Royce Enjoys Experience of a Lifetime with US Juniors Team

By: Savannah Daly

ATHENS, Ga. --- Hailey Royce, a freshman who rides jumping seat for the University of Georgia equestrian team, recently traveled to Kronenberg, Netherlands to compete for the United States Juniors Team at the Youth Nations Cup Final.

The U.S. teams consist of senior, young rider and junior teams. Riders are nominated and selected to represent the U.S. based on their yearly performance. The athletes on the junior team range in ages 14-18, and compete at 1.40m. Royce was one of four riders in the nation to be selected for the US Juniors team.

Despite having various competitions on her resume, the Youth Nations Cup Final marked the first European competition for Royce and first time competing in Europe with her current horse, Sonic Boom, who she calls Booms.

"I felt so special to be able to go over there and travel," Royce said. "I think it was a new experience for both of us (Booms) and so much fun."

Since she has been at school and unable to ride Booms as often as usual, Royce and Booms traveled to the Netherlands a few days prior to the competition in order to practice together again.

"Before we are able to compete we have to go through the jog which ensures our horses are sound and ready to show. Then, we were able to school in the show ring before the first day of the Nations Cup."

Day one of the competition did not go as well as Royce had planned, however she did not let it discourage or overshadow her experience.

"The first day, I made a little mistake, so the rest of our team carried through and it was a good learning opportunity for me. On the second day of the Nations Cup, my horse was amazing and we had two double clear rounds which was awesome," Royce said. "Next time, I want to go in and really challenge myself to be bold and take the little extra risk to hopefully jump that clear round and put a little more pressure on my horse."

Royce claimed the atmosphere of showing in Europe compared to in America was more "chaotic," but would love the opportunity to compete abroad again.

"There are more people in the ring at the same time and the rings are smaller than in America. You have to be on time, if you are not on time, you are late and it's a problem."

Royce began riding on her fourth birthday. She credits her mother's love of riding for her start. By the time she was 10, Royce switched from dressage competitions to jumping and got her first horse, Rapidash.

Since Rapidash, Royce has had a total of four horses. She has had Booms since last June.

"(Booms) is very talented and has given me so much confidence to jump the bigger classes. He is so brave and game to go in for every class that we do."

When competing in NCEA competitions for Georgia, Royce will compete in events on different horses without having prior experience with them. Although this style of competition is different from others, Royce considers it another great experience to showcase her abilities.

"I think it (riding different horses) really broadens your riding ability. It's one thing to be able to ride your horse very well, but it's another to be able to jump on another horse and have to walk right in the ring."

Next up, Royce is traveling to Pennsylvania for the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, which is one of the big finals of the year. As a participant in another team competition, she will be jumping in Prix des States.

As she looks to the future, Royce hopes to one day compete for the U.S senior team and to continue riding after her collegiate career comes to an end.

"Thank you so much to my parents and the team here at UGA and everyone that has helped me get to this point and be able to have the honor to represent the United States, it's such a special opportunity and I would love to do it again in the future."

University of Georgia Athletics

Royce Enjoys Experience of a Lifetime with US Juniors Team

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