Listening to others has proven beneficial

In 1973, our Youth Group was full of passionate kids, loving what we were doing, eager to compete, and full of love for our horses. While none of us had National titles, we were aiming for them. Our local horses and trainers had a successful Nationals, one highlight being the National Championship for Half Arabian Pleasure Driving with Rifsper and Clyde Wilson. We were all proud of the New Mexico delegation.

Also, in 1973, our Youth Group was introduced to a family that would change things for all of us; a seismic change was in the area. We heard about them before we met them; a family had moved to New Mexico from California. The New Mexico Youth Group was about to meet the Dearth Family.

1974 brought lots of energy and excitement to our group; Gary and Todd Dearth upped the game for everyone. Their parents were by their side in everything from suits (we had never seen such beautiful tailoring) to coaching. We all made every effort to keep up; Greg Grisham, at the time, was our leading youth. Greg, coached by Gil Chavez, was the first of our group to win a Top Ten at the Nationals, being named Top Ten in Stock Seat Equitation. (*I made my first cut ever at the Nationals and carried the ribbon around all day) Gary Dearth had been expected to win something but did not. It seemed to make the Dearth’s even more determined.

Now is the time to insert some thoughts on the "inner voice." It is easy to be envious of people like the Dearth’s at this juncture in life. Young and determined, our group wasn't as prepared and polished as Gary and Todd. Most of our parents were not horse show parents. The "inner voice" was, for me, don't be envious; imitate. Don't be jealous; watch, don't be envious; grow and learn.

Back to the story and what 1975 would bring: while 1974 might have been disappointing to the Dearth’s, they didn't wallow in it; they got stronger. (Listen to that inner voice, this is a good trait) Gary had a new horse to ride, Bay Rabus, a son of Bay Abi and a well-trained stock seat horse. Gary added a coach, the legendary Billy Harris. (Listen to that inner voice, it's helpful to get fresh voices) The Nationals were once again in Albuquerque in 1975, and that year saw the emergence of a new star in the Arabian Horse sport. Gary Dearth was named the US National Champion Stock Seat Equitation. While we all celebrated, there was also a sense of envy. We couldn't help it; we all wanted that trophy. The challenge was: stay envious or use their success as a motivator. I chose the latter. I listened to my inner voice and used Gary's win as a challenge to get better.

The trajectory for Gary and Todd was straight up. They became two of the most successful youths in our sport. The day they moved into Albuquerque was beneficial for everyone in our club. Through them, we saw what could be. Gary and Todd showed us that if we worked harder, we could achieve; they did, and we could succeed too.

Listen to that inner voice. Do not let envy defeat possibility. Use challenges to be better. Use those who are more successful as models for what you can be. Although my trajectory was slower, I met my goals and raised them repeatedly. My inner voice served me well.