Six of Canada’s top young riders scored top performances at the Mexico CDIJ/CDIY Invitational being held in Mexico City, November 10-12, 2005. The invitational, which saw competitors representing Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and the United States, was organized in a similar fashion to the annual Sydney Australia CDI Invitational
where riders compete on borrowed horses. Riders took part in a draw which determined which horse they would rider, and only had one day to become acquainted with their mount before the competition began.
The Canadian riders gelled quickly with their equine partners to finish in the top five of every class. This accomplishment is even more impressive given the fact that some of their equine mounts were competing at this level for the first time.
Alberta’s Pia Fortmuller, who has had a very successful competition season including being crowned Dressage Canada’s National Young Champion, found the trip to be a great learning experience.
“I definitely found this a very helpful experience for my riding, especially competition riding.” Said Fortmuller. “Riding on a borrowed horse really makes you realize how important it is to have a confident seat and the ability to give clear aids.”
Fortmuller made a clean sweep of the Young Rider division, winning every class with her mount Ravell. “Every day that I rode him the better we came to understand each other, and he really did his best for me without complaining.”
Canada also dominated the FEI Junior division, where the top five placings in all 3 classes going to Canadian riders. Erika Urff, who hails from British Columbia, clinched top honours in both the Individual and Freestyle classes, while Nova Scotia team mate Brittany Fraser won the Team class. In the FEI Children division, Ontario’s Jade Deter was Canada lone representative, placing second in both the Preliminary and Team competitions and finishing on a high note with a win in the Final class.
Many of the riders were accompanied by their parents, who provided strong support throughout the competition, as well as Ruth Koch who acted as chaperone and unofficial chef d'equipe.
The international judging panel included Mariette Withages (FEI O – BEL), Axel Steiner (FEI O – USA), Cara Whitham (FEI O – Canada), Mercedes Campderá (FEI C - MEX) and Gabriel Armando (FEI C - ARG).
RESULTS
FEI Children – Preliminary
2. Jade Deter, Ontario
FEI Children - Team
2. Jade Deter, Ontario
FEI Children – Final
1. Jade Deter, Ontario
FEI Junior Team
1. Brittany Fraser, Nova Scotia
2. Erika Urff , British Columbia
3. Alexandra Duncan, British Columbia
5. Jessica Rhinelander, Newfoundland & Labrador
FEI Junior Individual
1. Erika Urff , British Columbia
2. Brittany Fraser, Nova Scotia
3. Jessica Rhinelander, Newfoundland & Labrador
4. Alexandra Duncan, British Columbia
FEI Junior Freestyle
1. Erika Urff , British Columbia
2. Brittany Fraser, Nova Scotia
4. Jessica Rhinelander, Newfoundland & Labrador
5. Alexandra Duncan, British Columbia
FEI Young Rider Team
1. Pia Fortmuller, Canada
FEI Young Rider Individual
1. Pia Fortmuller, Canada
FEI Young Rider Freestyle
1. Pia Fortmuller, Canada
Photo copyrighted: Mary Phelps/Phelpsphotos.com
Related Link
Julie Watchorn Invited to 2005 Young Riders World Cup