T
wo-thousand-twelve marks the eighth consecutive year and the 10th overall for me as official photographer for the Arabian Youth Nationals. It is with great pleasure that I present here the show from my perspective.
I have photographed many different types of equine events in an array of breeds over the past 28 years, and I must say that Youth is nothing like any of them. At Youth Nationals, there is a special feeling from the first day to the last class—and showing horses is just part of what we see the kids do. We watch them take part in the management of the show, decorate barns to chosen themes, make over golf carts with incredibly creative looks, and join in a host of other activities. We see them just plain having fun.
2012
Y o u t h N at i o n a l C h a m p i o n s o f t h e H a lt e r D i v i s i o n s
When I started my current run of photographing Youth Nationals in 2005, the exhibitors who graduated to the adult ranks this year were in leadline. So, I had the unique opportunity of witnessing their transformation from enthusiastic youngsters into accomplished world-class exhibitors. Now I look forward to photographing them at the U.S. Nationals in Tulsa. This is the show that everyone loves, because the kids give it a special magic. I applaud the show commission, the AHA staff, the parents, and most of all the great youth exhibitors for putting on a remarkable week of fun and great competition every year. Mike Ferrara
- FRENCH KISSES YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPION ARABIAN MARE JOTH 17 & UNDER Shown by Sarah Beth Womble Owned by Belvedere Farm LLC