For the second year in a row, the United States hosted the FEI Children’s International Jumping Final. Held at the lovely Hummingbird Nest Ranch, just north of Los Angeles, 32 of the highest ranked riders aged 12-14 congregated for a week of competition and camaraderie from November 22-27.

Venezuela’s Noel Vanososte conceived of the idea to have children’s jumper riders compete in a championship format as he watched developing riders in South America. After experimenting with various formats, he presented his idea for a worldwide championship to the FEI, and in 1995 the first Children’s Jumping Final was held.

To make it feasible for riders to compete, the host country fields 16 riders, and they must each bring two horses to the competition. They are then paired with an international rider who draws which of two American horses he or she will ride. Since the riders from the host country cannot choose which horse they ride in the Final, they are motivated to bring two competitive horses.

Ricky Neal and Alec Lawler, both of California, had a great time. “I want to do this again,” said Neal, who also competed last year. “This was fun, and I also want to do it again,” added Lawler. Both boys qualified for the final round on Sunday comprised of the top 16 riders after two days of preliminary competition. Neal finished sixth and Lawler finished eighth.

Although American riders did well in the preliminary competition with Allison Van Sickle winning the speed round on the first day and Anne Cook winning the jump-off round on the second day, it was the South American riders who swept the overall standings.

Mark Bluman Donskoy of Colombia accepted the Gold medal as the Colombian national anthem played. Last year Mark’s brother, Daniel, stood in the exact same position. Matias Bayas Erazo of Ecuador earned the Silver medal, and Luis Fernando Larrazabal of Venezuela proudly wore the Bronze medal.

Only Erazo and Bluman were able to negotiate clear rounds over Leopoldo Palacios’ challenging course. “I think if you had the best grand prix riders in the world competing over this same course at meter fifty (1.50 m), you would have the same results,” said the world-renown course designer.

Three riders left all the fences up, but got caught by the time allowed and each was penalized with one time fault. Larrazabal was the fastest of the three riders, therefore he earned the Bronze medal spot. Julianna Fischer and Allison Van Sickle of the U.S. were the other two riders with one time fault and finished fourth and fifth respectively. “I was slow to the first three jumps,” explained Van Sickle, “but I am so happy with how I did.”

“The course was very hard,” stated Gold medalist Bluman, “but I was not worried because I had a very good horse.” He drew Van Sickle’s Blue Bayou, and the quick gray mare was honored as the Best Horse. “I am very, very happy,” said Bluman looking at his medal. “This was my first time at this competition.”

“There was lots of pressure representing your country,” said Silver medalist Bayas. “I am very happy with my horse.” Matias was the only other rider to jump clear in the first round, and he was edged out for the overall victory when Bluman finished the jump-off round three seconds faster. “I’ve wanted to do this competition and I’ve been riding for three years,” explained the 12-year-old rider. “This facility is beautiful,” he said of the privately owned Hummingbird Nest Ranch. “The fields and stables are excellent.” All the riders stabled in the main barn, which allowed them to interact before and after the competition.

Venezuelan rider Larrazabal not only earned the Bronze medal, but the Judging Jury also awarded him the Style Award for his effective, stylish riding throughout the competition. “I was surprised but very happy,”