Meet Our AQHA Youth World Bloggers: Tatum Richey and Jordan Davis

EC Blog by: Jordan Davis

Hey y’all! My name is Jordan Davis and I’m super excited to be blogging from the 2017 Built Ford Tough AQHYA Youth World for EquineChronicle.com! I will be showing my horse, Lazy Illusion, in the Level 2 and Level 3 Performance Halter Geldings along with the Level 2 and Level 3 Western Pleasure.

This will be my seventh year qualifying for the Youth World. I made my first appearance when I was just 8 years old showing my mare, Amblin Good N Easy, in the Trail! I ride at Dry River Ranch with trainers Terry Cross and Stephen Stephens who have played a tremendous part in making me the rider I am today.

Of all the things to look forward to at Youth World I’m most excited about showing in the Western Pleasure and seeing all of my friends from different states! The Youth World is one of my favorite shows because you get to see everyone that you normally don’t get to see. I want to reach out and wish everyone good luck at this year’s Youth World!

EC Blog by: Tatum Richey

Hi, my name is Tatum Keys Richey! I’m 15 years old and I live in The Woodlands, Texas. I own two incredibly talented horses, Ode To Zippo and Nappin On The Range. I show Ode in Trail and Western Pleasure, and Romeo  in Trail and Horsemanship. Romeo and Ode are leading the nation in Level 2 Trail, and Ode is in the Top 10 in Level 3 Trail in the national standings. I train with Bruce Vickery and Anthony Montes from of Pilot Point, Texas. This is my third Youth World and my first time to qualify nationally. It’s been an incredible year in the show arena. We’ve accomplished things and been to shows I’ve always dreamed of. But, I’ve faced enormous trials in my personal life. I just laid to rest one of the most important people in my life, my Grandma. A brain tumor claimed her life very quickly, just two weeks ago. I’m dedicating everything during these weeks to her. I’m so thankful to The Equine Chronicle for asking me to be a guest blogger during Youth World. They said they loved my passion for our sport. They certainly pegged me correctly as it regards that.

Here’s a little of how that love began…

For as far back as I can remember, all I’ve ever thought about were horses. During the day of my Pre-K graduation in Nashville, Tennessee, the first sign of who I truly am was revealed. The graduation ceremony was underway. As tradition had it they were handing each child their diploma and asking this question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Most all the the “normal” kids said things like a ballerina, a doctor, an astronaut and so forth. As my turn approached, I could see my mom and dad scrambling in their seats as they weren’t familiar with the school’s tradition… We hadn’t rehearsed – both my parents had made their livings in and around the entertainment industry. To them, rehearsal was crucial and all they understood. This moment on stage was unexpected and they were horrified as to what I may say. When I walked to the head master and was handed the microphone, I proudly declared, “I want to be a HORSE!” The crowd burst out laughing and my parents looked at me like, “who’s child is that? and what was that she just said?” That was the defining moment of who the real Tatum is – I declared to the world what was inside my heart and I meant it!

Thankfully, not much has changed in the past 10 years. I never really wanted to be an actual horse. All I knew at five was that being around them made me feel complete. All true horse-bug bitten people know exactly what I mean. Once you get the bug, it’s with you for life! I was born with it, just as most of you who’re reading this were…

So, my very reluctant “non-horse” parents allowed me to follow my passion after trying everything in this world to steer me to the “normal” side of life. They put me in dance, basketball, volleyball, piano, baseball, singing, swimming – you name it, they tried them all. The only thing that ever made my heart go pitter-patter was horses. Being with them was only thing that woke up my soul. The only thing that made me feel like me was the horses. Everything else felt phony. I felt void in all other things. There was no rhythm or sound in my heart for anything else on this earth. There is a connection that true horse people all know and feel. It can not be taught, bought, sold, traded or broken. The bond between the pony and it’s owner is in the heavenly dimensions to me. It’s a sense of love and freedom that nothing else can provide, accept God Almighty himself!

I say all of this to explain that most all the youth competing at the World Show this year are just like me. Our stories vary a little, but the core is almost identical. There is something special and unique about horse people. The bond that we have with our horses carry out to each other. We have our own secret society that the “non-horse” person just can not comprehend. I feel an instant connection with horse lovers. There is something that seeps out of our pours and latches on to one another which connects us all. No matter your event, no matter where you live, it’s always there. It’s like being part of a special friendship and brotherhood because of our equine love! I think it’s one of the most awesome parts about being in the American Quarter Horse Association. We all simply have similar souls and spirits.

That’s another reason I think it’s so easy to root for your friends and competitors. While obviously everyone dreams of winning the ultimate prize, the World Championship, it’s easy to want everyone to do well and genuinely be happy for other’s success. It’s the kindred spirit we all share. I truly don’t believe there isn’t another sport that has the same unity and connection as horse showing.

I was the first one to arrive Monday night to the infamous Jim Norick arena. I wanted to be in its presence, all by myself, to soak in a moment of stillness and reflect on the 10 year journey that has gotten me to this place. And I wanted to get on a knee and thank God in advance for keeping us all safe on this incredible journey before us. It’s going to be the ride of a lifetime!

I want to send out a big GOOD LUCK and ENJOY THE RIDE to every competitor from all across the globe. Soak in these days! Win, lose, or draw everyone is already a champion for following their dreams and never backing down to all the tears, fears and trials it takes to get to this place.

Trails,

Tatum Keys Richey