NAYC Experience
By Gage Milers
When I was asked to reflect upon my NAYC experience, the word “unforgettable” immediately came to mind. However, the reasoning behind my spontaneous selection of this word was not immediately apparent. What was it that made NAYC so “unforgettable?” Perhaps it was the first time exposure to the strictly-enforced FEI rules and protocol, the sheer size of the ompetition, or even the team bronze we received on the first day of competition. I attempted to isolate a single demonstrative instance that exemplified the “unforgettable” nature of my entire NAYC experience.
However, I quickly realized that no such instance existed; instead, it was the larger picture: a series of interconnected occurrences unified by powerful underlying motifs. And it is precisely these motifs that made NAYC such an incredible experience: honor and camaraderie.
Honor came in representing a communal entity much greater than myself. Each time I rode up the centerline to begin my test with the United States patch on my coat, I was overcome with a deep sense of pride and dignity as a token of American spirit. One of the most powerful moments of the entire competition, however, was the medal ceremony on the first day. As I stood proudly on the podium alongside my teammates, medal in hand, it became indisputably clear to me that true honor was in the embodiment of patriotism for the United States. This profound sense of honor that invigorated my performance in the show ring and my everyday interactions was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and these deep-seated feelings were what gave NAYC its intensely “unforgettable” quality. To this day and for many days to come, I will feel greatly distinguished as a delegate of my region.
Above all, the most invaluable aspect of the NAYC experience was the strong sense of camaraderie that I developed with my fellow teammates as well as the competitors from other regions and countries. This year Region 9 received the bronze medal for the FEI Junior Team Competition for the first time in four years–and the second in history.
However, what made this feat even more incredible was the unprecedented consistency in our team’s scores that day: three riders scoring in the 66% range. Despite the talent and ability of every competitor on the Region 9 team, I do not believe this was only the byproduct of mere skill. The hard work and dedication to the sport that bound our team together forged a profound sense of companionship, and from this stemmed the mutual friendship and support that empowered our high level performances. It was our support of each other that unfettered our champion caliber performances.
In all, my experience at NAYC was absolutely incredible, and one that I will continue to carry with me throughout my life. From engaging in new experiences to cultivating lasting relationships, NAYC has set me up well for success in the future. I would like to personally thank all of the wonderful people that organized this event, especially our local coordinators for Region 9. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Region 9’s competitive youth of the future, and I already know that my personal ambitions are set on taking home a gold medal for Region 9 next year! Ride on, Region 9!