In the spirit of the camaraderie we saw all weekend at the Maryland International CCI & H.T. / USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, we thought we’d share a message Sara Kozumplik posted, a group text she sent to the athletes she was coaching this weekend. Within it, there are good reminders for us all.
“Hi ladies, I just wanted to send you a group text to say congratulations on making it to the Young Rider Championships! This is a huge achievement and each of you have worked very hard to get to this point. I am very, very, proud of you all and excited to be part of the support system this week.
Each one of you have different goals for this week, but here are the three goals I want to see from all of you collectively.
1. Horsemanship
Remember that although we all want to lay down our best performance at championships, a final result of about 70% of what you can do at home is a success. Ask any coach in any sport. Anything more is gravy. If you guys can achieve this, each and every one of you will finish the weekend in a serious position.
Our horses come first and last always… period end of story.
2. Sportsmanship
While winning is fun (and I certainly want each of you to kick some ass this weekend), I can promise you that at this stage in your career winning a medal is not what anyone will remember next year and beyond. What they will remember is how you conduct yourselves at all times. That is what people remember and what they want to cheer for.
3. Gratitude and being present in the moment.
All of you have earned this. You are all talented, hard working, kind, and good horsewomen. Remember to take a minute to appreciate where you are. These moments don’t come by very often, so take a breath and be thankful that you are here and that you have the support to do this physically and emotionally hard and expensive sport.
I shall be there for the ups the downs and all the mess in between this week and always. I’m very happy to do that because I’m proud of all of you. Now do me proud and embody the spirit of what the Junior Olympics are about.
Love you to the moon and back, let’s go get it 💪🏻❤️🔥”
Congratulations to the champions crowned and all of the riders who showed us their class, enthusiasm and horsemanship all weekend long. We can’t wait until next year!
U.S. Weekend Results
The Maryland International CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Scores]
Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (CA): [Website] [Scores]
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Scores]
Inavale Farm H.T. (OR): [Website] [Scores]
Larkin Hill H.T. (NY): [Website] [Scores]
Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. & YEH (MD): [Website] [Scores]
News & Reading
Even if you don’t have a horse, the eventing community has plenty of ways to stay close and be a part of the community. Barb Bennett, this month’s VIP Volunteer for the USEA, discovered this when she found herself horseless but still craving the company of the eventing family. You can read more about Barb’s love for volunteering and the sport here.
Intense heat is a part of riding in the summer, but how can you make sure you are doing the best by your horse and keeping them safe? Whether it’s the heat or the pesky horseflies that love the season, Practical Horseman has some advice for you here.
After discovering his horse’s passport had been altered to make her appear younger, a UK buyer is questioning the reliability of paper-based equine IDs. The case, confirmed by the issuing organization, highlights ongoing concerns about passport tampering and lack of enforcement. As the EU reviews its equine ID laws, groups like World Horse Welfare and the FEI are pushing for a digital system. Advocates say digital IDs would be harder to falsify and easier to enforce—offering better protection for horses and buyers alike. Read more here.
Video Break
Enjoy some highlights from the finale of USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships!
