Testimonies
What our Junior/Young Riders have to say about participating in the CDS Southern California Junior/Young Rider Championship Show:
My experience at Championships was incredible and is now an irreplaceable memory. This was my second year at Jr/Yr Championships and I enjoyed the facilities and my show experience very much. There were major differences between the LA Equestrian Center and Del Mar, but I enjoyed them both very much. At LA, everything was close together for our chapter because of our barn location and they had wash racks. Del Mar was HUGE and beautiful. They did not have wash racks, but the weather was fabulous. As far as spooking horses (which I know very well), LA has walls for posters and Del Mar has wind, so both have their cons.
From last year to this year, my show experience greatly improved, and I had an amazing time! Last year, I rode a skittish Appaloosa that I was put on at the last minute. Our highlight was 2nd place in Equitation and we managed an overall 7th place. This year, I was placed on a horse at the beginning of the season, Esprit, and so we had a whole year of practice together. He has a tendency to bolt out of the arena, and luckily when he happened to do it at Championships, we stayed inside the ring. With the total tally, we came out as Reserve Champion. Overall, Championships was the best it could possibly be.
I look forward all year to Jr. championships with the Dressage Divas. Everyone works so hard all year just to be able to compete at championships. Although I was nervous to show at Del Mar, I felt comfortable and had a great experience. It was my birthday weekend and my team was nice enough to watch all my classes and cheer me on. I even got a birthday song while walking out of the arena after I finished a test. Thank you to all the people that support the juniors!
Jolie and I competed at this years Jr. Championships at First level. I had a fun time riding Jolie in the classes. Even though we had a few difficult moments, I am proud of how I handled those rough times. Jolie and I finished 3rd in the Equitation class, 5th in the Individual First Level Championships, and our team won Reserve Champion. I liked being able to spend time with my friends and watching all of my teammates ride their tests. I had alot of fun hanging out with my friends and hope to be able to go to Championships again this year.
Firstly I would like to thank Pomona chapter and all the Dressage Divas for making my first experience at championships so enjoyable. Everyone was so helpful and supportive. They really made me feel welcome and im so happy that my first championship show went so smoothly. It was absolutely one of the best experiences I have had during this show season. I am looking forward to participating in championships next year and can't wait for all the upcoming activities!
I had a great time at the 2011 CDS Junior Championships this year! I practiced very hard all year so I could do my best. With the help of my trainer Faith, I was able to qualify at 1st level on my pony Goldie.
One of my favorite things about the Championships is the team competition! I was on the Pomona team The Diamond Divas. We all had matching team shirts and saddle pads with lots of bling! Everybody on the team did really well and we got Reserve Champion. The thing that made me happiest was working together with my teammates, having fun and being successful at the end. It’s so cool that everyone on my team were cheering and encouraging the others to do great!
Goldie was a good boy and I was pretty happy with all my scores. We got 3rd place in the 1st level Championship (17 and under) and we got first place in the Equitation (13 and under). My whole family came down to see me ride. It’s not so bad when my brother Matthew comes to my shows since our Mom and Dad won't let him boo me anymore! It was kind of neat that the Championships were in Del Mar this year. The arenas and barns were really nice and we talked about riding down at the beach but didn’t get a chance to do it. Maybe next time!
Dear Pomona Chapter,
Thanks so much to all of the people who helped make my first experience at Junior Championships truly wonderful. As a newcomer to the Pomona Chapter this year, I really didn't know what to expect. When we first arrived, I was so touched to see that thoughtful volunteers had decorated my stall; there was also a cute basket full of yummy treats and helpful supplies. I was very grateful for the candy and the hand sanitizer! Everyone made Jazzy and me feel special and welcomed.
All of the people who put on the show were very professional, helpful, and kind. I was proud of my horse and my teammates, and I am hoping to get the chance to come back next year. Thanks again to the Pomona Chapter for helping me make new friends and enjoy a great experience.
Sincerely,
Kylee Michalski
Championships is always an experience that I look forward to the entire show season. The Pomona Chapter Divas are always a supportive and fun group to be around, and this year was no different. The change of scenery added to the excitement and the weather was a special bonus. With only two years left as a junior I really try to get the most out of every championship. Every year I am reminded why I am a Pomona Chapter Dressage Diva!
