Featuring:
The premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, age 14-21.
Young equestrians come from the United States, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the
Caribbean Islands to vie for Championships in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show
jumping, dressage, eventing plus, for the first time in 2008 the western style discipline of
reining. The competition is run under rules of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale,
the international governing body for equestrian sport) the only FEI championship held in this
country.
Many of North America’s best equestrians got their start at the NAJYRC including Olympic
medalists Greg Best, Karen Lende O'Connor, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, as well as Alison
Firestone, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, Ray Texel, Chris Pratt, Frankie Chesler, Lisa Carlsen
Lubitz, Harold Chopping, Martina Pracht, Kathleen Raine, Heather Mason, David Wilson, Gwyneth
MacPherson, Tiffani Loudon, Buck Davidson, Abigail Lufkin, Missy Ransehousen, Mara DePuy,
Molly Bliss, and Julie Gomena.
History:
The NAJYRC began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between the United States and Canada. A
dressage championship was added in 1981, and show jumping was added in 1982. The first
complete Young Riders championship was held in British Columbia, Canada in 1982. The
Championships were expanded to officially include a championship division for juniors in 2006.
The discipline of reining will be added to the official schedule in 2008.
DRESSAGE
The word Dressage (pronounced dress-AHGE) is derived from the French verb "dresser," which
simply means "to train." It has come to denote both a training method and a competitive sport.
As a training method it prepares the horse for any number of disciplines, from show jumping to
western reining. As a sport, competitive dressage challenges horse and rider to strive for ever
greater levels of precision and harmony.
THE ART OF CLASSICAL HORSEMANSHIP
Although dressage has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship and was influenced by the
knights in shining armor of the Middle Ages, it was not until the Renaissance that dressage
was recognized as an important equestrian pursuit. The great riding masters of this period
developed a logical training system which has changed little over the last hundred years.
What has changed is the reason for the training. The European aristocrats displayed their
well trained horses in elaborate equestrian pageants; today's dressage riders test their
horses' ability in competition.
Dressage horses can be of any breed, sex, age, color or size. Exceptional basic paces--walk,
trot and canter--together with a good temperament and sound conformation are what riders
look for in a potential dressage horse. The horse should have athletic paces, be light on
its feet and have the scope to take short, springy strides as well as free, long and swinging
ones.
Dressage is a sport where competitors pursue the unobtainable 100%; in order to even come
close, meticulous attention to detail, in addition to ability, is necessary. Marks may be
out of reach because of a lack of talent, experience or technique, but they should not be
thrown away for lack of preparation.
The attention to detail starts with good horsemastership. Quality veterinary care, proper
feeding and an on-going training program are the foundation. Correctly fitted equipment
and good grooming are also necessary ingredients. In dressage the general appearance is
much more important than in other equestrian disciplines. The horse and rider which are
turned out immaculately, with everything gleaming and in place, make it hard for the judge
not to give the benefit of the doubt to the combination which pleases his eye. Dressage
is a performance, and, as such, competitors strive to look as beautiful as nature will
allow.
Competitive dressage takes place in a 20x60-meter arena, with 12 lettered markers placed
at specific points along the rail. Here, horse and rider perform a designated test, a
series of movements for which the arena markers serve as reference points. No one seems
to know the reason for the peculiar sequence of the letters or when their use was introduced
to the sport.
There are different levels of tests in "international" dressage competition. In order of
difficulty, they are, the Young Rider Tests, the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I,
Intermediaire II and Grand Prix. Within the Grand Prix level are the Grand Prix, the
Grand Prix Special and the Grand Prix Freestyle--a musical ride choreographed by the rider.
Although certain movements must be performed and each performance has a time limit, the
competitor can create a program which suits his or her horse and is especially pleasing
to the eye.
It is these International tests where we see the most spectacular movements: Piaffe, the
highly collected, elevated trot in place; Passage, the suspended trot in slow-motion;
Pirouette, a rhythmic turning in place at the walk and canter; Half Pass, a forward and
sideways movement at the trot or canter where the horse crosses his legs; Flying Change,
a skipping type movement at the canter where the horse changes lead every fourth, third,
second and finally at every stride.
It is important to understand that none of these movements are tricks, all are natural
and performed by the horse at play. With careful training, the horse learns to duplicate
these natural movements, willingly, on command, and with grace, while accommodating the
weight of the rider. The trust and harmony which makes this possible are a tribute to
the rider's ability and the horse's generosity.
One to five judges, positioned at specific locations around the arena, evaluate the
performance from their different perspectives. Scores are awarded on a scale of zero
(not executed) to 10 (excellent) for each movement, with some particularly difficult
movements earning scores that are multiplied by two.
Spectators tend to base their judgements on general impressions--on how pleasing the
performance was as a whole. The judges also take this into consideration when awarding
the "collective marks" for paces, impulsion, submission and the rider's position.
Scores are tallied and divided by the total possible, and the final score given as a
percentage.
These final percentages are somewhat misleading; the winning score may only be a 63%.
But keep in mind that the marks are given movement by movement, and are judged against a
standard of absolute perfection. The greatest dressage riders in the world today can
only hope to achieve a final score in the 70% range.
YOU BE THE JUDGE
As the test proceeds, how the horse moves on straight and curved lines is important.
