TEAM AUSTRIA FIRST
Vanessa Bauer of Kornenburg, Austria, had never riden western riding before but that didn’t stop her from winning the class for Team Austria on day one of showing. Aboard Envious Trip, owned by Kaitlyn Black, she won the team’s first gold medal of the show. After she and Envious Trip went through their final class, trail, The Journal caught up with Vanessa to talk to her about the western riding win.
Talk about how your ride went today.
It was pretty good because he was really nice to handle, and I was really satisfied with him. He was with me. I’m proud. I had a good feeling when I left (the arena). A very good feeling. This was my first western riding ever in my life, and I was really, really proud.
Your first time to perform in western riding? Wow! What did you do to prepare for it?
The owner of the horse was here, and she told me some things about the horse like how to handle him. So that was really nice. The clinic helped really a lot because I got to know the horse and feel him more.
What did you have to work on to become a team with Envious Trip?
He is an old show horse, and he knows his job. It’s not always so easy to ride him but it’s easier than a lot of horses. He’s really good.
What have you liked best about Youth World Cup so far?
It’s my first year and my last year. (She said sadly.) I’m really enjoying it. I’ve loved everything about it: the teams, the people, the organization. Really everything. It has been really good.
What did you have to do to become a part of Team Austria?
We had the whole year, 2007, at AQHA shows, and the boys and girls with the most points were allowed to come with. I was in second place. That’s why I’m here. I show mostly with my horse in trail and reining. She’s a reiner, and she’s really good at the trail. In the future, I want to show more pleasure but reining also.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Yes. My parents of course. The whole team here. My horse, because without my horse I couldn’t have done it, and our manager and teacher Gaby (Michalek), who's done a really, really great job.
Fun Fact: Vanessa became interested in showing after her mother saw a trainer ride at a western show.
TEAM GERMANY SECOND
Carolin Lenz of Schwabhausen, Germany, also had to head straight to trail after western riding. She and Stay Bay Lucy, owned by Linda Lisbon, made their way through the western riding pattern and got a second place finish for Team Germany. Cooling off after a hard day by Team Germany’s stalls, Carolin talked to The Journal about her western riding experience.
What was your ride like today in western riding?
It was a lot fun. She did a great job and was really good. No problems at all. She did really, really well.
What is Stay Bay Lucy like to ride?
She’s really, really good. Especially in trail and horsemanship. In her head, she’s really, really cool and if the train comes by she’s (Carolin makes a kind of moping face) … She’s just calm and good. (A train track runs behind the show grounds, and trains come by often.)
Did the western riding clinic help you?
Yes, yes. The trainer was really helpful.
What have you liked best about Youth World Cup so far?
It’s a lot of fun. I like the showing and so many kids from so many countries. It’s fun. This is my second time. I was in two years ago in Texas. This is as much fun. And it helped me a lot here.
Anyone you would like to thank?
All of my team members. They have helped me a lot. And my trainers and all the staff and organization.
Fun Fact: Carolin has been showing American Quarter horses since 1996 and her favorite event is the European Championship.
