Tag Archives: Young Riders

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Show Jumping, USEF, Western/Reining

Hospitality Options and More: The Clock Is Ticking toward the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North

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Lexington, KY – With the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) set to begin in just under two weeks, excitement is in the air at the Kentucky Horse Park. These championships will host the best Juniors and Young Riders in North America as they vie for team and individual championship honors July 27-31.

The 2011 championships will once again feature junior and young riders divisions in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping.  For the first time, the sport of reining will feature two championships, with a junior championship being added. Another exciting feature this year is the introduction of the endurance championships.

Nominated Entries are in from across North America and the competition looks to be of the highest caliber.

Some sponsorship opportunities are still available; please join Adequan, Gotham North, SmartPak, Equine Canada, Platinum Performance, United States Dressage Federation, U.S. Eventing Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association, Howard Simpson, Ariat International, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, WISE Equestrian, Dever Inc., Equisure, American Quarter Horse Association, Sallee Horse Vans, Griffin Gate Marriott, Hodges Badge Company, Spy Coast Farm, EquiFit, and the rest of our sponsors, donors and friends in support of this wonderful event. Please contact Scott Carling for information regarding sponsorship (all contact information is listed below).

Continue reading Hospitality Options and More: The Clock Is Ticking toward the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North →

Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI European Jumping Championships for Children, Juniors and Young Riders 2011

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A DOUBLE GOLD FOR BELGIUM AND ITALY AS NEXT GENERATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE by Louise Parkes

Pictured (L to R): Nicola Philippaerts (team and individual gold), Victor Kumps, Jessica Geurts and Olivier Philippaerts, (front) Chef d'Equipe Rik Deraedt. Photo: FEI/Michael Steiger.

Lausanne (SUI), 11 JULY 2011 – Rising stars, and many with familiar names, shone brightly at the FEI European Jumping Championships for Children, Juniors and Young Riders 2011 staged in Comporta (POR) over the weekend.  Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts, twin sons of long-time Belgian senior team rider Ludo Philippaerts, were members of the victorious Belgian Young Rider side, and 18 year Nicola also took the individual Young Rider title.  Meanwhile Virginia Caruso confirmed the competitiveness of Italian jumping right now when helping to scoop Junior team gold before also taking the individual honours yesterday.

Ireland clinched the first gold medals on offer in Saturday’s Children’s Team decider. But it was Lisa Nooren, daughter of world-famous coach Henk Nooren who is currently managing the French senior team, who came out on top in the Children’s individual competition the result of which, like so many of the other classes at these championships, had to be decided by a jump-off.  The quality of competition was extraordinary, with the top four riders producing flawless performances over five tough rounds, but Nooren and the 10 year old Dutch-bred Ubalia produced a superior turn of foot against the clock that left them with an advantage of more than 2.5 seconds over silver medallist Paul Delforge (Kaloubet d’Toureelle) from France, while Belgium’s Maxine de Pelsmaeker (Whippersnapper) claimed the bronze. Hungary’s Zoltan Lazar Jr (Afrodite) finished just outside the medal placings when second-quickest across the line, but with a single fence on the floor this time out.

Individual Children’s Champion Nooren said her victory was a family effort.  “It is a great privilege to have a father like mine.  He cannot often be at the competitions with me, so my mother coaches me, but at home the three of us work together as a group,” she explained.

Continue reading FEI European Jumping Championships for Children, Juniors and Young Riders 2011 →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jumper & Hunter Highlights to Be Featured at Classique Internationale de Blainville (Jumping Blainville)

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The Classique Internationale De Blainville (Jumping Blainville) is preparing for World-Class Competition. Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Blainville, Quebec – May 31, 2011 – As part of promoting the sport of show jumping for young riders, the Classique Internationale de Blainville (Jumping Blainville) will be hosting the FEI Children for East Canada class on Saturday July 16, with the second round Sunday July 17, in the Grand Prix Ring.

Riders born between January 1st 1997 and December 31st 1999 are eligible to compete. Each tour consists of two competitions run over different courses by a Course Designer designated by the FEI. Riders have access to the course through the FEI’s web site, and competitive equality is created by having all athletes execute a course identically built in each country.  Thirty-two athletes will be qualified to participate in the Finals, which is organised with borrowed horses.  This exciting event offers the opportunity for children to ride at the level of international competitors, while pursing their Olympic dreams.

Another highlight event at Jumping Blainville will be the Non Pro Nations Cup, sponsored by L’Oréal Canada, Ombrelle, where teams of three riders compete for $5,000 in prize money.  For the past two years, teams have named and dressed up to represent their group.  This is a crowd favourite where everyone cheers for their chosen team, while riders learn to compete and work as a group.

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Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

U.S. Second in Young Rider Nations Cup at CSIOY Reims

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Reims, France – The USEF European Young Rider Tour continued its successful trip through Europe with another second-place finish in the Nations Cup at CSIOY Reims. Runners-up in Belgium the previous weekend, the Young Riders continued their successful European effort.

