Team medals at the 2014 NAJYRC (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The 2014 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) saw five days of exciting competition for its 40th anniversary. Taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., from July 15-20, 211 riders from Canada, the Dominican Republic, , Mexico, and the United States across four disciplines demonstrated how far their hard work had gotten them. Historic wins made the 40th anniversary even better. In the USHJA North American Junior and Young Riders' Show Jumping Championship, brothers Wilton and Lucas Porter (Bartonville, Texas) made history by being the first brothers to win Young Rider and Junior Individual Gold, respectively. David Ziegler (Alberta, Canada) made history at the 2014 NAJYRC by being the first competitor to earn medals in two different disciplines. On Friday, he won Silver in the dressage Young Rider Individual Test and then added eventing Young Rider Individual Gold on Sunday. No matter their placing, all riders got a taste of international championship competition and gained valuable experience for the future.

Special trophies and awards were given throughout the week. They were:

The Howard B. Simpson High Five Trophy, awarded to the volunteer who best exemplifies Howard's spirit of volunteering – Mark Coley

Style Awards
Jumping – Michael Hughes, Zone 2
Endurance – Mary Kathryn Clark, USA Central Combined
Dressage – David Ziegler, Canada Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba
Eventing – LuLu Shamberg, Area VI

The Horsepower Trophy, recognizes an outstanding horse from any of the championship disciplines who best demonstrates determination, courage, class, heart and the ability to inspire athletes and spectators alike throughout the competition – SHA Strike Two, Endurance

The Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy, given to the young rider who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper, and unselfishness – Anna Buffini, Dressage, Region 7

The Caristo Cup, given to the chef d'equipe that best exemplifies Ralph Caristo's enthusiasm and professionalism –  John Brennan, Jumping Chef d'Equipe for Zone 1

The Albers Award, given to the dressage chef d'equipe who best demonstrates the same level of dedication, enthusiasm, and team spirit shown by Patsy Albers throughout the years – Debbie del Giorno, Region 1

The Pursuit of Excellence - Fiona Baan Memorial Trophy, awarded to the young rider in the dressage championships who receives the highest combined average percentage score from the Team, Individual, and Freestyle dressage rides – Catherine Chamberlain, Region 7

For full results or to learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.

USEF Network presented by SmartPak has video on-demand of the top performers. Visit www.usefnetwork.com to find out more and watch!