LIER, Belgium--The two U.S. teams that competed in the FEI Youth Jumping Nations Cup Final had spectacular results, with the Young Riders team finishing first in its category and the Junior team placing third in its category over three daysof competiton ending Sept. 21.
Young Rider winning teamThe U.S. Jumping Young Rider Team finished on a final total of zero faults to twin the gold medal, while the U.S. Jumping Junior Team won bronze on combined final score of four faults.
Belgium was second in Young Rider with one fault and Switzerland was third with four faults, while the Junior team competition was won by Sweden with zero faults and Ireland was second on four faults but a faster combined time than the U.S.
Both teams were led by Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating.
“We had another very successful week here in Belgium, and I am extremely proud of our athletes and their horses for their effort, focus, and determination this week,” said Kursinski. “With podium finishes in both categories, and a win in a very competitive Young Rider final, these riders have gained valuable experience in a high-pressure team atmosphere which is crucial in their continued progression through the pathway. I always leave these finals with such optimism and excitement for the future of our sport and program, as well as for these athletes, as they continue to develop and deliver results for the U.S.”
THE U.S. Jumping Young Rider Team produced consistent results throughout the first and second qualifying competitions, and with a tremendous effort in the final round, the first three combinations were clean to definitively secure their win.
Youth team celebrates their winThe team entered the Final after finishing on top of the first qualifying class on Thursday on zero faults and in second overall in the second qualifying class on four faults on Friday.
With the final starting with a clean score sheet for the six qualified teams, Skylar Wireman of (Bonsall, Calif., on Barclino B was the lead-off rider for the team, over the track designed by Henk Linders of Netherlands.
Wireman was clean and stopped the timers in 73.34 seconds to set the pace for the team from the very start.
Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Fla., and Lexington, Ky. on Epic was second in the team’s order, finishing with another strong clear round to keep the team on zero heading into the third rotation.
Alexa Elle Lignelli of New York, N.Y., on XO Zadora, who jumped clear for the team in all three classes of the week, helped to cement the team’s podium-topping performance with a third consecutive clear round for the team, relieving the anchor rider Carlee McCutcheon of Aubrey, Texas on Aralyn Blue from needing to jump in the final round.
“Anne and Erin Keating’s leadership allowed us to really feel prepared and understand where we needed to focus to perform, which was a huge part of the team’s success this week,” said Lignelli. “When you have so many different areas to think about as a rider, their leadership really allowed us to hone-in on what it would take to deliver the best results possible."
"I’ve had such a great experience both years I’ve done this Final, last year winning with the Junior team, and again this year with the Young Riders. I felt like this year I had more experience and a better plan coming into this championship," she said. "Zadora is such a special mare, and I feel like we’ve been building towards this kind of result with the consistency and connection in our partnership. So many people help to make these kinds of results possible, but a huge thank you to my team, Zack Will, Diego Perez Bilbao, Lillie Keenan, and Guga Malta de Abreau, of course, my parents for everything they do, and the USA Jumping program for giving us the opportunity to be here.”
The U.S. Jumping Junior Team also was successful after a strong week of qualifying competition leading into the final, which saw the team jump to zero faults in both the first and second qualifying classes.
Campbell Brown of Fayetteville, Ark., on Colina Z was the pathfinder, crossing through the finish with just four faults and stopping the timers in 71.42 seconds.
Sophia Ayers of Reddick, Fla., on Conthinder ensured the team continued to fight for a podium position after producing a clear round in the second rotation.
JJ Torano of Wellington, Fla., and Mohsville, Pa., on Lyon 50 had the team’s second clear round to keep the competition tight with both Sweden and Ireland heading into the final rotation to determine the podium placings.
Philippa Ammann of Wellington, Fla., on Zarina de Vidau had a fast four fault round as anchors to ensure the team would stay in the top three, marking a third consecutive podium finish for the U.S. Jumping Junior Team at the event.
The team finished on a final total of four faults at the conclusion of the class, to take third place behind Sweden and Ireland.