Catherine Pasmore led off the U.S. team, rebounding from a 13-fault first round on My Boy to improve to eight faults in round two. Karen Polle rode With Wings in the second position to a six-fault effort in the first round but only picked up one time fault in round two. Reed Kessler had the best result, jumping two double clear rounds on Onisha which kept the momentum going and then Jessica Springsteen picked up a time fault in each round – but also added a rail in the second round on Vornado van den Hoendrik. The 16-fault effort left the team second behind the Netherlands who finished on nine faults.

Katie Prudent served as Chef d’Equipe.

Thursday was an extremely successful day for the U.S. riders in preparation for the Nations Cup. Catherine Pasmore won convincingly on Van David in CSIO YR PX Conseil General de la Marne over her two teammates, Karen Polle on With Wings, who was second, and Jessica Springsteen on Cincinatti La Silla who was third. Reed Kessler and Onisha finished seventh, Richard Neal on Transmission was ninth and Pasmore was 10th on her second horse My Boy.

In the CSIO Juniors 1.25m Meg O’Mara was third with Smeagle.

Jumping continues throughout the weekend.

Please see http://www.jump-results.com/OPEN/reims11.htm for more information.

Read Catherine Pasmore’s blog here: http://www.catherineusa2011.blogspot.com/.

Dressage, Equestrian Assistance, USEF

The Dressage Foundation Chooses Four Young Riders for Olympic Dream European Tour

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Jhesika Wills, one of the four 2011 Olympic Dream Program participants. Photo by Carolynn Bunch.

Lincoln, NE – Four advanced young riders have been selected for the 2011 Olympic Dream Program that annually sends young riders to Europe for an intensive 10-day dressage experience. The program is administered and funded annually by The Dressage Foundation (TDF). On May 2, an independent Selection Committee, after reviewing dozens of applications, chose Mary Bahniuk Lauritsen (MA), Jhesika Wells (WA), Kathryn Butt (SC), and Laura DeCesari (AZ) to make the 10th annual TDF trip to Europe. The committee chose Melissa Reese (NJ) and Ari Lopez (CA) as the first and second alternates, respectively; however, the original winners have all committed to go. The Selection Committee based their decision on candidates’ essays, competition scores, recommendations, DVDs of their riding and signs of commitment to the sport of dressage.

Jenny Johnson, administrative director of TDF, said, “The Board of Directors and staff of The Dressage Foundation congratulates the four candidates chosen for this year’s Olympic Dream Program! We received a record number of high quality applications, so the Selection Committee had quite a task.”

The program, conceived by Olympic medalist and TDF Board Member Michael Poulin (FL), will be led this year by Simone Ahern (CO) and Elizabeth Caron (CT). Beth Baumert (CT) is serving as administrator as she has since the program’s inception. Poulin believes TDF’s Olympic Dream program helps American young riders reach their potential. He aims to fuel “the power of the dream” for young people, and help them “develop a sense of proportion, a sense of themselves and of being proud of who they are and what they’re doing.”

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Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

Americans Young Riders and Junior Riders on a Roll at CSIOJY Bonheiden

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Young Riders Ready for Nations Cup

The US Juniors and Young Riders Ready for Action in Belgium. Photo USEF Archives

Lexington, KY – The U.S. show jumping program turns its focus to Belgium this week as the Young Riders and Junior Riders tackle the CSIOJY Bonheiden, with the Young Riders jumping in the first Young Rider Nations Cup of the USEF European Young Rider Tour. The Nations Cup gets underway on Saturday at 5:30 PM CEST, the U.S. Team will jump third.

The U.S. will be represented by the following four riders in the Nations Cup. Katie Prudent is serving as the Chef d’Equipe.

Reed Kessler on Onisha, Richard Neal on Transmission, Catherine Pasmore on My Boy, and Jessica Springsteen on Vornado Van Den Hoendrik.

“We feel like we have a great team,” said Prudent. “Everyone is very excited to be here and we believe we have a good chance to win some Nations Cups.”

There were 75 starters in the Young Rider feature class on Thursday and Kessler stormed to victory on Onisha, just ahead of Pasmore who was second on Van David. Springsteen rounded out the top five on Vornado Van Den Hoendrik.

Junior rider Meg O’Mara won a class on Sinatra IV and Victoria Birdsall was seventh in the CSIJ 1.35m Speed Class.

Friday began with more success, Karen Polle won on With Wings in the Young Rider Table C Class and O’Mara was second in the Junior Speed Class, in the afternoon Polle won again, this time with Whatever and Springsteen was second with Cincinnati La Silla in the Young Rider 1.40m Two-Phase (Power and Speed).

Information is available here: http://www.jumping-bonheiden.be/p1_46-6-csi-2stars.aspx.

