Designed to mirror the competition format used at the Olympic and Pan American Games, it offers athletes an opportunity to experience competing as a member of a team. The objective is to introduce and prepare competitors for international competitions as some have never competed at the FEI level. Beyond the performances, there lies an intriguing world behind the scenes, where dedication, training, meticulous preparation, camaraderie, and support come together to create an unforgettable and uplifting event.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi
The Journey to Excellence
While NAYC serves as a platform for talented athletes, the path to get there is far from simple. Athletes must undergo rigorous training, accumulate valuable experience, and demonstrate consistent dedication to their sport. Months, and even years, of preparation culminate in these championships.
The experience acts as a steppingstone for enhancing technique, strategy refinement, and the strengthening of bonds with their equine partners. It is not just a test of physical ability, but a mental challenge as well. Athletes must be prepared to handle the pressure of high-stakes competition, demanding courses, and split-second decisions.
Canadian athletes interested in representing their country at NAYC put forth declarations each spring. From here, selectors review applications and track athlete performances, evaluating the athletes and their horses against several factors set out for each age group by Equestrian Canada. Where possible, selectors choose up to four competitors from each age group to compose a team. If there are enough competitors, Canada may send more than one team per age group or may send athletes to compete individually.
Pre-Event Preparations
NAYC is allocated to a different location through a bidding process every 2-3 years and host selection and organization is handled by US Equestrian (USEF). When determining a suitable venue, USEF must ensure that the one selected can accommodate both jumping and dressage requirements, as well as manage the influx of participants, horses, spectators, and officials. Host organizers must also be able to enlist a dedicated team of volunteers to help with registration, coordination, hospitality, and spectator management. USEF staff and the host organizers work closely to ensure smooth planning and operations, especially as they also host another competition in conjunction to the young rider event.
A lot of preparation goes into the week! Detailed competition schedules must be created that take into account multiple rounds, qualifiers, and finals. They must allocate sufficient time for warm-ups, rest, and transition between classes. Qualified and experienced FEI officials are assigned to ensure fair and consistent judging throughout, and media personnel, including photographers and journalists, accredited to provide accurate and timely press coverage.
Also included in the event pre-planning are the ever-important social events that enhance the participant and spectator experience. The events, organized by USEF, include welcome receptions, parades of nations, and trivia nights.
Photo Credit: EC Staff
For the Canadian team, EC staff and Youth Technical Advisors work to ensure that declared and selected athletes meet all eligibility requirements, accreditation requirements and that requests are tendered. They also work to confirm entries are submitted by deadlines to governing bodies and competition organizers, sponsorships are secured, apparel and team gear is obtained, supplies, gear and stabling outfitting is transported to the competition venue, partner hotels are secured, social posts and press releases are circulated, and among other things, they provide support and assistance to athletes and participants while keeping them up to date and informed. As this is a youth competition, there are several additional safe sport checks and balances put in place to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
Back in the Barns
The stabling area is where the real hustle and bustle of the competition takes place. NAYC horses are stabled separately in secured FEI stabling areas, restricted only to those athletes and participants with accreditation. Each athlete is only permitted a support group of one groom, one guest/coach and two horse owners in this area. In addition, teams have a Chef d’Equipe and an EC staff member onsite to provide guidance and support.
Horses can enter the designated FEI stabling on the Monday before the competition gets underway, but athletes often take advantage of competitions held the week before at the same venue to acclimatize their partners to their new surroundings. On move-in day, the stabling area is buzzing with activity as participants set up horse and tack stalls, shavings and feed are delivered, horses are unloaded and checked in through veterinary exams. Team gear is handed out at this time and athletes and participants welcome each other, whether from the same team or rivalling countries/zones.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi and EC Staff
Chef d’Equipe meetings with organizers and officials soon get underway, reviewing the plans for the week and drawing starting orders.
As NAYC is an FEI competition, horses are also required to undergo soundness inspections onsite. Prior to the first and last days of competition, all horses must be presented before FEI officials and veterinarians and jogged to evaluate soundness. Only those accepted horses may move forward. Athletes and coaches often describe the jog as being more stressful than the competition itself.
