Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta – History was made at Spruce Meadows Thursday with 16-year-old Caitlin Ziegler (USA) becoming the youngest ever winner of an FEI event in the Spruce Meadows International Ring. Riding her 13-year-old mare, Valencia, Ziegler bested an international field of 32 horse/rider combinations with a convincing double clear, and a 3-second margin of victory in a seven-horse jump-off in the 1.5m AON Cup.

“This is really unbelievable, I really am speechless. Winning here against these riders is very special,” said the beaming teen from Wisconsin. With names like Madden, Spooner, Millar, Simpson and Lamaze falling behind her in the final standings, Ziegler took time to relish the moment.

“I guess I should be worried about my job,” chuckled her coach Eric Lamaze, who finished sixth in the event with four faults in the jump-off and a slower time.

Earlier this season Caitlin Ziegler was recognized at Spruce Meadows for her commitment and dedication to the sport with and RSA scholarship. Clearly that dedication is paying off with her historic win.

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