Doing Double Duty- NCEA and AQHA Youth World at the Same Time

By: Cameron Crenwelge

I speak from personal experience when I say that showing competitively on the AQHA circuit while riding on a NCEA team is incredibly time-consuming and difficult. While most collegiate riders compete in the amateur division, there are a few girls who – as a result of lucky birthdays, changing school policies, or skipping a grade or two – are still eligible to compete in a final Youth World Championship after having ridden on a team for a full year. So, I asked a few of these competitors to reflect back on their most cherished NCEA and AQHA experiences and to give everyone a little insight about what they look forward to the most about their final AQHYA World Show.

Kacie Scharf, Baylor 2021

What is your favorite NCEA memory thus far? “My favorite NCEA experience so far has been going to Nationals. It was amazing to see so many riders from so many different schools competing in one place.”

What do you look forward to most about your last Youth World? “I’m most looking forward to competing with my new horse, UF A Certain Star, aka ‘Peter.’ I’m really excited to see how we’ll do at our first World Show together!”

What has been your favorite Youth World experience? “My favorite Youth World experience so far was placing fifth in Western Riding in 2015. It was my second World Show and first time making the finals in any class; so, it was a very special moment for me.”

Kaci and her horse will be competing in Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, and Western Riding. She will also be showing her other horse, A Speed Demon, aka “Spike,” in Western Pleasure.

Sydnee Gemar, OSU 2021

What is your favorite NCEA memory thus far? “My favorite memory was definitely the Big XII Championships.  It was so much fun being able to go and hang out with the team and watch them compete. I also know girls that show for Baylor and TCU, so it was cool that I got to watch them show as well. We also get a ring, so that’s exciting.”

What do you look forward to the most about your last Youth World? “I’m just excited to go show one last time. I’ve been out riding all summer, so hopefully I can end my youth career with a bang, even though I don’t feel old enough for this to be my last Youth World.”

What has been your favorite Youth World experience? “My favorite World Show experience was when I made the Horsemanship finals. It was so nerve-wracking sitting on the rail as the announcer called out the placings, but I loved every second of it.”

Sydnee and her horse, More Than Radical, aka “Stuart,” will be competing in Showmanship, Trail, and Western Horsemanship.

Tina Christie, Texas A&M 2021

What is your favorite NCEA memory thus far? “College Equestrian is a game changer. My favorite memories so far have to be all the fun we’ve had in practice and the lifelong friends I’ve made on the team. Our pre-meet dance parties have to be one of my favorite things. There is nothing like getting down with your best friends. It takes the pressure off and reminds us that riding and showing is supposed to be fun. Maybe everyone needs a dance party before they go show.”

What do you look forward to most about your last Youth World? “I’m so excited for my last Youth World with my horse, Smokin Olena Gun. He has taken me so far, and I owe it all to him. I’m looking forward to really soaking it all up and spending time with my best friends and family. Everything from grooming my horse to walking in the show pen is going to mean a lot… and I think I’m ready. Everyone wants to have a big run and make the finals and get a globe. Obviously, I’m looking forward to those things, but there is more to this show than a globe. This show makes you realize how far you’ve come in your youth career. I can’t help but think about the rider I was when I was 10 and compare her to who I am now. That’s something to be proud of. I’m so grateful to be able to play the game I love so much at this level.”

What has been your favorite Youth World experience? “My favorite Youth World experience was in 2017, walking out of the pen after having a big run and making the finals. There’s no better feeling than knowing your horse gave you his all and that you did your part while showing. I told my parents that I don’t know why people do drugs, because this is such a rush. I’ll never forget that day.”

Tina and her horse Smokin Olena Gun, aka “Gunny,” will be competing in Reining.

Harley Huff, OSU 2021

What is your favorite NCEA memory thus far? “My favorite NCEA memory so far is definitely winning the Big 12 Championships. Knowing that you’re riding for a whole team and not just yourself is a little more nerve-wracking, but it pushes you to do your best. Being able to contribute to that win as a freshman made it even more special.”

What do you look forward to most about your last Youth World? “For my last Youth World, I’m looking forward to doing the best I can but also just having fun. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself just because it’s my last one. I’m also looking forward to seeing all my friends that I haven’t seen all summer.”

What has been your favorite Youth World experience? “My favorite Youth World experience was when I won Horsemanship in 2015. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when all your hard work finally pays off and everything comes together.”

Harley and her horse, GW Jack Bar, aka “George” will be competing in Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, and Equitation.

In addition, our EC intern, Cameron Crenwelge, who rides for the Texas A&M Equestrian Team, is also competing at her last Youth World Show this year with her horse, KM Boshotinvestment. She just made the Horsemanship finals last night,  which is scheduled to run on Monday. Kacie Scharf and Harley Huff made the finals as well. Congrats ladies!