Leslie Threlkeld, blogging for Eventing Nation, shares her view of the benefits of the USEA’s Young Rider program…and her “coming of age” story as she ages out of the popular program (and hopefully “graduates” to the USEA Adult Rider program!).
Read on to find out what all the fuss is about…amazing training and educational experiences, life long friendships, and of course the chance to compete in the acclaimed NAJYRC.
A Year Older, A Division Wiser
By Leslie Threlkeld
“I celebrated another birthday this week. How does it feel? Several words come to mind, like "work," and "taxes." At first I wasn’t sure what was so special about the big 22. You don’t gain any new rights at 22, except the right to pay more bills. Then I remembered why this birthday is a big one–I’m officially too old for Young Riders. When I was a little eventer, rip-snortin’ around the pasture on my backyard wonder-horse, I used to dread the terrible day I would…"age-out."
I can’t say I’m so concerned about it now. Have you seen the skillz the Young Riders have these days?! I remember wincing at the division roster when certain competitors were in my class back then, but thank goodness I side-stepped the Jennie era. And I’m not sure what’s scarier in a JYOP cross-country warm-up–the skinny young riders on their big warmbloods or their bellowing coaches eyeballin’ me. My little horse and I, we’re just trying to stay out of the way. I welcome the senior divisions. Those kids can keep their overly competitive spirits and teenage dwama. But that’s not to say I don’t support the program.”
Read the rest of the story on EventingNation.com!
