Jon Holling has always been a great friend to Eventing Nation, and it seems like every year we can count on him to check in with us during Young Riders. Many thanks to Jon for writing, and thank you for reading. Best of luck to all competitors, including Jon’s Area IV riders this weekend!
From Jon:
Well, here I sit in front of my computer after a long week in Lexington. It was a fun week at Young Riders, but I must admit that I am glad to be home riding all of the horses again. Rather than rehash the same results that others have already reported to you, I thought I would give you a report of my impressions of the week.
In general, the competition was run well. As is the case with any major event, there are always things that can be improved, but on a whole I felt the USEF did a great job managing the various disciplines and riders. No event can ever get it all perfect, but it is great to see an organizing committee listening to its customers and trying to improve every year.
At the end of the competition last year, several representatives of the teams and the USEF sat down and discussed what could be improved. I am happy to report that every major issue was addressed and improved. That is all we can ask for, so kudos to you, USEF, on a job well done!
David O’Connor’s cross-country courses were, in my opinion, true championship caliber. I think that is exactly what they should have been. The percentages, particularly in the two-star, probably look like the course was too tough. There were some superb rides on Saturday, but the fact is that the riders, as a whole, need to step up their skill set. David set a high standard this past weekend, and I know each rider out there can achieve that standard by this time next year.
There are levels of accomplishment in life. It is absolutely a huge achievement just to make it to NAJYRC, but that should not be enough. So a huge congratulations to the winners. Not everyone can go home with a medal, but I do hope that everyone goes home with a list of things to improve upon. Whomever works the smartest over the next eleven and a half months will be next year’s champion. Will it be you?
