Zone 2 Teams Sweep Adequan/FEI NAJYRC Show Jumping Medals

Young rider show jumping gold medal team members from Zone 2 (from left) Mattias Tromp, Lydia Ulrich, Callie Smith and Meg O’Mara were joined on the podium by Chef d’Equipe Ralph Caristo. Photo by Megan Brincks.

—The Richard Jeffrey’s designed junior course proved tough. Three teams were eliminated (Zone 1/3, Zone 7 and Zone 8/9) after failing to complete enough riders. The open water caused issues for the riders, as did the final triple combination. “I thought the course was very fitting for this type of event,” said Keenan. “For sure I thought it was fair. It was more technical, and you had to ride. Your horse had to really be listening.”

—Ralph Caristo served as chef d’equipe for the Zone 2 junior team as well, and all four riders said they appreciated his input and positive attitude. “He respects our own programs, but he’s always there supporting,” said Keenan. “He’s always cheering you on and riding every fence with you. I feed off his energy.”

—The silver medal junior team (Kalvin Dobbs on Winde, Ali Boone on Wait And See and Abigail McArdle on Cosma 20) obtained that high placing despite only having three members riding and thus no drop score. Both Cosmo 20 and Winde jumped two clear rounds. Boone and Wait And See picked up 20 faults in the first round, but they jumped clear in the second. Alex Jayne was the Zone 5 chef d’equipe. “We’re really proud of getting silver with only three riders,” said Dobbs, 16. “Knowing that we did five rounds clear between us, our horses were great and we all rode well, it’s a really good feeling.”

—McArdle, Barrington, Ill., is leading the individual standings for juniors as the only rider to jump all three rounds so far clear.

—Elizabeth Patz on Cordino, Kaely Tomeu on Belle Bleu S, Claudia Billups on Quick N Easy and Shawn Casady on Zubantos earned junior team bronze as part of the Zone 4 team. Kim Land served as chef d’equipe for that team.

Full results from NAJYRC show jumping available online. Look at coverage from today's individual dressage and Wednesday's team dressage.

For full coverage from the Chronicle, see the NAYRCA page.

Show jumping resumes tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. with the individual junior competition. Cross-country for the CCI** begins at 8:00 a.m.