From July 17-22, the top youth equestrians from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands competed at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). Junior riders (ages 14-18) and young riders (ages 18-21) competed in show jumping, dressage, eventing, reining and endurance. This year, vaulting was also included as a non-championship event.
For many rising equestrian stars, the NAJYRC is a first experience in the world of international competition, one that can be a stepping stone to the top levels for the sport. Several prominent Olympians and World Equestrian Games competitors have NAJYRC experience on their resumes, including McLain Ward, Karen O’Connor, Reed Kessler, Will Coleman and Adrienne Lyle.
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