2009 NAJYRC: Heading to Lexington

It seems like yesterday we were trailering home from the Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey...where did the month go?  

Jess and Coda have worked hard since arriving home...lots of attention has been paid to fine tuning their movements.   Karen has tirelessly coached Jess to improve the connection with Coda, perfect the walk pirouettes and transitions and focus on lots of little details that translate into  higher points from the judges. Jess was fortunate to ride with Michelle Gibson in her clinic, too.  Michelle and Jess have a fun-loving relationship and Michelle really likes to push Jess to find solutions within herself that translate into a better ride with Coda.  I think Jess and Coda have never looked more in sync!  

There is lots that goes on between the National Championships and the NAJYRC.  The girls were each required to obtain sponsors and sponsorships.  Our four girls each wrote letters, made phone calls or cold called individuals and businesses asking for donations.  It is a hard thing for any one to do, especially the first time you do it...but, the process of raising money and in kind donations really strengthens you individually and, especially, as a Team.  These girls now KNOW they can do it!  They received fantastic donations...including very generous financial support and in kind donations including Gum Bits and saddle pads, fabulous shirts and warm up outfits, coolers and stall guards, show gloves, stall guards and hat boxes! 

I think being involved in this level of competition also encourages the girls to become more independent and self reliant.  This past Thursday I was running late to meet up with Jess and help load the trailer, so, on my way,  I called to check in with her.  I turned the car around and came home...Jess had already loaded the trailer.  For the first time since we have been trailering ourselves to shows, my baby didn't need my help after all...

Jess was in my bedroom one evening this week.  We were talking about the upcoming Championship and I told her I thought she and Coda were "magic" together and that they had a real shot at placing this year. Jess told me (emphatically) her only goal was for her team to medal...any thing else she accomplished would be icing on the cake!  I could barely speak...pride and emotion got the best of me.  

I think that's what the NAJYRC does really well...and especially well for the 2009 Region 3 Junior Team.  Ellen, Lauren, Kati and Jessie all care about each other as friends, team mates and fellow riders.  Any achievements at the NAJYRC will truly be icing on the cake.