Ottawa, Ontario — The Canadian Junior dressage team received the Silver Medal in the Junior Riders team championship on August 3 at the CN North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships (NAJYRC) in Lexington, VA.
The Junior team, consisting of Breanne Willoughby-Brown of Stouffville, ON, Jessica Rhinelander of St. John’s, NF, Amy Jager of Breslau, ON and Porters Lake, NS native, Danielle McKinnon each put in stellar performances, working together to finish just 0.55 behind the winning team with a total score of 195.050.
Receiving the highest score of the team was Jager, who received 66.850% with her 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Jive.
“Even though we had worked very hard, I was still pleasantly surprised with my horse, he was really good,” commented Jager.
Rhinelander also had a solid performance, scoring 65.150% with Andrea Rhinelander’s 11-year-old gelding Allende. McKinnon scored 63.050% aboard her 15-year-old Polish Warmblood gelding Noma Tender, while Willoughby-Brown received a score of 61.400% with her 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding Espar.
“I am so happy with our team. It was my first time doing something like this and it was amazing,” stated Jager.
Rhinelander explained that the team spirit was very strong, and having so much support really boosted her confidence. “I am ecstatic. We had hoped for the best, but this is overwhelming,” she said.
Claiming the Gold medal with a team score of 195.6 was Region 1 of the United States, while Region 8 received Bronze for their score of 191.950.
“The Junior team did excellent. They are good kids and strong both competitively and psychologically,” praised Chef d’equipe Ellen Dvorak.
Exclusively for Junior riders, aged 14 – 18, and Young Riders, 16-21, the NAJYRC gives up and coming riders the opportunity to experience representing their country as a team, and prepares them for future international competition. Featuring the three Olympic disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping, the NAJYRC draws competitors from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands.
Jager stated that since the competitors are from all across North America, the atmosphere of the Championships is like that of a ‘little Pan American Games’. “It’s exciting because everyone is so friendly and supportive. Even if they didn’t know me, riders were asking about my horse and wishing me luck. It’s cool that way,” she said.
Canada has had immense success so far at this year’s Championships, with the Canada West Young Riders’ Dressage Team capturing the Team Gold Medal on Wednesday.
For full results, schedule and more information, visit www.youngriders.org.
About Dressage Canada
Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the National governing body for Dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada’s objective is to foster the growth of Dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials’ education and programs, rules & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada email [email protected] or visit us online at www.dressagecanada.org
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