Parker, Colo—July 28

After a day of FEI Junior Team tests at the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Region 3 triumphed over Region 4 and the combined team from Regions 1 and 6 with a final tally of 65.76 percent.  

The riders from Region 3 (Juliet Hess on Diano, Emily Hewitt on What’s Up De La Ferme Rose, Helena Marie Milazzo on Baccus, and Marline Syribeys on Hollywood), led by Chef d’Equipe Sue Bender, stopped in after grabbing gold to chat about their victory, their horses, the team camaraderie and the challenges they faced on their way here.  

On Being In—And Winning—A Team Competition 

“We’re all together here, and it’s so much fun. It’s a really different feel from a regular horse show, and it’s awesome to be in such a hyped-up environment.” —Marline Syribeys 

“Region 3 is a very special region because we have been close for a while. Even before we came, we knew each other and were friendly with each other. That made us want to do well even more.” —Juliette Hess 

“It was a team effort. Winning the gold medal was a shock, and I honestly wasn’t expecting it. But everyone on the team did what they had to do.” —Emily Hewitt

“I was flooded with emotions, that is for sure. I couldn’t ask for a better team, and I’m really thankful I get to ride with these ladies.” —Helena Marie Milazzo

Juliette Hess and Diano. Photo by Lisa Slade.

On Their Tests Today

“I was able to keep my horse’s head up more than I’m usually was able to, and it was more accurate, so that was good.” —Emily Hewitt

“This test was a solid ride for me. I think I’ve leaned to the ride the edge of the power, more or less. That was great. I’m so happy he’s sound and well.” —Juliette Hess 

“I was happy with this test; his energy level was better than it usually is. He was definitely more expressive.” —Helena Marie Milazzo 

“I didn’t have the best test today. I think just keeping my temper and being able to control everything that’s going on during the test—that was a good thing.” —Marline Syribeys

Helena Marie Milazzo and Baccus. Photo by Lisa Slade.

On How They Got Started In Dressage

“I never really grew out of the pony-loving stage and before moving to Florida, I got my horse Callie, and we’d do a little everything. Once we moved to Florida, I was able to meet my trainer Molly Tatham, and she really inspired me. That’s how I figured out dressage. Jumping was way too daredevil-ish for me. I do not like falling off!” —Helena Marie Milazzo

“My mother rode at the same barn I do, with the same trainer, Anneliese Vogt-Harber. I just love dressage. It fits everything—my extremely OCD self. It’s perfect. I love it.” —Juliette Hess 

“No one in my family has ever ridden horses, so it was out of the blue, but I just started riding one day and having Anneliese [Vogt-Harber] there to help and train me has been awesome, and I fell in love with the sport.”  —Marline Syribeys

“In first grade, my mom bought a box at an auction with a free valuation lesson inside, and it was at the barn where [Marline and Juliette] ride. I started in vaulting, and then I’d see, ‘What are they doing over there,’ and then ever since I’ve been in dressage.” —Emily Hewitt 

Emily Hewitt and What’s Up De La Ferme Rose. Photo by Lisa Slade.

On The Challenges They’ve Faced With Their Horses

“I got my horse a year ago, and the first time I rode him at home, he bucked me off. The first time I won a class at Regionals, I got bucked off. I’ve ridden a lot of horses, but he’s the first very high quality horse I’ve personally owned. I’m very excited to have an opportunity to have this horse. I’m so grateful to have him. Learning to control and contain the power and use it to your advantage—we’re figuring that out still.” —Juliette Hess

“He really likes to put his head down low, so learning to get his head up has been a struggle, but we’re slowly getting there.” —Emily Hewitt

“My horse is a very comfortable ride, so I tend to act as a co-pilot sometimes. He’s capable of a lot, and I’m still figuring out how to amp him up.”  —Helena Marie Milazzo

“My horse, he’s unpredictable and very opinionated—very much like me. It’s been a challenge to learn to ride a horse so much like myself!”  —Marline Syribeys

Marline Syribeys on Hollywood. Photo by Lisa Slade.

Region 4’s silver medal team (Jenna Unchurch on Greystoke, Madison Peer on Stella Luna, Cara Fragomeni on Aragon, and Bianca Schmidt on Octavian’s O’Neill) ended with a final score of 64.91 percent, and Region 1 and 6 (Cameron Wyman on Thys, Allison Nemeth on Dafor, and Kayle Kadlubek on Freewill) earned a score of 64.76 percent. 

See full individual results from the class and more photos from the day.