Letters to My Younger Self- Advice From an AQHYA World Champion

EC Blog by: Natalia DeVencenty

Here we go again. It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year- AQHA Youth World! I can remember every little detail about Youth World from sweating in the crazy heat, to the stomach turning nerves when the finals were over and the results started,  to the victory laps. I still feel the intensity when I think about it! Before you win a World Championship, there is a different kind of pressure you feel, the pressure to prove yourself, your horse, and your team to the rest of the world. But pressure makes diamonds, so instead of shying away from it, embrace it and let it motivate you.

For me, I had the greatest teammate in “Chex Is The Choice” and all I wanted was for Chex to become a World Champion. That dream of mine came true in 2017 when we won Trail at the World Show. There is no better feeling when you get to lope to the middle of the arena and pick up your coveted globe, especially a gold one. Being the last one standing in the Jim Norick Arena are moments and memories I’ll never forget.

Experiencing your dream come true is amazing, but the thing nobody really talks about is what happens next! The fun just begins when you get out of the arena. There are interviews, all of your friends congratulating you, pictures being taken, and all kinds of buzz! People tell you congratulations for days on end, and you get to keep reliving all the wonderful moments throughout social media and, of course, The Equine Chronicle’s detailed coverage! The excitement doesn’t stop! Remember to slow down and enjoy every second of it. On the day I won, many people told me to enjoy it, and I never understood what that meant until it was over. The moments fly by, so truly enjoy it.

If I could give advice to my younger self, the first would be to stop stressing! You might not even think you are, but you are. Don’t worry about the things you can’t control, like the judges’ placings. Don’t obsess over your body position in Horsemanship. If you’ve been practicing and working hard, it will show. Walk into that arena and show off what you’ve worked so hard for and don‘t leave anything on the table. Be confident!

Most importantly, remember your teammate. No, not your friends that you ride with, but the teammate you walk in the arena with. Whether the horse you have now is a stepping stone, or your forever horse, remember that during the long nights, sweating, practicing, and hours spent perfecting patterns, they are there with you. You have spent the time building a bond with that horse and working for the same goal. Trust it.

Win or lose, at the end of the day, they’re still there for you. Cherish them, because that teammate you have right now as you walk down the Gateway of Champions won’t always be there. Someday, you’ll look down, and it won’t be the same neck to pat. Cherish every single ride you get. You never know when it’ll be the last.

Trust your horse, trust yourself, trust your trainer, and trust the process. Oh, and don’t freak out. I promise if you’re cool, calm, and collected, your rides will be so much better! Good luck to everyone competing. I wish I were there to cheer y’all on!

Next up in Letters to My Younger Self is another former AQHYA World Champion- Emily Maul. Stay tuned…