- Winzalot lived up to his name as he took Jamie Pestana to the gold medal in the junior individual dressage competition at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. The duo put in an expressive ride to score 71.10 percent.
- Pestana, from Livermore, Calif., has brought the 6-year-old Hanoverian up the levels with the help of her mom Nadine Pestana and dressage trainer Dennis Callin. “He hasn’t cared about anything here,” Pestana said. “It doesn’t feel like he is 6; I feel like I am up there on a 10-year-old.”
- Catherine Chamberlain, Chandler, Ariz., and Verdicci rode a smooth test on their way to a silver medal, receiving over 70 percent from every judge for a total of 70.36 percent.
- Chamberlain, 15, dedicates her time to dressage and training the 8-year-old Dutch gelding, and was excited to medal in her second trip to NAJYRC. “They have done a lot of work on the Park, and it’s cool to see it evolve,” Chamberlain said. “I wanted to medal, but, I believe: just ride your best. I can’t control anything else.”
- Stephanie Bedford and Wahlen added another bronze medal to their 2010 NAJYRC experience, scoring a 67.63 percent. Bedford, 18, Acworth, Ga. enjoyed her first trip to the Kentucky Horse Park. “I was a little startstuck,” she said. “I love the Park, and the tunnel into the arena is such a cool experience.”
- Matthew Manibusan and Hojvangs Moonlight came in fourth (67.05%), and Canadian Esmee Ingham riding Norseman rounded out the top five (67.00%).
- The CH-J* competition got underway with the dressage phase of the competition. The combined team from Areas VI, VII & VIII led with 146.9 total penalties. Area IV came in second with 150.4 penalties. The Canadian team from British Columbia & Quebec received a combined score of 160.5 to stand third.
- Kelly Loria, from Lafayette Calif., rode Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds to the lead after dressage with 40.0. “I was really happy with my ride,” Loria said. “She warmed up a little tense, but my trainer and I worked on getting her to soften, and she kept it consistent throughout the test.”
- This is the first time to NAJYRC for Loria, and she is looking forward to tomorrow’s cross-country competition. “It’s a nice forward course,” Loria said. “There are a few technical fences, but we will have to think positive thoughts and remember our plan.”
- Claire Kelly on Clifton Peekachu rode one of her best yet to sit in second with 42.5 penalties. Kelly has never been to NAJYRC, though Clifton Peekachu has been to NAJYRC four times. “The whole team situation really is a good experience,” Kelly said. “I feel like you know a lot more people than just going out there yourself.”
- Tied for third after dressage are Kendyl Tracy riding Ever So Lucky, and Rowdie Jo Adams on No Money Down (48.5).
- Jennifer Stevens on Syrocco Cadence won the individual gold medal in the 75-mile CEI**. Sara Jack on Syrocco Troyless was silver and Steven Hay on Khalil Asam won bronze.
