July 26, 2005 - My mission for the duration of the NAYRC is to go in depth with the Region 3 dressage team and give a behind-the-scenes peak into the competitors’ experience at this event. To do this, I will be flying in to Virginia and will be receiving a barn pass to go back and hang out with the team. I will be compiling their experiences, my own experiences, and the daily results of the competition to put together a nightly journal. This will hopefully give the equine world a glimpse into the atmosphere and vibe that the NAYRC has to offer.

Today was a day filled with events and action at the NAYRC. The event started off with opening ceremonies, and a general meeting of all competitors, and official. Competitors got up early to feed and work their horses, knowing that the veterinary jog inspection started at 1:00 PM. Horses were allowed some down time in their stalls to rest and keep cool before the early afternoon activity.

The barn area was an array of riders, coaches and grooms, all scurrying around to put the final touches on their steeds before presenting them to the ground jury. The Region 3 team called me around 11:30 AM, passing the phone from person to person as they bathed and braided each of the four horses. I was informed that the jog would go in reverse order, meaning they would jog toward the end.

Region 3’s team is comprised of four members. The anchor rider coming into the competition is none other than Mr. John Murrey riding his always-fabulous diva, Festival. John, at 19 years old, steps up to the plate this year with an impressive 65.914% after an easy season filled with many blue ribbons. John and Festival captured the individual bronze medal together at the 2003 NAYRC in Bromont, riding for Region 7.

Second onto the Deep South team this year is Adrienne Rogers, a 20-year-old resident of Newman, Georgia. Adrienne is the owner and rider of Milky Way, an 11-year-old NAWPN gelding by Columbus and out of Iris. The pair has claimed the regional championship at every level from first to PSG. Even more impressive than their numerous wins is the encouraging knowledge that Arienne has done all of the training herself. Adrienne and Milky Way (affectionately known around the barn as “Mickey”) are also veterans on the team as they competed for Region 3 at the NAYRC in 2004. Adrienne and Mickey enter this competition with a 64.997% average.

Third to the team this year is Miss Megan Robertson and her pretty boy, Leopold. Completing the team this year is 19-year-old Erin Moran of Wellington, Florida. Erin will be aboard Columbo, a 10-year-old bay Holsteiner stallion by Carpacio. Erin’s long time trainer, Bent Jensen, owns Columbo. Erin is studying accounting and is a pre-law student at Palm Beach Community College in Jupiter, Florida. Erin and her mom have an awesome passion for equines that they share together. The two can always be seen around the stable together caring for and loving on their three horses and one adopted horse (Columbo). Erin and Columbo come to the team as rookies worth watching, bringing in a qualifying average of a 62.210%

Last but very certainly not least are the Chef de Quip extraordinaire, Sandy Bishop and Team Organizer, Cindy Thaxton. Sandy is very involved with Region 3 and the young riders program. She really knows how to keep every detail organized to ensure the team’s success. Sandy has inspired so many horse people over the last few years and has helped many young riders find the strength they need to reach for the stars. Cindy is another key player in Region 3 young riders. Cindy’s positive, up beat attitude is wonderfully contagious with a level of kindness and generosity that is a cut above the rest. These ladies truly deserve their own gold medals for their work they have done so graciously for Region 3.

This team sounds like they are having the time of their lives right now, and I can not wait to join in on the experience and the excitement!