REINING
What is the Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championship presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC)? As the largest multi-discipline competition for Junior and Young Riders held annually in North America, it is the premier equestrian competition for Junior and Young Riders, ages 1421. Riders from Canada, Mexico and the USA represent their country and their region as they compete for FEI Team and Individual medals. In addition to Reining, there are five other disciplines that compete concurrently at NAJYRC: Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Para-Dressage and Show Jumping.
Where and When is the NAJYRC? The 2015 NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, July 14-19, 2015. The Kentucky Horse Park boasts some of the most hallowed ground in U.S. equestrian sport. The reining competition will take place in the Alltech Arena, home of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Reining competition. This is a unique opportunity for North America’s top Junior and Young Riders to compete in the same arena as the sport’s elite athletes.
The Reining Competition Reining at the NAJYRC includes a warm up class and two days of competition. The day preceding competition all riders must present their horses at a horse inspection where the vets and judges check for soundness.
Welcome Class This class gives riders and horses a chance to familiarize themselves with the arena and perform a pattern without the pressure of competing for a medal. While the class is judged and ribbons are awarded, the scores from this class do not carry forward.
Team Competition On the second day, riders will compete for team medals. Teams will consist of a minimum of three or maximum of four rider/horse combinations with the top three scores counting towards the team’s final average. The top three teams overall will receive FEI medals in a formal podium ceremony.
Individual Competition The final day of competition, the Individual Final, is open to 50% of the starters or a maximum of twenty starters from the team go-round, including ties for 20th place. Placings are based solely on the scores marked in the Individual Final with medals being awarded to the top three riders in a formal podium ceremony.
Fundraising Athletes and teams are encouraged to fundraise throughout the year. The NAJYRC offers a program through Dark Horse Chocolates that allows teams to fundraise towards their entry fees. With 30% of each sale of Dark Horse Chocolates that comes through the program being deducted from the overall fees (entry and stalls) the program is a fun way to get community support and save some money. Find out more at : youngriders.org
Activities NAJYRC is not just about competition! The week kicks off with an Opening Ceremonies and party at Spy Coast Farm (located adjacent to the Kentucky Horse Park). Teams travel to Spy Coast Farm in a golf cart parade with the best decorated carts receiving top prizes. The Opening Ceremonies lead off the evening and then the party gets underway with food, drink, a DJ and plenty of carnival games and activities.
Later in the week the Competitors Party takes place in the Kentucky Club (hospitality tent). The evening of dinner and dancing also includes the presentation of special awards earned throughout the week by competitors across all disciplines. Throughout the week, all riders are encouraged to attend the competition outside of their own and cheer on their compatriots.
Hospitality The Kentucky Club Competitor’s Cafe, located ringside at the Rolex Stadium, hosts breakfast and lunch free of charge to all riders, grooms and Chef d’Equipes. Meal packages are also available for purchase for additional attendees. The Rolex Stadium hosts Dressage and Show Jumping competition throughout the week and includes the vendor area. The Kentucky Club VIP experience allows patrons to enjoy an upgraded dining experience that includes buffet breakfast and lunch daily, complementary beer and wine along with afternoon snacks. With seating for six, a VIP parking pass and invitations to the Spy Coast Welcome Party and Competitors Party these tables sell out quick!
How Do You Get Involved? It’s never too early to assemble a team! Teams can either be comprised of Junior riders (born between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2001) or Young Riders (born between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1999); teams may consist of a minimum of three or maximum of four riders. Riders will need USA Reining, USEF and FEI memberships. Horses will need to be at least 7-years-old, using January 1 as their birthday, be recorded with USA Reining, USEF and FEI and have an FEI passport.
Please contact Leah Oliveto for more information: loliveto@usef.org 859.225.2053 Or visit www.youngriders.org Like NAJYRC on Facebook