Emily Wilson and Miss Cielo Chex dominated the Junior welcome class (Waltenberry)

Lexington, KY - After the official horse inspection cleared all but one horse for competition, the ‘Welcome Competition’ offered a glimpse into the Junior and Young Rider future of the sport of Reining in North America.

Taking the lead in the Welcome Competition was Team Canada with victories in both the Young Rider and Junior competitions. Flexing north-of-the-border muscle in the truly North American sport of Reining, Canadians Emily Wilson and Madison Steed made their nation proud with a strong showing in the kick-off of the 2013SmartPak North American Junior and Young Riders' Reining Championship.

Scoring a 205.5 aboard Miss Cielo Chex (2002 AQHA Mare), Emily Wilson dominated the Junior division competition by more than two and a half points. Far outscoring her competitors, Wilson now sets her sights on tomorrow’s SmartPak Team Championship and a legacy of Wilson family success in this very competition.

Emily Wilson is the third in a successful trio of Wilsons to compete for Canada at these North American Championships, including Gold medalist Darcy Wilson, a cousin of Emily, as well as Lane Wilson, who was equally successful. All riding the talented American Quarter Horse mare Miss Cielo Chex, the Wilsons and the mare have competed in every single North American Junior & Young Rider Championships since the sport’s inclusion to notable success.

Turning to the Young Rider division, the Great White North continues its success in Madison Steed and Jumpin Jac Trash (2007 AQHA Gelding), with an astonishing five-point lead over the competition with her 214 score. By far the highest score of the day, Steed gives us a glimpse of what is possible when horse and rider give their full effort in the championship rounds, starting tomorrow in the Alltech Arena at the renowned Kentucky Horse Park.

USEF Network presented by SmartPak will live stream the entirety of Saturday's events from the Rolex Stadium during NAJYRC as well as the Individual Reining from the Alltech Arena. Visit www.usefnetwork.com to find out more and watch!

NAJYRC showcases the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in dressage, eventing, jumping, reining, and endurance. Young equestrians from across the continent will descend on the Kentucky Horse Park to vie for FEI medals at these Championships.

For sponsorship information visit www.youngriders.org/Sponsors.aspx.