Leaders in the CCI2* Individual Standings (left to right) Nicole Doolittle (Area III), David Ziegler (Canada/Alberta), and Hannah Bundy (Canada/Ontario) (Brant Gamma Photography)

Lexington, Ky. - Eventing CCI1* (Junior) and CCI2* (Young Rider) riders started their journey to the medal podiums today with the dressage phase of the USEA North American Junior and Young Riders' Eventing Championship. The CCI2* riders finished their dressage tests in the evening with Canada/Ontario jumping into the lead for Team standings on a score of 165.1 penalties. Area V/VI is second with a score of 171.9, and Area III lies in third on 175.2.

The Canada/Ontario CCI2* team consists of:
Lauren Clark (18, Uxbridge, Ontario) and Coolumn XV - 58.3
Hanna Bundy (20, Toronto, Ontario) and D'Jion - 50.7
Jamie Kellock (19, New Market, Ontario) and Don't Blink - 57.4
April Simmonds (17, Uxbridge, Ontario) and Impressively Done - 57.0

Thinking ahead to Saturday's cross country course, Kellock said it best about which she is most looking forward to, "the last one," as the team from Ontario hopes to have successful runs through the finish flags.

Riding as an individual, David Ziegler (21, Beiseker, Alberta) of Canada leads CCI2* individual standings with a score of 46.3 aboard Critical Decision. Bundy of Canada/Ontario sits in second with D'Jion on a score of 50.7, while Nicole Doolittle (16, Charlotte, N.C.) of Area III and Tops are in third with a score of 53.9.

"There is a lot of galloping, but I like that," Ziegler said of David O'Connor's cross country course. "'BG' knows Kentucky and he is excited," he added of Missy Ransenhousen's former Rolex Kentucky CCI4* mount.

Area IV leads sits atop the leaderboard in the CCI1* Team competition with 153.7 penalties. Area V is in second with 159.6, while Areas II is in third on 161.9.

The Area IV CCI1* team consists of:
Kristine Burgess (15, Lino Lakes, Minn.) and BFF Tiara - 52.9
Rebbecca Gall (17, Saukville, Wis.) and Can Ya Dig It - 50.6
Elena Hengel (17, Woodland, Minn.) and Zipp - 57.3
Hannah Stohr (17, Lenexa, Kan.) and Hey Jude - 50.2

"I have to say that we have a really nice coach, Jon Holling, who is really good at getting us prepared the day before and getting our horses where we need to be," Stohr said, as she credited the Area IV team coach for their success following the first phase of competition. "He's also great at getting us in the right state mentally to go in."

Hengel half-jokingly added that they also have lots of time to practice dressage in indoor arenas during the winter months in the upper Midwest. She also stated that the team, "is taking it one day at a time," as they optimistically head into the cross country phase.

Individually, Kaylawna Smith (18, Murrieta, Calif.) of Area VI is leading with 45.6 penalties on London Calling OHF. Sitting in second is Alyssa Phillips (17, Fort Worth, Texas) of Area V on Bliss III, who has 47.1 penalties. Moira de Ste Croix-Laframboise (16, of Canada/Ontario) is in third with 49.2 penalties on Blue Ben.

"I couldn't believe it when I was walking down the aisle to the Rolex Stadium; it was unbelievable," Smith said of entering the field of play for her first NAJYRC. "It was a great feeling."