North Salem, N.Y.– Canadian Samantha Starratt got an early dose of international competition at the 2013 FEI Children’s International Classics Final. She competed with a borrowed horse and helped her Brazilian and Argentinian teammates win the gold medal. The 19-year-old college student from Calgary, Alberta, is one of several rookies who qualified for the 2018 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) presented by Gotham North. She will compete with Akolito, a 10-year-old Westphalian gelding. Read on to find out more about them!

Who introduced you to horses?

I started when I was two years old. My parents thought it would be good for me to be around animals because my grandma had a farm. I fell in love with them from there. I started competing when I was seven years old and kept with it ever since. I had a pony that I competed pony hunters and jumpers. I did junior hunters and equitation, then I moved to jumpers.

Can you describe your horse? What makes him so special?

I got him when he was seven years old in Canada, but he is originally from Germany. The first time I jumped him, we had a special bond. He has a leg hitch, so he walks in a strange gate, but it does not affect his jumping. He is very scopey and he has a kind heart. He will not stop at any [fence] unless it is my fault; he is so honest. He loves food and if he does not get his apples after he shows, he gets upset. He needs them to perform well.

What do you think of your first NAYC and the Old Salem Farm facilities? Has NAYC always been a goal?

It is a lot of fun; I am excited to hang out with the team and support everyone from Canada. NAYC has always been a goal of mine. Every year I strive to learn what I need to do to get here. I first heard about the NAYC from a girl who used to ride with my old trainer. Ever since then, I thought it would be a good experience, and I wanted to do whatever it took to compete. It is so beautiful here. We are so lucky to be able to compete in such a nice place. My horse settled in nicely.

Have you ever competed on a team? What is your NAYC team like?

When I was 14 years old I represented Canada at the FEI Children’s International Classics Final in Brazil where my team ended up winning gold. That was super satisfying. It was a good experience as we were put with people from different countries, but you still felt team spirit and they all cheered for you, so I brought a lot [of what I learned] to NAYC. I have not competed with any of my [NAYC] team. I went to school with Emily Fitzgerald, but the rest are new to me. Alexa [Thibault] was here last year. We all get along and have been hanging out together. It is a fun team. I am excited [to work with them]; it is a great opportunity.

Who is here this week supporting you?

My mom is with me this week as my dad had to work. She is one of my biggest supporters and helps me groom my horse. She understands me and keeps my stress low. She is great with helping me focus on myself and what my horse and I need to do to perform at our best.

Check out the live stream of the NAYC on USEF Networkthrough Sunday, August 5.

View the NAYC schedule and results.

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