United States Eventing Association

Despite the relentless Kentucky heat it was an atmosphere of teamwork, camaraderie, and excitement for the first phase of the CH-Y** at the Horse Park in Lexington during the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships. Shadbellies and Jackets were forbidden due to the dangerous temperatures, so it lent a casual feel to the event but quality horses and very good riding were still the theme of the day.

Area III has come prepared to defend their 2010 NAJYRC gold medal and they took the early lead in the team competition with two riders also in the individual top three. Team members, Devon Brown, Sarah Kamensky, Emily Renfroe, and Libby Head all impressed the judges and earned scores in the 50s. As the second to last rider to go, Devon of Alpharetta, Georgia shook up the scoreboard by riding her mom, Donna Miller’s, Irish Sport Horse Gelding, Dynamic Image into first place with a 50.5 while Sarah and Urlanmore Beauty, also an Irish Sport Horse, earned the third best score of the day, 53.6.

Both Devon and Sarah credit the team coach, Kyle Carter, with Area III’s success. “Kyle is a really good coach on the flat,” said Devon. “He schooled us very well and emphasized accuracy so we could earn every point possible. We have been at training camp down at Kyle’s barn in Ocala, Florida, and it really prepared our horses to come out today ready to perform.”

Devon and “Dan” have been partners for four and half years, and this is their third NAJYRC competition together. “I know that Dan is capable of a lot more,” said Devon. “He was pretty tense in warm-up, but still was very good and rideable once we got into the ring.” Devon has not yet had a chance to walk the cross-country course, but says that she is just planning on going out there and riding her best. “Cross-country used to be Dan’s strongest phase,” said Devon. “But he lost some confidence earlier this year and is just now gaining it back so I am hoping to just make this a positive experience. I wasn’t planning on coming back to Young Riders this year, but once the season started and I saw all my friends again, I just couldn’t help it because it is so much fun. It is just such a great experience working with everyone.”

The combined team of Area V (Jacob Fletcher, Emma Kate Fisher, and Rowdie Jo Adams) and IX (Kendyl Tracy) are lying in second place on the score of 166.2. The Area V and IX riders, coaches, grooms, and parents were out in full force to support each of the members of the team as they took their turn in the arena. The third place position belongs to Team Canada (William Dow, Melissa Boutin, Christain Bennett, and Joelle Baskerville) with a 170.7. Joelle Baskerville riding Malibu is also sitting in second place individually on a 52.4.

The five young rider teams will have the day off tomorrow while the Junior eventers perform their one-star tests. Both two-star and one-star competitors will have their cross-country phase on Saturday and will wind up the weekend with Show Jumping on Saturday afternoon.