The CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) at the Colorado Horse Park are underway, July 29-Aug. 3, showcasing top level three-day eventing competition for riders ages 14-21. As a bonus, reining competition has been added to the schedule this year as well.
The eventing competition, which serves as a first-hand experience of what it's like to compete in an international event under FEI rules, is set up in a format similar to the Olympic Games, where riders compete on teams and as individuals in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing.
“We are proud to offer a competition which is similar to that which riders experience when they compete in major events internationally,” says Larry Langer, NAJYRC event director. “Many past NAJYRC winners have gone on to compete internationally, and knowing that we contributed to their success means that the Championships are serving their purpose and preparing riders for success in their careers.”
Among the previous winners of the NAJYRC who have gone on to have success in international competition are Georgina Bloomberg, Natalie Bouckaert (now Pollard) and Kate Poulin.
Many other top-notch North American equestrians got their start at the NAJYRC, including Olympic medalists Greg Best, Karen Lende O’Connor, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, as well as Alison Firestone, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, Ray Texel, Chris Pratt, Frankie Chesler, Lisa Carlsen Lubitz, Harold Chopping, Martina Pracht, Kathleen Raine, Heather Mason, David Wilson, Gwyneth MacPherson, Tiffani Loudon, Buck Davidson, Abigail Lufkin, Missy Ransehousen, Mara DePuy, Molly Bliss and Julie Gomena.
The NAJYRC operates under the rules of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport. It is the only FEI championship held annually in the United States.