Cowboy boots and Dressage stock-ties mixed and mingled Tuesday, February 3 for a celebration honored across the state. Young equestrians of all riding styles convened at the Georgia State Capitol building for the fifth annual Youth Equine Championship Day, a recognition of those who have devoted themselves to horseback riding and who qualified for a regional, national or world championship show. Currently, Georgia is the only state to hold an event of its type for juvenile riders, hoping to spread the encouragement of awards around the nation.

“This is a big event for us every year, and we are excited about it. These kids could have been in softball, football, basketball or track, but they have committed themselves to support and promote the horse industry in Georgia,” said John Clements of the Georgia Department of Agriculture Commodity Commission for Equine to Valdosta Today.

The regional, national and world qualifiers came together in the capitol building to hear a speech by Georgia’s governor Nathan Deal and receive a celebratory lunch in Atlanta’s oldest original train depot- a very unique setting that achieved a rustic yet professional atmosphere. Deal spoke on how proud these equestrians should be for pursuing a sport that has been slowly forgotten over the years and pursuing greatness despite the difficulties of time and barn-work the sport requires. Each attendee received a certificate of recognition signed by the state senate and a picture on the famous staircase inside the capitol.

John Clements and the Georgia Agricultural committee are proud of their accomplishments and strive to spread the recognition beyond their community.