The 2004 USDF Region 2 Jr/YR Championships
by Anne-Claire Legros
Last weekend, July 9 and 10, 45 dressage riders gathered at Sorensen Equestrian Park for the 2004 United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Region 2 Jr /Yr Team Championships. This was the second year that this event was held at Sorensen Equestrian Park in East Troy, Wisconsin. The show consisted of forty-one junior riders competing in classes from Introductory A to Second Level, and three young riders; Lauren Sprieser, Laura Eckart, and Jessica Kissel who competed at higher levels.
To start off the show, Reid and Linda Sorensen held a meeting the evening of July 8 wherein they split the riders into teams comprised of new and sometimes unfamiliar groups. After a few meet-and-greet games, friendships were formed and shy behavior was lost. The next day, the competition began. The day started off with a jog-out, demonstrated by the young riders, and performed by one rider from each team. The purpose of the show and the events included was to try and prepare the junior riders for what was to come in national competition. Equitation classes were next in line. After two full classes, the optional warm-up rides followed. At almost lunchtime, the actual championship classes began, and didn’t stop until almost 5:30.
To finish off the day, Reid and Linda planned fun games following the show. The first game was the water cup race. Competitors walked, trotted and cantered their horses while holding a plastic cup filled with water. The rider with the most water remaining won. The next game was the ribbon race. Riders paired up and performed the same three gaits, all while holding a piece of crepe paper between them. After a fierce competition, all three teams still remained. The judge decided it was time to shorten the ribbon to a mere ten inches. Two teams were quickly disqualified and the judge declared the winners. The last two games were a miniature three cone barrel race, and a game called “walk the plank”. For this last game, eight riders dismounted to form two teams which each stood on two planks of wood with pieces of rope about one foot apart. The object was to walk, together, to a finish line without stepping off the wood.
After the games, a picnic was held in the indoor arena. The three young riders talked about the competitions they’d participated in recently. Lauren Sprieser gave a power point presentation of the 2003 Young Rider National Championships. Laura Eckart and Jessica Kissel talked about overcoming hardships and problems, and keeping a positive attitude.
The next day, after a few more equitation and warm-up classes, the championship started up again. Lauren Sprieser and Bellinger performed a musical freestyle, earning a 75%! After the championship concluded, an awards ceremony was held. The introductory teams were placed, given medals, and then awarded their victory lap. The same was done with the training level teams and the percentage teams. Afterwards, the USDF Shining Star award was given to 10 well-deserving riders. Then, two special awards were presented: the best show mom or dad, and the best trainer award. After a few photos, it was time to go home. It was a busy weekend, but a fun experience, and of course, we’ll all be back next year!
See photos from the event! Check out our Photo Album!
(Team results coming soon.)
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