How to Choose a NYATT Team

What is NYATT?

NYATT is the national youth activity team tournament that is offered at the All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC).

What happens at this tournament?

Youth (18 y/o or under) compete in classes such as:  

Horsemanship, Reining, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, and Barrel Racing.                                                                          

                                                              

 How many youths can be on a team?

At least 4 competing youth and no more than 14. There may be alternates, but only two youth per team may compete in one class.

How can I join an NYATT team?

Each team has different requirements for its youth. Most often, you will have to complete sponsorships, work hours, and attend a set number of meetings. Team members are usually chosen by the point standings (calculated points earned) of the association. Point standings are based on age group classes. Typically you must earn points in age group classes during the show season that are offered at the NYATT to be considered for a team.

That being said, you may be offered a spot on several teams if you meet their standards...

I was offered a spot by four associations from my state this year. Last year I competed with a team that needed another member for their showmanship class. I started showing in April mostly missing the deadline for many NYATT teams in my area. This year,2014, I worked to earn points and meet the requirements for each team.

Southern Ohio QHA, Eastern Ohio QHA, Ohio Michigan Indiana QHA, and Ohio QHA all offered me a spot on their teams.

Here is how I chose which team I would compete with:

1. Money Invested: Each team has requirements, and some need sponsorships. I made a list outlining how much money I had given the association.
2. Time: I had to attend many meetings. Some of these meetings were two or more hours away. I made sure to calculate how much time I had devoted to the association.
3. Benefits: This one is a bit of a selfish but realistic category. I have invested time and money, what will I receive in return? Lots of teams pay for your walk-In outfit at the NYATT ceremony and for your stall during your stay at the Congress. I listed the benefits of each association for my decision.
4. Friends: Last year, I joined a team at the last minute. It was inevitable that I would feel like the outsider. The team and experience was great, but I did feel separated from my friends, and it was tough/uncomfortable making new friends. This year I attended meetings and went to the YES conference, so I made friends with members in every association. I wanted to feel comfortable with my NYATT team.
5. NYATT team leader: these are usually your youth advisors for the association. I became very close to some. You spend a lot of time with these advisors, so it is always a benefit when you get along.
6. Classes: I qualified for a variety of classes within each association, but my favorite class is showmanship.  I noviced out of it last year, so I would only be able to compete in one age group class at the Congress. I chose to do NYATT showmanship because I wanted to have more than one chance to show in my favorite class at the AAQHC. This point really helped me make a decision.
7. Last year's placings: This is another selfish point. The placings do help you make a decision, though. You can see how successful a team has been in the past and decide if it would be a good match for you.

All of this was in my mind when I made my decision. I kept my parents and trainer involved throughout the process.

Finally, I made my decision, which was to compete on the Ohio QHA NYATT team.

I have become close with the association members/ youth advisors throughout the year and decided that this team was the best fit for me.

I'll leave you with this...

When you make your decision, keep in mind that this competition/ceremony only lasts for a day, but the memories will last forever.

My first NYATT team from last year pictured with the fantastic NYATT buckles!

You must attend the NYATT ceremony to receive your belt buckle. You may compete in the NYATT, but if you do not attend the ceremony, you don't receive your buckle. That being said, the NYATT ceremony is long, but you get to walk in with a cool sign, there's a raffle, and sponsors give away items.

For more information, please visit http://www.oqha.com/aaqhc/contests/nyatt-contests
Good luck!