Two Canadians Invited to 2004 FEI Children’s Jumper Final

Canada’s Amanda Knowles and Lisa Narraway have qualified to compete at the 2004 FEI Children’s Jumping Final hosted at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley, CA, from November 22-28, 2004.

Knowles, 14, of Toronto, ON, won the FEI Children’s Jumping Final Qualifier held in Bromont, QC, by posting four clear rounds aboard Joconde De Sisse, her seven-year-old selle francais mare.  As a result of her outstanding performance, Knowles was not only the highest-placed Canadian rider, but also topped the FEI Regional Group IV, used to determine the overall standings and invitations to the FEI Children’s Final.

“I am so honoured to have been chosen to represent Canada at the FEI Children's Final in California,” remarked Knowles, who also qualified for the 2003 FEI Children’s Final held in Calgary, AB, where she placed fifth overall.  “Competing in the FEI Children’s Final last year at Spruce Meadows was an experience that I will never forget.  Meeting people from all around the world that share your interest is amazing, and the pressure of competing at an international competition really helped me to develop as a rider."

Narraway, 13, of Calgary, AB, won the second Canadian Qualifier for the FEI Children’s Jumping Final at the Thunderbird Show Park Summer Festival held in Fort Langley, BC.  Riding Gracie, her six-year-old Hanoverian mare, Narraway incurred five faults over the four rounds of qualifying competition to have the second-best Canadian score behind Knowles.

“To qualify and be invited to take part in this world-class event has exceeded my expectations,” noted Narraway.  “I am very happy!  I think it will be very interesting to represent Canada at an international competition.”

A total of 16 riders from United States and 16 foreign riders will compete at the 2004 FEI Children’s Final.  The competitors, aged 12 to 14, will compete on borrowed horses over two qualifying rounds, with the top 16 moving on to the Final on November 28.  The other 16 riders will compete in the Farewell competition, also held November 28.