Lexington, Ky. – The U.S. Team ended their FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth Finals experience on a high-note, winning the Young Rider ‘Challenge Cup’ on Saturday at SenTower Park. The team of Samantha Cohen, Daisy Farish, Madison Goetzmann, Mckayla Langmeier, and led by Anne Kursinski, produced four perfect rounds to guarantee the gold medal. France won the silver medal and The Netherlands earned bronze.
“This was a great experience for the girls; there may have been some first time nerves. After having yesterday under their belts, everyone rode amazing and like they [are capable of]. Other teams were impressed that we had four clear rounds. Of course, we were disappointed that we didn’t get in [tomorrow’s final round], but today we got everybody’s attention,” said Kursinski.
Athletes from nine nations, which also included Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland, began the first round of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final on Friday. Kursinski tapped Cohen (New York, N.Y.) and Billy Fanta, her 10-year-old Anglo European Studbook mare; Farish (Versailles, Ky.) and Great White, her 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding; Goetzmann (Skaneateles, N.Y.) and Prestigious, her 11-year-old Westphalian gelding, and Langmeier (East Granby, Conn.) and Durosa W, Linda Langmeier’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, with the opportunity to advance them to Sunday’s final competition.
Although the team put forth great effort, Farish and Great White were the only combination to jump clear. The U.S. team placed eighth with 12 faults, just missing the chance to qualify for Sunday’s Final by four faults. With only six teams allowed to advance to Sunday’s Final, the U.S. advanced to Saturday’s ‘Challenge Cup’.
“This [event] is an extremely important part of our development program. There’s no substitute for this kind of experience,” said Kursinski. “They can read all the books and watch all the videos, but to have their own personal experience [is invaluable]. Everyone has learned a tremendous amount just being here,” said Kursinski. “Even our fifth rider [Ailish Cunniffe], she had a wonderful week [winning on Friday and placing second on Saturday in individual competition]. I hope more riders and trainers really try to embrace it and [work to] qualify because it is such a unique, lifetime experience. It is [imperative] for their development and future team experience.”
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The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members.