Makenna Rold and Fernhill Imperial, CH-J* dressage leaders. Photo by Sportfot.
Makenna Rold and Fernhill Imperial have taken the early CH-J* lead in the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park.
Makenna and her 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, which she co-owns with Annette and Michael Rold, represent Area IV. This pair competed at Young Riders last year and improved their dressage score this go-round by three points, besting today’s scoreboard with a 41.9.
It’s a tightly bunched pack heading into cross country, with Emma Johnston and FE Coconut Kiss (42.3) and Megan Traynham and Lord Lombardi (43.2) rounding out the top three spots.
“I was thrilled with Coco today. This is her first time at Young Riders with a ring of this atmosphere and she was absolutely incredible. She gave me 150% and I couldn’t be more proud of her today,” Emma said.
Forty-four riders and eight teams are contesting the CH-J*, which continues with cross country tomorrow. Team Ontario, fielded by Alisa Morrison, Alexis Murray, Annick Niemuller and Emma Johnson, currently hold the lead.
“I think this opportunity is incredible for future eventers,” Alisa said. “It allows both horse and rider to get used to this atmosphere, as well as working with and on a team. It’s been great having such good teammates this year.”
The CH-J* kicks off cross country tomorrow followed by the CICY2*, and time may prove to be the deciding factor. “The course looks great and I’m looking forward to getting out there,” Alexis said. “It’s well built and I think that there are a lot of spaces to make up time or get ahead, which I think will be the separation for teams.”
You can check out yesterday’s CICY2* dressage report here.
#NAJYRC2016: Website, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, EN’s Coverage
NAJYRC CH-J* Top 15 After Dressage:
Top three teams:
