Sixteen National Federations were represented by 34 riders and six teams (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, USA) at the CS Ranch where the battle for the medals in the SVAG FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors was on
Givrins, July 12 — Provided by Simona Diale — Draw three in a field of 34, Sarah Armenta made her way in the pen aboard Julia Kraetschmar’s Gun Smoke Dennis, a 14-year-old stallion. The first to ride for Team USA, young Sarah gave it all she had and so did ‘Dennis’ – once the duo walked out of the arena, a 217.5 appeared on the score board along with a huge smile on Sarah’s face. “I don’t know what to say! It felt awesome, especially since it’s my first time really showing him,” she said. “Because he wasn’t being shown any more, the owners – who are really good friends of ours – had decided to turn him out in the pasture. When they found out that we were looking for a horse for me to try to qualify for the team, they offered him to me. I tried him out at the Red Bud, decided to try to qualify, got picked and…here we are!”
It was yet another Team USA duo that came in to perform in the third set: Mattie Gustin riding her Guns R Spooky. The 16-year-old has owned the 9-year-old gelding for four years and this is her first FEI team experience and she loved it…just as she loved her 217 score after a wonderful clean run. “My horse has made my whole career and I simply love him…he’s my best friend,” she said, fresh off her ride. At this point of the competition, with two more horse-rider-combinations left to go, USA was firmly leading with a 434.5 composite score followed by Germany with a 425. Raeanna Thayn and Coded N Karma kept up the reigning trend for Team USA by performing to a 216.5 and bringing the composite to a winning 651. The pressure was off for the U.S. team’s Emma Lane who rode her father’s Gunner Gump to a 211 and ‘stuck the plans’ as team coach Jeff Petska said. “This is a great group of young riders and I am extremely proud to be here with them,” added Petska.
After wearing the Gold medal in the European Senior Championship, Team Germany took the Silver medal with a 641 composite thanks to Lenya Lamberg and SH Topsail Badger (214.5); Celine Beisel and Gunner Be Good (214.5); Georgia Wilk and A Lunar Revolution (212) and Leann Stein and Litn Up Conquistador (210.5). “I am very proud of my junior riders,” said Team Coach Nico Hoermann. “It’s pretty hard for these young reiners to go to the championships, but this group is really outstanding. My congratulations go to Team USA and, of course, to my riders…they did a great job.”
The very first Junior Team for Switzerland was made up of Flurin Staub and Don With Chrome (210.5), Nanina Staub and Chant For Chics (207.5), Sophia Staub and Gunslinger Lil Step (204.5) and Justin Haeberlin with Wimpys Cody Step (185). With a total composite of 622.5, the ‘young’ team wore the FEI bronze medals around their neck. “I was very confident our team could make it to the podium,” said Team Coach Terry Schultz. “They are all extremely hard-working, very talented, and I am so proud of them!”
Yet another SVAG FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors is in the books and … what great emotions we all lived at the wonderful CS Ranch!
The top 20 scores plus ties will automatically advance to the SVAG FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors Individual Final on Saturday.
The beautiful CS Ranch owned by Corinna Schumacher is proud to host the 2019 SVAG FEI World Championships for Young Riders & Juniors and European Championships for Seniors. The CS Ranch is the biggest and most modern private reining facility in Switzerland and is ideally situated and equipped for professional reining training and showing. The covered arena measures 95×50 meters and can accommodate over 1400 spectators. As always, ADMISSION IS FREE.
For further information: www.cs-classic.com
Photo by Tom Hautmann – For further photo requests please send email info@tom-hautmann.de
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By Simona Diale
