, it only messes with your confidence. As long as you remain humble and hardworking, you will be successful.”
3.”Honestly, step into the ring with the attitude of, “I am the winner.” If you believe in yourself, others will too.”
4.”Every time before Stevie and I step into the arena, I rub his neck and say ‘we got this Steve.'”
5.”Showing horses has taught me so much. Winning in the horse world is so rewarding because there is so much hard work put into it. My barn family is truly amazing and inspiring in so many ways. Sharing success with Charlie, Jason, and the whole Highpoint crew makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Next is Madison Thiel of Dublin, Ohio. Last year she was crowned the World Champion in Showmanship with HF Lazy Loping Diva, “Diva.” Additionally, Madison will be riding for the University of South Carolina on their Equestrian team.
1. “Going into the World Show this year, I want to remain focused on my horse and my patterns. No matter what has happened in the previous years, I will go into the pen as confident and ready as I can be and lay out the pattern to the best of my ability.”
2. “My trainer Beckey is the best when it comes to calming my nerves, and always says, “They can’t take away what you did last year, just go out there and show like you always do.” This always comforts me and reminds me that it’s a new day and to go out there and have fun showing my horse.”
3. “For future champions, my advice to you is to remain on the same level as before your championship. Always remember how you felt looking up to the previous champions and if there is an opportunity to help and teach others, do so.”
4.”My good luck charm is my necklace that was given to me by my parents for my 12th birthday. It has my favorite show number on it, “116”. I never take it off. As for rituals, I have plenty. I always have the same person put my tail in; Charley has to do my bun; I never wear matching socks, and my mom has to be the one to button the top of my showmanship jacket.”
5. “I believe my success will help me in the future by teaching me that it is important to stay humble. No matter how well you do, there is always room for improvement. I love to watch different people show their horses and observe their style. There are always opportunities to learn something new. Eagerness to grow and evolve in this industry and in life will help me to succeed in my journeys ahead.”
Next up is Klay McDowall of Colorado. Klay and his horse, Certainly A Blaze have been super successful, winning not only the Congress in horsemanship and western riding, but the duo were the 2014 World Champions in Western Horsemanship.
1. “Just knowing that being nervous and excessive when thinking about or riding at the world show doesn’t help. I know that if you show your horse to the best of your ability and with a clear mind everything will work out in your favor.”
2. “I try not to think about it. I just try to stay focused and connected with my horse, the same as years past. However, if I do begin to feel the pressure I just remind myself to be grateful for what I do have and practice even harder than before.”
3. “My advice for future champions is to remember that, at least for me, the world show, and the Congress are just horse shows, there will always be another one. So if you don’t get the result you want, you don’t make the finals, or you even won, remember that you have another horse show next week and that you are just lucky to show such an amazing animal.”
5. “I think the process before and after the success will help, learning what it takes to get to the top and how to handle the pressure, excitement, and nerves of being at the world show is a valuable lesson.”
Last up is Bryce Briggs of Pilot Point, Texas. He has won numerous World and Congress Titles in roping events.
1. “The mindset I have going into every youth world is to be as prepared as possible at home before I rope in Oklahoma City. I just need to concentrate on doing my job. My horse, Bowmans Dry Mate (Bobo) is a veteran. He knows what he has to do every time so I just have to go catch all my steers and calves.”
2. “The pressure of doing good from the past is always in the back of my mind, but I try to treat every run just like I’m in the practice pen and try not to stress so much about what I need to do.”
3.”For all the future champs out there I’d say just have confidence in your roping and your horse.”
4. “My ritual would be picturing the run I’m about to make going perfect in my mind. I also like to see what steer or calf I draw and talk to people and find out what she is and what she does.”
5. “The success that I have had showing horses and rodeoing in high school hopefully will lead to a collage rodeo scholarship in the future.”
Report #1 Friday July 31st, 2015
Today was the first day of competition at the Youth World. The world champions were crowned in performance halter mares, performance halter geldings and aged geldings. Also, the western riding prelims took place so don’t forget to watch for the top 15 in the finals. The topic I really wanted to cover today was graduating youth.
In AQHYA, we are limited to 18 years where we are eligible to show as a youth. Therefore, I wanted to talk to some of the competitors about their approach going into their final youth world show. I interviewed them and asked them all the same questions regarding their final thoughts, advice and mental attitude.
The six questions I asked them were:
1. What do you think is a successful mindset going into your last youth world show?
2. What was one goal you accomplished in your time as a youth you are most proud of?
3. Do you have someone who inspired you? If so, who was that person and how did they inspire you?
4. What is your favorite youth memory?
5. Do you have future plans involving AQHA? If so, what are they?
6. Do you have any outgoing words of wisdom for the upcoming generation?
First I interviewed with Abbey Kliewer of Oklahoma. She will be attending TCU in the fall and riding for their equestrian team. Additionally she has competed and been very successful showing around the country in all around events, winning numerous congress championships and world show placings.
1. “Personally, I’ve struggled with the pressure to do well since it is my last year. I have to keep reminding myself that, although this is my final Youth World, there will always be another show. I’m focusing on becoming the best team with my horse and letting the rest fall into place.”
2. “One goal I am most proud of is making the horsemanship finals at the youth world in 2012 on a horse that was really green in the class.”
