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2002 Northeast Junior/Young Rider Dressage Championships
Everybody Is A Star
As the rings continued to run with riders finishing up the riding phase of their division, the awards presentations began early in the afternoon outside the Competitors' Lounge tent where riders, trainers, and families could relax in the shade and the horses remained cool in their stalls while the sun, heat and humidity of 90° weather baked the show grounds. In addition to ribbons awarded for each of the three phases of each division, ribbons were also awarded for 10 places in each of the 15 divisions, plus the top three riders were awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. The medalists were posed on a two-tiered, Olympic-style platform, which provided a beautiful backdrop for photos. The riders were also awarded armloads of products from sponsors, and some of the big winners walked away with saddles and tack trunks. Immediately after the presentations, all winners were required to go to a table in the lounge and fill out thank-you cards to the sponsors. "This is something I want you to get into the habit of doing," Lendon told them.    |
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Indeed,
everybody was a star at this event. With hundreds of ribbons, a host
of medals, and numerous special awards, the presentations lasted almost
five hours on Sunday, August 18. The show featured 15 Championship Divisions
created by level and age of rider. There were nine Training Level Divisions,
four First Level Divisions, a Third Level Division, and a Fourth Level
Division. Part of the fun, camaraderie, as well as pomp and circumstance
of this show, is that the riders are required to participate in the
presentations fully attired in their show clothes and ready to smile
for the cameras. It is part of the learning experience two-time Olympian
Lendon Gray, who has won more national titles in dressage than any other
American rider, considers to be a 'not optional' part of the horse show
experience. 
