I am also (slightly less) delayed in reporting on the wonderful experience of coaching Claire and Kathryn Robinson as they represented Canada at the North American Youth Championsips in the Young Riders and Junior divisions respectively.
It was a huge trip from their summer base in Kelowna, BC to Old Salem, NY, which the horses handled fabulously. In their first CDI and first Championship and first time representing their country, these girls were superstars. They handled the pressure with grace and outstanding sportsmanship, and rode so well throughout! They made me so proud!
It was such a great experience to be amongst the very best youth riders in North America, and to have the Robinson sisters clearly belong there. Both are on relatively young horses for the level of competition, and held their own against much more seasoned pairs.
Claire's rides improved so much between the Team (where Team Alberta/Quebec finished 5th!) and Individual tests, and she qualified for the Freestyle championships - but unfortunately the rule of only taking three out of four riders in a team meant that Claire had to sit this one out and cheer for her teammates. Claire and her beautiful Glamour Boy are looking forward to moving up the levels in the training with our eyes on the U25.
Kathryn and her black unicorn Forget-Me-Not competed as an Individual for Canada. She rode fabulously and made lovely impressions in the Team and Individual tests, with some unusual errors keeping her out of top placings (and I know Katie, they will NOT happen again!). Her lovely freestyle earned them an 8th place in the final class, and it was absolutely outstanding to watch them dance in that great company. Katie and Froggy are now looking forward to Prix St George level work, I can't wait to see what happens with this gorgeous pair!
I also need to say that it was an absolute thrill to see two of our old sales horses competing at NAYC with their riders! Emma Claire and Vivi (showing as De Nouvelle Vie) showed in the Junior division and Leah and Adel K were in the Young Riders classes. Both horses looked wonderful! Congrats to their riders!