Read Catherine Pasmore’s blog here: http://www.catherineusa2011.blogspot.com/.

Awards, Community/Charity, USEF

Applications Now Available for 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Kelsey Kimbler receives the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award from David O'Connor. Photo by Geoff Bugbee/USEF Archives.

Lexington, KY – The search is underway for nominees for the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award. Now in its sixth year, the award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as positive role models for their peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, are involved in their community and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.

All National Winners will be honored during the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting. Each will receive a $500.00 grant to be paid to the educational program of his or her choice and will be invited to attend the USEF Annual Meeting as the Federation’s guest, to attend committee and board meetings, a career opportunity session and awards banquet.  Meals, accommodations and travel expenses (up to $500.00) will be provided for all who are invited to participate.

The overall winner of the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award will receive a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of choice and a USEF Life Membership valued at $2,500, a commemorative trophy, as well as an invitation to the USEF Annual Meeting and career session. The winner will also be one of the nominees for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award.

Continue reading Applications Now Available for 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Charlotte Jacobs Dominates St. Clements Horse Show in Saratoga

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Charlotte Jacobs and Bring It On. Photo Credit: Heather Bellock for Phelps Media Group

East Aurora, NY – May 11, 2011 – Junior rider Charlotte Jacobs had an impressive weekend as she competed in Saratoga, New York during the first week of the St. Clements Horse Show.

Jacobs, who has just returned from a successful trip to the European Youngsters Cup Competition in Leipzig, Germany, had an extremely successful first show back in the United States. Throughout the week, Jacobs was awarded various winning titles, including Grand Junior Hunter Champion with Bring It On.

She also accomplished a tough feat, winning all three major equitation classes at the horse show.  This included the top call in the USEF Medal, the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search class and the Washington International Horse Show Equitation, all aboard Stallone VDL who is owned by North Star Ventures.

Jacobs was also unbeatable in the jumper ring, winning the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, this time with Karonda V. Schl’Hof CH.

Continue reading Charlotte Jacobs Dominates St. Clements Horse Show in Saratoga →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, EQUUS Foundation, USEF

USEF Equestrians in Action: New Program Encourages Youth to Volunteer, Offers $1,500 Grant

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Photo by Jeannie Blancq Putney/USEF Archives

Lexington, KY – Equestrian youth have a new opportunity to give back to the community – and a chance to win a $1,500 grant.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equestrians in Action program tracks youth volunteer hours that are aimed at improving the welfare of the horse or positively promoting equestrian sport. Sponsored by The EQUUS Foundation, the program encourages youth to give back to equestrian sport  –  at horse shows, equine promotional events, equine businesses or organizations, trade fairs, therapeutic riding clinics, horse rescue and 4-H events.

The participant with the most volunteer hours in 2011 (minimum of 150 hours) will earn a $1,500 grant for his or her education or training. All youth have the opportunity to earn one of three certificates depending on their participation level. Those who volunteer at least 50 hours will be awarded a Bronze certificate while youth who volunteer at least 100 hours will receive a Silver certificate. The highest level, the Gold certificate, will go to those who volunteer 150 or more hours. In addition, the top 10 participants will receive special “Top Ten” certificates.

Continue reading USEF Equestrians in Action: New Program Encourages Youth to Volunteer, Offers $1,500 Grant →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

USEF Names 2011 Show Jumping European Young Rider and Junior Rider Tour

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Lexington, KY – The following five horse/rider combinations have been named by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to the 2011 Show Jumping European Young Rider Tour. These horse/rider combinations were selected based on the criteria outlined in the Selection Procedure for the 2011 Show Jumping Young Rider Tour. The Young Rider Selection Procedure can be found here: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/jumper/2011YRTourSP.pdf.

Young Riders

Name/Age/Hometown/Horse/Age/Breed/Sex/Owner

Reed Kessler/16/Armonk, NY/Onisha/12/Holsteiner/Mare/Reed Kessler
Catherine Pasmore/19/Crozet, VA/My Boy/15/Unknown Breeding/Gelding/Pasmore Stables, LLC
Jessica Springsteen/19/Colt’s Neck, NJ/Vornado van den Hoerdrik/13/Belgian Warmblood/Gelding/Stone Hill Farm
Richard Neal/19/Pasadena, CA/Transmission/15/Warmblood/Gelding/Richard Neal
Karen Polle/18/New York, NY/What Ever/12/Belgian Warmblood/Mare/Karen Polle

These horse/rider combinations will compete at the following shows:

CSIOY Bonheiden (BEL): May 19-22, 2011
CSIOY Reims (FRA): May 26-29, 2011
CSIOY Lamprechtshausen (AUT): June 9-12, 2011
CSIOY Hagen (GER): June 16-19, 2011

Continue reading USEF Names 2011 Show Jumping European Young Rider and Junior Rider Tour →