August 12, 2022 
If the North American Youth Championships (NAYC) was the Hunger Games, Mia Albelo would be one of the “careers.”
At just 17, the Zone 4 rider is uniquely well-versed in championship competition. She’s been preparing for it the bulk of her riding career and has the confidence—and medals—to match.
It’s a legacy that began in 2018…
Albelo started her NAYC career as few do: with a win out the gate. In her NAYC debut in the Children’s division, she won the first day’s speed competition, then went on to help capture the team silver medal for Zone 4, riding anchor no less.
“I came in 2018 with Cassandra Dreams. She’s the quickest mare I’ve ever sat on. I really don’t think there’s anything like her out there,” said Albelo. “She was a machine, a scooter, basically. She could do any inside turn, any leave out. She was all heart, all game.”
In 2019, the pair returned to do one better than the previous year, taking home the team gold in the Children’s division.
“I rode as pathfinder that year and it also worked great,” said Albelo. “It’s been super cool to have these experiences as different positions and learn what it’s like to be pathfinder, to be anchor, and deal with those nerves.”
An individual medal eluded the then 14 year old yet again that year, but it was by circumstance not performance.
“The day off my horse unfortunately had a slight medical accident. So we actually pulled out of the final individual competition, even though we were going in as the leading Children’s rider, which was great,” deadpanned Albelo. “But of course you have to do what’s in the best interest of your partners always. That’s the sport.”
In 2020, the Miami-based rider qualified for NAYC once again—until COVID thwarted her podium plans.
A year later, she returned with a vengance. Moving up a division to the inaugural Pre-Juniors in 2021, Albelo won every round from start to finish, without incurring a single rail over the week.
“I had the best year I could have ever asked for,” said Albelo of her performance in 2021. “I was team and individual gold medalist.”
This year, the now-17-year-old is back at NAYC facing a new year and a new division with a new horse.
She moved up to the Juniors with the nine-year old MHS Cardenta, her mount of just four months and started the week as she has three times before: strongly. The pair’s fourth place finish in Thursday’s opening speed round helped put the team in medal contention for Friday’s team event.
“I felt some nerves of pressure because I recently partnered with MHS Cardenta. I got her at the end of April. This is probably my second month jumping this height. But she has continued to impress. That’s why we’re here. And I’m so, so thankful for her.”
The result: more of the same.
Despite her limited experience jumping at the 1.40m height and with her mount, Albelo made her Junior division debut riding anchor once again. She posted a single rail in the first round and was the drop score in the second round. Zone 4, also represented by Caroline Mawhinney (Stella Levista), Hailey Royce (Sonic Boom) and Ella Duffy (Vajra du Blay), took home team gold with a pair of double clears from Mawhinney and Royce on the day.
“Today didn’t go as planned, but I don’t think it was because of nerves. [It’s a] brand new partner MHC Cardenta,” shared Albelo. “She reminds me exactly of Cassandra Dreams. It’s a scopier version of the exact same size. She actually wears her bridle and I see the name Cassie between her poll every time I sit on her.
“She’s the coolest horse ever.”
If you’ve lost track, that’s five medals in four appearances—and counting.
“I live for NAYC. It’s what I want every year,” laughed Albelo. “I hope to come back and eventually move up to that Young Rider division.”
When, not if, she does, don’t be surprised if you see the petite jumper in a familiar looking garb.
“It’s actually pretty funny. I have all three [NAYC] patches on my [show] coat. I’ve had this coat since my 2019 Children’s year, so hopefully we have four stacks from Children’s to Young Riders,” she smiled.
“I love this jacket. It’s getting a little snug. But I can’t give it up. Not yet.”
Different positions, different heights, different teammates, Albelo is consistent when it counts.
“I get this compliment a lot from [chef d’equipe] Kim [Land], and it means a lot to me,” she shared. “She says that I handle the nerves, the pressure, extremely well, and I believe that I’ve been able to really keep my cool, keep my confidence and really ride the plan.”
The Junior individual final takes place on Sunday at 11:00am ET. Watch on USEFNetwork.com.
