This year’s event will be held July 22-26, 2009 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.
History of the Event
The North American Young Rider Championships (NAYRC) began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between the United States and Canada. The inaugural event was called the North American Junior Team Championships and was held in Jokers Hill, Ontario. In 1981, a dressage championship was added, and the event obtained FEI recognition. Jumping was added in 1982, producing the first full championships, held in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. 1985 marked the first year the championships landed at Howard Simpson’s Temple Farm. Known as the “father of the NAJYRC,” Simpson graciously hosted the event at Temple Farm 13 more times, more than any other venue in the championship’s 35 year history. The championships were officially named the North American Young Riders Championships in 1988. The championships were expanded to officially include a junior championship in 2006, and the name changed to the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. The discipline of reining was added to the official schedule in 2008. This year marks only the second time the event has been held at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Past Winners 2008 (Excel)
Past Winners 1981 - 2007 (Excel)
Previous Locations of the NAJYRC:
Temple Farm, Wadsworth, IL—1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002
The Colorado Horse Park (formerly High Prairie Farms Equestrian Center), Parker, CO—1998, 2000, 2008
Flying Horse Farms, South Hamilton, MA—1979, 1983, 1987
Jokers Hill, Ontario - 1974, 1975, 1978
The Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, VA—2005, 2006, 2007.
Bromont Equestrian Center, Bromont, Quebec—1992, 2003
The Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY—1977, 2009
Wayne DuPage, IL—1976, 1981
Calgary, Alberta—1980
Cedar Valley, Ontario—1984
Maple Ridge, British Columbia—1982
1986—Location problems caused the cancellation of a full championships, alternate championships were held at Commonwealth Park, Culpeper, VA (show jumping); Ridegewood Farm, Orangeville, Ontario (eventing); and Painesville, OH (dressage)
Awards and Trophies
Howard B. Simpson High Five Trophy
The Howard B. Simpson High Five Trophy is awarded annually to the volunteer who best exemplifies Howard’s spirit of volunteering. The award honors Howard B. Simpson who served as the NAYRC Director at Temple Farms for many years. Howard also served as sponsor and tireless volunteer. The recipient of this award embodies Howard’s dedication and commitment to the championships. The award is presented by the United States Equestrian Federation.
Winners
2004 Howard B. Simpson
2005 Brian and Penny Ross
2006 Andrew Ellis and Bettina Longaker
2007 Tami Nichols, Diane Boyd and Gammon Nuckols
2008 Kristi Wysocki and Page Tredennick
Style Awards
The Style Award annually celebrates one rider from each discipline recognizing their “style” throughout the week. Not only while mounted, but also in the form of manners and overall demeanor around the competition grounds and at the organized functions.
The Style award was established by Brain and Penny Ross who have generously donated, in conjunction with Bel Cavallo Bronze, the lovely Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping trophies designed by the artist Timi Saviers of Moscow, Tennessee. The Reining trophy was donated by Brad Ettleman.
The Caristo Cup
The Caristo Cup is given annually in Ralph Caristo’s honor by Susie Humes, Susie Schoelkoepf, Leo Conroy, David Distler and Karen and Heather Caristo. The award is given to the chef d’equipe that best exemplifies Ralph’s enthusiasm and professionalism. Zone Two was lucky enough to have Ralph as their chef d’equipe for many years, and he led them to win more Individual and Team Gold medals than any other zone.
Winners
2005 Ralph Caristo
2006 Richard Spooner
2007 Dr. Jorge Berganza
2008 Matt Cyphert
The Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy
The Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy is given to the young rider who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper, and unselfishness. This award is presented annually by the United States Equestrian Federation in honor of Captain Andrew B. De Szinay who was a teacher, dressage judge, technical delegate and long-time supporter of the young rider’s program. His dedication and support has helped the championships become what it is today.
Winners
1989 Missy Ransehousen
1990 Parker Nichols
1991 Molly Fischer
1992 Francesca Nicolletti
1993 Earl McFall
1994 Melissa Pereech
1995 Jamie Schmidt
1996 Diego Creel
1997 Andrea Strain
1998 Kristin Kara and Jill Prieto
1999 Ryan Hites
2000 David Marcus
2001 Allison End
2002 Victoria Ortellie
2003 Stephanie Schmidt
2004 Megan Greg
2005 Sofia Lombera
2006 Natalie Perry
2007 Greta Barringer-Richer
2008 Mystere Moyes
The Pursuit of Excellence – The Fiona Baan Memorial Trophy
Each year the Fiona Baan Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Young Rider in the Dressage Championships who receives the highest average percentage score from the Team, Individual, and Freestyle Dressage rides. The award is to honor a remarkable woman who dedicated more than thirty years of her life to the United States Equestrian Team and the Young Rider’s Championships. This award recognizes hard work and the pursuit of excellence in the sport Fiona dearly loved.
Winners
2008 Laura Noyes