Mark Donskoy Bluman of Colombia earned his family’s second gold medal at the FEI Children’s International Final, Nov. 27, at Hummingbird Nest Ranch near Los Angeles, Calif.

Last year, at the same location, older brother Daniel proudly wore the gold medal.

The field of 32 riders from all over the world was whittled down to the top 16 after two days of competition. Then, only two of the riders negotiated fault-free rounds over Leopoldo Palacios’ course. “I think if you had the best grand prix riders in the world competing over this same course at meter fifty,” he said, “you would have the same results.”

Riders qualify for the final based on standings within their own league. The host country fields 16 riders, who must each bring two horses, and riders select their mounts by a draw.

Bluman drew Allison Van Sickle’s Blue Bayou, a speedy gray mare with whom Van Sickle has enjoyed much success. Bluman readily adapted to the ride on the mare, saying she wasn’t that different from some of the horses he rides in Colombia. Van Sickle rode her own Amazing Grace and handily won the first day’s competition, a speed round.

Matias Erazo Bayas of Ecuador joined Bluman in the final jump-off aboard Brittney and Shelley Allen’s Angleo. “My horse was very good,” said the 12-year-old. “He was difficult to take to the jump, but he jumps well. The owner told me that I should not push to the jump.”

He took the advice to heart and rode consistently throughout the competition, assuring himself a medal when he qualified for the jump-off in the final round of competition.

Bayas was first to go in the jump- off, and once again he rode a clear round, posting a time of 38.14 seconds. “There was lots of pressure representing your country,” said Bayas, who proudly waved his country’s flag during the awards ceremony.

He competed against his older sister for a chance to represent Ecuador in the finals. “My sister is older and she rides too. We both wanted to qualify, and I beat her,” said Bayas, who has his eye set on a professional career with horses.

Bluman followed, and with Blue Bayou, he knew he could risk going fast. He shaved over a second off Bayas’ time, stopping the clock at 37.02 seconds. “I was not worried because I had a very good horse. She is very nice and goes very fast,” he said.

Not only did Bluman win the gold medal, but Blue Bayou was honored as the best horse.

Close Call
Three riders came close to clear rounds on the final day, but the time allowed became a significant factor. Americans Van Sickle and Julianna Fischer, along with Venezuelan rider Luis Larrazabal, all earned 1 time fault. Since Larrazabal had the fastest time among those three, he was awarded the bronze medal.

“This is my first time at this competition, but it is a very similar level to what I ride in South America. This is very exciting, and I have never ridden on grass,” he said.

Larrazabal began his equestrian education when he was just 3 as his entire family is very involved with horses. In the final, he drew Alec Lawler’s Cosmos 36. “My horse was easy to ride. Alec told me he was good and won’t touch any of the bars. It was true!”

Fischer finished fourth aboard Staar Jumpers & Stacie Aarsvold’s KLM Jimmy. “It was a good course, but I was slow. Everything was lots of fun,” she added, “and really exciting.”

Van Sickle, of California, finished fifth. “I was slow to the first three jumps,” said Van Sickle “but I am so happy with how I did.”

It looked like Ricky Neal was going to join the jump-off as he piloted his mare, Swish, around the course. However, as he landed off the second-to-last jump, his coaches and others started yelling at him to go faster. Although he was comfortably within the time, Neal picked up his pace, and his rushed ride to the last fence brought it down.

Neal settled for sixth but was not at all dismayed. He loves the FEI Children’s Finals. He competed last year as a 12-year-old and was thrilled to see some of the same riders he befriended last year. “I just love these guys,” exclaimed Neal as he threw his arm around several of the South American riders. “We stay in touch with e-mail, and I am glad I did this again. I want to do it again next year!”

Although Neal thoroughly enjoyed the competition, he missed the fanfare and excitement of 2004. “I had a great time, but it was really fun riding in front of the crowds [last year],” he said.

Due to personal issues of the owners, the 2005 event was drastically scaled down, without the crowds, press, and many of the social activities the riders enjoyed last year.

An Introduction To Championships
South American riders are very focused on the FEI Children’s Final, probably because when Noel Vanososte of Venezuela conceived of the idea, he developed the competition among South American countries before approaching the FEI with the concept.

“I wanted to see these riders have very good competition,” said Vanososte “and to have them experience different cultures. The aim is for the children to get to know the host country. It is a pity there were a lack of social opportunities.”

However, Vanososte acknowledged that the quality of the competition had improved. “This was one of the best shows we’ve had,” he stated. “I think the Americans were better prepared.”

Elaine Zander of Brazil, who served as President of the Jury, echoed Vanososte’s thoughts: “Overall, comparing 2004 to 2005, the competition was much better. The evolution is quite considerable. The American riders called attention to themselves and were more prepared. The Latin riders and other foreign riders are more used to this format.”

Until they reach the highest levels, U.S. riders do not compete under FEI rules and especially the FEI championship format. While U.S. riders were able to jump up and win individual rounds, riding consistently throughout the three days of competition proved a bit more difficult. However, now that they are becoming more aware of the FEI Children’s Final, some U.S. riders are seeking opportunities to compete in special competitions. Zazou Hoffman, who competed at the finals last year and again this year, also secured an invitation for a South American championship this summer. Riding in these competitions has contributed to her goal of eventually representing the United States at the senior level.

In addition to naming champions, the FEI Children’s Final also recognizes sportsmanship and spirit. Diminutive Oganes Amalyan, the 13-year-old rider from Russia, won everyone’s hearts. Amazingly, he rode for the first time just eight months before the competition, and he was by far the smallest rider of the pack.

Although no one in his family rides, they support Amalyan any way they can. His trainer, Sergei Sechey, has helped other Russian riders compete in the final.

“When Sergei brought horses to my village, I saw the beautiful animals and I fell in love,” he said.

Sechey knew that he and Oganes had a challenge to qualify, but with committed team work they realized their goal. “He is a very strong, very patient, very brave person,” said Sechey, who runs a riding club in Russia. “He is an achiever and is going after a goal. He is really trying.”

Amalyan’s peers at the final, the other riders, voted him the winner of the sportsmanship award. The stewards and officials concurred with the decision. “He would take his horse out to graze,” said FEI Chief Steward George Chatigny “and he always had a smile even though he spoke no English.”

Once the translator explained the sportsmanship award to Amalyan, he smiled broadly and wiped a tear. “I am very happy to be chosen and want to say ‘thank you’ to all,” he said.

Oganes’ small size and inexperience caused him some difficulties, but the Russian rider kept trying. “The horse was a little difficult especially to make turns,” explained Oganes through an interpreter.

On the final day of competition Oganes was jumped off coming through a combination. Although frustrated, he was also determined. “I want to do this again. I want to go home and practice more to be here again,” he said.

Given his determination and raw talent, combined with an incredible empathy toward horses, there is no doubt that Oganes will go far.

Although the children may have lacked organized social events, they had a great time making new friends, devising their own activities, and enjoying keen competition during their week in California. “Every rider goes home with a ribbon and good memories,” concluded Vanososte.