Competition Day
The atmosphere on competition day is electric, with a mix of excitement, nerves, and determination filling the air. The venue is meticulously prepared, featuring a spacious dressage ring and a jumping course that tests both the athletes’ technical abilities and their horses’ athleticism.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi
The day begins early, with athletes and their support teams arriving at the venue well before their designated start times. Grooms and athletes are seen thoroughly grooming and tending to their horses, ensuring that they are in peak condition for the upcoming rounds. The bond between athlete and horse is evident, as they go through their warm-up routines and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
As the competition gets underway, the tension builds. Spectators gather to watch the action, including fellow athletes, coaches, family members, and passionate equestrian enthusiasts. The announcer’s voice echoes across the arena, describing each athlete’s accomplishments and introducing them before their rounds. The cheers and applause from the crowd create a backdrop of encouragement and support, urging the competitors to perform at their best. Athletes take turns one by one, guiding their horses through the intricate courses or tests.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi
In jumping, the jumps vary in height and complexity, requiring a combination of precise riding techniques, quick decision-making, and effective communication with the horse. Each successful jump is met with cheers and admiration from the crowd, while any errors or faults highlight the unforgiving nature of the sport.
In dressage, the tests vary in complexity, also requiring precise riding techniques and effective communication with the horse. Spectators fall silent as tests begin and erupt in cheers when high scores are awarded by the judges at the end.
Rising to the Top
The competition continues throughout the week, with each round contributing to the overall individual and team standings for each age group. The pressure is intense, and the margins between victory and defeat are often razor-thin. As the week progresses, the leaderboard takes shape, and the anticipation builds towards the final rounds.
At the conclusion of the team and individual championships, the top performers are recognized and celebrated on the podium. Listening to their national anthem play with a medal around their necks and alongside fellow teammates is surely an experience that NAYC athletes will cherish forever. The excitement of winning is contagious, and one cannot help but smile along with them. Celebrations last long after stepping off the podium and the feeling of excitement often remains in the air for the duration of the championships.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi
After podium finishes, winners are whisked away to the media center for interviews, photographs and to receive additional prizes. For many of these young athletes, this will be their first time in front of press following a win, and as part of athlete development, athletes are provided with media training opportunities in advance of the championships.
The winners of NAYC stand as examples of exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport.
Lifting Each Other Up
The camaraderie and support between athletes are a remarkable aspect of this special event. It creates a positive and uplifting environment, and while athletes may compete against each other in the ring, they also come together as a united community that celebrates achievements, shares knowledge, and uplifts one another in their pursuit of excellence in equestrian.
The young athletes share a deep passion for equestrian, and this common interest creates an immediate bond among participants, as they understand the dedication, hard work, and skill required to excel in the sport. While the athletes compete against each other, the competition is characterized by a spirit of a friendly challenge rather than cutthroat rivalry. The competitors recognize the value of healthy competition in pushing each other to improve. This attitude creates an environment where athletes support each other’s achievements and appreciate the challenges they collectively face.
NAYC also promotes a culture of support and encouragement. Athletes understand the mental and physical demands of the sport, and they rally around each other during both practice and competition. This respect is evident in the genuine applause and encouragement athletes offer to their peers, both in victory and defeat. Words of encouragement, tips for overcoming challenges, and friendly conversations create an atmosphere of mutual support that helps athletes perform at their best.
Photo Credit: Ben Radvanyi
There is also a sense of team spirit. There to represent their countries or zones, teammates cheer each other on, offer guidance, and celebrate victories together, reinforcing the bond among athletes. This shared journey also helps to strengthens the connections between participants.
The friendships formed here often extend beyond the event itself. Athletes forge connections that can last a lifetime, as they stay in touch, continue to compete together, and share their journeys.
In a Nutshell
NAYC is a celebration of equestrian excellence, a showcase of young talent, and a testament to the unwavering dedication of athletes, coaches, and equine partners. While the dazzling performances on the arena floor captivate audiences, the true magic lies behind the scenes, where months of hard work, training, and preparation come to fruition.
Beyond the course design and complex tests, a vast network of organizers, officials, veterinarians, equestrian federations, support personnel, service providers and volunteers collaborate to orchestrate a seamless event. From transportation and stabling to veterinary care and spectator experience, every detail is carefully considered to ensure a successful event.
Memorable and inspiring, the thrilling combination of horsemanship, athleticism, and camaraderie creates an unforgettable atmosphere for all involved. NAYC provides not only a showcase of equestrian skill but also a platform for young athletes to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion.