Successful Opening Day for Ontario Show Jumping Team at NARYC

The Ontario Show Jumping Team enjoyed a successful opening day of competition at the ‘Maui Jim’ North American Young Riders’ Championship, Presented by CN, held at Tempel Farms in Wadsworth, IL, from August 10-15.

In the first individual qualifier, a speed phase where competitors incur time penalties for every obstacle knocked down, Kelley Small of Kanata, ON, guided Calibur to a clear round to place sixth overall in the field of 40 competitors that included representatives from Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Untied States. While the leader, Maggie Jayne of USA Zone 5, stopped the clock at 74.53 seconds, Small was not far off the winning time, crossing the timers at 77.56 seconds. Acting as course designer is 1976 Olympic Silver Medallist Michel Vaillancourt of Schomberg, ON.

“Michel set a fabulous speed course, and I just went out there and had fun with my horse” said Small, 20, who imported Calibur, a 10-year-old grey Holsteiner gelding, in February of this year. “My coach, Jill Henselwood, and my parents are here, so I am getting lots of support. Even though this is my fourth time competing at the North American Young Riders’ Championships, it doesn’t seem to get any easier!”

Kim Farlinger, 20, of Annan, ON, finished eighth in the standings despite having two rails down riding Del Destino, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Her original time of 73.10 seconds would have given her the lead, but an eight second penalty left her with a total time of 81.10 seconds.

Christopher Cullen, 20, of Toronto, ON, ended the first day of competition in 26th position riding the eight-year-old Cezanne Z while Alex Rohling, 20, of Cumberland, ON, placed 35th riding Secret Identity, a nine-year-old Hannoverian mare.

The defending gold medallists, the Ontario Team members are poised to claim their second consecutive Championship title when the Team Championship takes place on Friday. Ontario’s record is impressive – before claiming the Team Gold at the 2003 edition of the North American Young Riders’ Championship held in Bromont, QC, it won the Team Silver Medal in 2002 and 2001 and claimed the Team Bronze Medal in 2000.

The CSI J/Y* division also opened its competition on Thursday with 16-year-old Mark Leyton of Stittsville, ON, turning in the best performance for Ontario to place fifth riding Nairobi, his nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare.

Placing eighth was Alex Moynan, 19, of Russell, ON, who rode Jalapeno, his nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding. Moynan is well-remembered for his bravery during the Selection Trials when, after breaking his foot, he continued to ride with a stirrup that was specially designed to accommodate his cast.

Nicole Denouden, 18, of Richmond Hill, ON, is currently in 14th position with her eight-year-old grey Hannoverian gelding, Giotto, while Asta Torokvei, 20, of Toronto, ON, is 21st riding Beninger, her 12-year-old Belgian Warmbloood gelding.

In total, 22 horse-rider combinations representing Canada, the United States, and Venezuela are contesting the Junior/Young Rider division, created to give developing riders an opportunity to experience competition at an international event, but over fences set a lower height. Held concurrently with the Championship division, the Junior/Young Rider competition is considered a ‘stepping stone’ for riders with the ability to compete at future North American Young Riders’ Championship events.

“We were very pleased with our results,” noted Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill, who is acting chef d’equipe of the Ontario Team. “Everyone rode really well, particularly Kelley and Kim in the Championship division, and Mark Leyton and Alex Moynan had good results in the Junior/Young Rider division. All of the athletes have been enthusiastic competitors and are having a lot of fun. It is a real pleasure to work with them.”

First established in 1974 as an eventing challenge between Canada and the U.S., the current North American Young Riders’ Championship format is considered a ‘mini-Olympics’ for riders aged 16-21 competing in the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and show jumping. Teams and individuals representing several nations’ including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. are competing at this year’s event.

For full results from the North American Young Riders’ Championship, please visit www.youngriders.org