3. “There are so many people in this industry who have been inspirations to me since I was little. My trainer, Mike Keller, inspires me every single day. He is the most genuine and positive person I have been fortunate enough to work with. He is a true horseman and that is one thing that is really important in this industry.”
4. “My favorite memory was when I was 11 and won my first Congress Champion in western riding, the first time showing at the Congress, in my very first class there. It’s something I will never forget!”
5. “AQHA has always been a vital part in my life and I hope to continue showing as an amateur in the all-around and reining. ”
6. “Work hard, meet new people, and have fun! It’s so easy to get caught up in the winning aspect of shows, that we fail to see how fortunate we are to be a part of such a great association. But most importantly, make the most of your youth career because it will fly by!”
Second, I interviewed was Drew Smith of Valley View, TX. He will be attending Tarleton State University in the fall! Drew has had a very successful youth career, winning two world championships, reserve world championships and numerous top 5 and top 10 placings in halter under the guidance of his father, Dewey Smith.
1) “In my opinion a successful mindset for my last youth world is the same mindset I’ve used for the previous eight I’ve been a part of. It has always been all or nothing and do the best you possibly can.”
2) “I am very proud of my two world championships from 2007 and 2009, but I would have to say being reserve world champion last year is the most special to me because of the obstacles that I faced with my horse in the weeks leading up to Youth World. ”
3) “My father, Dewey Smith, has always been my inspiration in the show pen. He has taught me how to handle many different situations with many different horses over the years and pushes me to always make sure things are done right. I owe all my success to him. ”
4) “My favorite youth memory would have to be all of the youth world shows I have been apart of such as the parade of teams and being a part of a team representing your state. ”
5) “I do not have future plans involving AQHA directly, but I do plan to stay in touch with the equine industry as an animal nutritionist after I graduate from college at Tarleton State University. ”
6) “My words of wisdom would have to be to just have fun. I know many of us can get very uptight and stressed over doing well, but at the end of the day it’s okay to feel good that you did the best you could do. ”
Next I interviewed Katie Van Slyke of Nolensville, Tennessee. She competitively has been showing her all around horse Zippin On Top around the nation under the guidance of Ryan Cottingim and Amanda Gately.
1. “I’ve really been trying not to put too much pressure on myself. My trainers and I have worked hard in preparation, so all I have to go do is ride my horse the way I ride him at home. In the end, no matter what happens as far as my rides, I will always be thankful for the opportunity to show in such a talented and amazing community as AQHYA.”
2. “One thing that I am so proud of is placing top ten at the congress in the western riding. My horse, Kalvin, hadn’t ever really done western riding before I got him a couple of years ago, and now I feel that it’s one of our best classes.”
3. “You know, I don’t think that there was one specific person who inspired me throughout my youth career. I’d have to give that title to all the older youth girls that I showed with locally. Katie Bello, Ariel Herrin, and Kelli Woodell all became like my big sisters when I started showing in 13 and under, and they were exceptional riders to model myself after.”
5. My favorite youth memories would have to be when I won the all around at the Gulf Coast and Kalvin was the high point pattern horse, winning my first saddle. When I found out that winning a saddle was on the line, I decided to skip a few extra days of school and go for it.
5. I’d love to continue to show as an amateur. I have a baby at home, Annie, who is by Hot N Blazing and out of Vested Wishes who I have high hopes. I’m excited to watch her grow over the next couple of years and eventually turn into my amateur horse.
6. All I have to say is that it goes by fast. Remember that you’re here to have fun as well as compete, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Also, remember who got you to the point you’re at and thank your supporters for all they do. I’m so thankful that God, my parents, and my trainers have gotten me to the point that I’m at, and all I can think about is how badly I don’t want it to end.
Finally, I got the chance to talk with Miss Bailey Anderson of Millsap, Texas who is doing Picture of the Day for GoHorseShow. She has been showing her horse, Zippos Kat Man Do successfully around the nation, winning Congress and reserve world championships. Currently she rides on the equestrian for the University of Georgia in Athens.
1. “The mindset I have had for all the past Youth Worlds has been to view it as any other show. I don’t think it is a good idea to change your riding style or the way you prepare for a show right before the Youth World. This is my last one so I want to leave knowing that I prepared as best I could and that I put it all out there. ”
2. “When I first started showing, I looked up to Elizabeth Borders, not only for the rider that she is, but also because she was a great person of character and humility. Recently, a couple moms have told me that their little girls look up to me and see me as a role model. Despite all the trophies and ribbons that I have won, this is my most valued accomplishment in my time as a youth. ”
3. “My trainer, Terry Cross, always inspired me to be a better rider. He taught me how to feel and ride multiple horses. I don’t think I could ever repay him for all the valuable lessons he has taught me and I cannot thank him enough for inspiring me to be the rider I am now. ”
4.”Some of my favorite youth memories have to be winning the 15-18 Showmanship at the Congress and coming out of the arena to see my trainer, Terry Cross, crying (and by the way, he never cries!). In that moment, I knew I made him proud. Further, I have made a million memories with my best friend, Avery Ellis.”
5. “Sadly, the youth world will be my last show for a while, but I hope to get back in the show pen as soon as I can as an amateur. I can never imagine my life without horses, so I know that this is not the end. ”
6. “A huge thing that I learned was to never give up because just when you think it can’t get any worse something good comes along and never take your horse for granted. Also enjoy every minute, cause it goes by fast.”
Stay tuned for more reports from me throughout the show!
