Ottawa, Ontario — The Ontario/Quebec Junior Show Jumping Team claimed the Bronze Medal in the Team Competition on August 4 at the CN North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championship (NAJYRC) in Lexington, VA.
The Ontario Junior Team originally consisted of only three riders, Hannah Anderson of Caledon, ON, Amanda Knowles of Toronto, ON, and Lauren Patava, of Toronto, ON, but was joined on short notice by Bianca Lafontaine of Hudson, QC, who was at the Championship competing as an individual. With the benefit of having four riders, with the top three scores to count, the Junior Team secured the Bronze Medal with a total score of 16 faults.
Patava guided her eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Revelin over the two rounds of competition, incurring no faults.
“After having a class yesterday, I was more confident today, and was able to go double clear,” explained Patava, who is competing at the NAJYRC for the first time.
Anderson, who was competing for the second year in a row with her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Papillon, also went double clear.
“Papillon is so fit, he jumped amazingly well and that gave me confidence,” commented Anderson. “This sport is all about confidence.”
Knowles and Mill Creek Marco Taere incurred 12 jumping faults in the first round before coming back in the second round to have only one rail down. After partnering with Mill Creek Stables’ 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding just two short weeks ago, Knowles was happy with their results. “I was really pleased with our performance. We had a couple of mistakes in the first round, but ended successfully. It was a huge confidence builder and so much fun.”
Despite a few issues with the infamous water jump, Lafontaine was also pleased with her mount, the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cardoso owned by South Shore Farm. After incurring 12 jumping faults in the initial round, the duo improved in the second round to finish with nine faults.
“I’m pretty happy because Cardoso wouldn’t even jump the water last week,” explained Lafontaine. “He was still a little bit stressed, but I followed my plan and he jumped well. Next year, I will be more prepared.”
Anderson credits their success to team spirit, saying, “We were very supportive and made sure to watch each other’s rounds. Watching everyone made me perform better.”
Lafontaine agreed, stating, “The team was amazing, they were so encouraging.”
“They all stepped up and worked as a team,” praised chef d’equipe Erynn Ballard, who is a past Gold Medalist at the North American Young Riders’ Championship. “Now that they have all ridden here and medaled, they can look forward to gold next year.”
The Junior Team competition Gold Medal was awarded to USA Zone 2/5 while USA Zone 10 received Silver.
Exclusively for Junior riders aged 14–18 and Young Riders’ aged 16-21, the NAJYRC gives up and coming riders the opportunity to experience representing their country as a team, and prepares them for future international competition. Featuring the three Olympic disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping, the NAJYRC draws competitors from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands.
“Overall, it has been great,” said Patava. “Competing on a team is a totally different experience and a great stepping stone for the future.”
Canada has enjoyed great success so far at this year’s Championship, with the Canada West Young Riders’ Dressage Team capturing the Team Gold Medal on August 2, followed by a Silver Medal finish by the Junior Dressage Team on August 3.
For full results, schedule and more information, visit www.youngriders.org.
About Dressage Canada
Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the National governing body for Dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada’s objective is to foster the growth of Dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials’ education and programs, rules & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada email [email protected] or visit us online at www.dressagecanada.org.
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