Third Time's a Charm?

This was a pivotal year for Jess.  She and Coda have worked really hard on the Young Rider tests but between the demands of Senior Year, applications to colleges and graduation, things didn’t start to really come together for them until the end of the qualifying season.

And the hard work paid off.  They have qualified and will be on the NAJYRC Region 3 Team…Jess’ 3^rd showing!  The girls on her team are very strong and talented riders, although two of them are new to the competition.  Both Heather Beachem, 21 years old, and a barn mate of Jess’s, and Erica Marino, 20 from Alabama, are attending their first NAJYRC.  Bryn Cahill, 18 and from Florida, was a part of the 2008 Junior Region 3 Team.

Even before they were sure they would make the team, the girls have been busy securing sponsorships.  Part of this process also involves making decisions about the clothing that will be worn…you want to look like you are a team.  Part of it is also acting like your fellow teammates are on your team.  Dressage is not a team sport, but making it so helps the participants to connect and recognize their common goals.  I remember the first time Jess rode on a team in 2007, it was really hard to be friends with your competition.  But over the years I think she has learned that it is a good thing to be friends with her fellow riders.  It isn’t always easy when you are riding against each other, but, in fact, they are some of the few people who can empathize with your experiences on a horse!  And, being on a team doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be friends, but it does mean that you have to be supportive of each other and work to promote your region by having a positive attitude. 

This is also going to be Jess’ last time at the NAJYRC because in the fall she will be attending The University of the South:  Sewanee.  She is going to hang up her dressage boots and hopefully don some chaps for the Sewanee Hunter Jumper Team.  We’ll see!  So, this Championship is a little bittersweet.  We will find Coda a new rider and Jess will go to College and things will be different in our world.