In his Saturday recap, Jon Holling steps his game up and delivers a message that, even two years removed from the young riders ranks, resonates with me as a rider who never accomplished my young riders goals while I had a horse who definitely should have. Thanks for writing this Jon and thank you for reading.
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Area V waiting out the afternoon thunderstorms, photo via Emma Kate Fisher
From Jon:
Cross Country day is in the books for the 2011 NAJYRC. I must say that overall the level of riding was very good today. It is encouraging to see so many good riding kids in our sport. This was particularly evident in the two star division. I can honestly say that there is no way I could have kept up with some of these riders when I was their age. The two star track had trouble scattered around in a few places, but as a good course should it rewarded good bold riding. The riders that came out and attacked the course in a controlled manner were predominately rewarded for it in the end. Obviously, big hats off to Devon Brown, Joelle Baskerville, and Kendyl Tracy, they all had great rides and are at the top of the leader board for a reason. I really feel the need to mention Lizzie Snow as well. I did not see her ride today, but I did hear she was doing everything she could to keep a lid on Coal Creek. Coal Creek is an exceptional athlete and I am certain that Lizzie will get this partnership back on track in short order. I had penciled them in last week as the individual gold and I am sure if they are given time that they will achieve great things together. The team competition is very close, and I expect a very exciting day tomorrow. Area V and IX have a razor thin lead over my home area III. I am disappointed that our Area IV, VII and VI team did not have a better day. Unfortunately that is the way it goes sometimes in the sport of Eventing, I know we will get them next time.
The one star competition actually got some of the best weather of the day. The clouds came in and kept things a bit cooler. Again, great job to the top three in this division. Sable Giesler, Alyssa Phillips, and Victoria New all finished with great clear rounds over what I felt was a very legitimate one star track. The team competition is tight in this division as well. Area V has a good lead on VI and team Ontario, but I would think it will all come down to the show jumping. The standings have a way of moving around on Sunday. It is always interesting to watch what pressure from big competitions does to riders. Some of these kids are able to block out everything and just do their jobs. Others can actually take the pressure and turn it into motivation to focus and perform at their best. Others unfortunately will crack and make crucial mistakes. To those who had a day they would like to forget, I would like to assure you that pressure is most definitely something you can learn to deal with. You’re all event riders and the amount of stress you are under at NAJYRC is huge. To those at the top I say great job and enjoy your success until about nine o’clock tonight. Then go to sleep and get ready for tomorrow. To those at the bottom, remember to keep your chin up, pat your horse and get ready for next time your moment to shine is coming I guarantee it. I often hear people tell the riders at NAJYRC that they are all champions. I think that gets lost on the kids somehow. I know I never bought it when I rode at this competition, but trust me everyone that is here has earned their spot. So assuming the rain subsides, I expect to see some superb dancing at the party tonight. And watch out because Caiden has taught me a few new moves.