On the straight, the body should be straight with the hind feet following the same path
as the fore feet. On turns and circles the horse's body should bend uniformly along
the arc in order to create the same path with fore and hind feet. Circles should be
round and smooth, turns should be even. Transitions between gaits should be smooth,
and the horse should immediately establish a rhythm in the new gait.
When the horse extends or collects its gaits, there should be an obvious difference
in the length of its stride. These are also transitions. During an extension, the
horse's frame is lengthened and each stride should cover more ground. During a
collected movement, the frame is shortened and each stride should cover less ground
without any loss of impulsion or energy.
The horse should carry its head in a vertical position, indicating acceptance of the
bit, continually feeling for the rider's aids. The horse travelling with its nose
stiffly held out in front or over bent is not accepting the rider's hand.
The rider should maneuver the horse through the test without apparent effort, maintaining
balance, with the upper body erect but supple and thighs and legs steady and stretched
downward. The elbows should be held close to the body, thereby giving the rider the
ability to follow the horse's movements and apply the aids imperceptibly.
EVENTING
Overview and History
Eventing (also known as Combined Training) traces its beginnings to "The Militaire" in
Europe, a competition introduced at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm as the ultimate
test for the cavalry horse. Only active-duty Army officers mounted on military chargers
were then allowed to compete for the United States. Today, the sport attracts competitors
from varied backgrounds, drawn to the variety of challenges eventing provides to horse
and rider.
The Three-Day Event is a test of horse and rider’s skill and all-around ability - the
ultimate test of teamwork between horse and rider. This equestrian triathlon was
patterned after the demands of training and testing military chargers: precision,
elegance and obedience; stamina, versatility and courage; jumping ability and endurance;
and finally, the horses’ fitness to remain in service.
By present standards, that first Olympic competition in Stockholm was severe. Of the
27 competitors starting, only 15 finished. Among the seven countries that competed,
the United States placed third, winning the Bronze Medal. By 1924, 17 national teams
competed in Paris, with the U.S. the only overseas entrant. It was at these Olympic
Games that the present pattern for the Three-Day Event was established. Dressage
comes on the first day to show balance, obedience, flexibility, and harmony between
horse and rider. Next is Speed and Endurance, the most demanding phase, to test
boldness and speed. Finally, show jumping to demonstrate conditioning, resilience
and agility.
The 1948 Olympic Games in London marked the end of the U.S. Army’s participation in
Olympic equestrian events and the transition to a civilian competition. Olympic
competition was opened to women riders in 1964. American eventers have enjoyed a
great deal of success at the international level highlighted by team Gold Medals
at the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games and David O’Connor’s individual Gold at the 2000
Olympic Games in Sydney.
What It Takes to Ride in a Three-Day Event
There are four levels of competition in Three-Day Eventing, designated by stars
(one-star through four-star, with four-star having the highest degree of difficulty).
Horses and riders must earn the right to compete at these levels. At each successive
level, a horse has to jump higher, run farther and faster, as well as trust it’s rider
more. The degree of difficulty for gymnastic exercises - both on the flat in the
dressage phase and over fences during the cross-country test - increases progressively.
The First Phase: Dressage Competition
The Dressage test in Three-Day Eventing reflects the cavalry officer’s need for an
obedient, attractive mount on the parade ground. The objective is to demonstrate
harmonious development of the horse’s physique and balance.
Each horse/rider combination is required to perform a prescribed set of movements
within a confined area. Three independent judges award marks for each movement,
ranging from 0 to 10. There are also collective marks for the horse’s pace,
impulsion and submission to its rider’s direction, as well as for the rider’s
position and use of aids. The test must be executed from memory. Errors or
incorrect sequences of movements are penalized by subtraction of points.
Throughout the Dressage test, the judges are looking for calmness and relaxation,
combined with impulsion and rhythm, all from a horse that should be at the peak of
fitness, full of energy for the strenuous demands of the competition still to come.
A dressage performance should be fluid, balanced and accurate, providing an overall
picture of grace and harmony.
This capability cannot be obtained overnight. Many years of training go into
producing a well-schooled horse that can perform a good dressage test. Additionally,
without the obedience and suppleness dressage requires, the cross-country and
jumping phases would be considerably more difficult.
Speed and Endurance Test
The speed and endurance test is the most exciting and challenging part of a Three-Day
Event. is made up of a Cross-Country test, consisting of as many as 30 obstacles set
in varied terrain, which must be jumped boldly with speed. Some obstacles may include
four or five separate jumping efforts.
When casual observers think of Eventing, they usually envision the thrilling cross-country
test; yet each portion of the Speed and Endurance test proves the rider’s knowledge of
pace and use of the horse across country.
Competitors must complete the Speed and Endurance test within a prescribed "Optimum Time."
Time penalties will be incurred if the course is taken too slowly and the competitor
exceeds the "Optimum Time." Under adverse conditions of weather or terrain, times
allowed may be altered for safety reasons. In the cross-country, penalties are also
incurred for jumping faults such as refusals and run-outs, in addition to time penalties.
Show Jumping Phase
The final component of a Three-Day Event is the stadium jumping phase. In order to
compete, horses must pass a series of veterinary inspections after the Speed and
Endurance phase. Show jumping tests the horse’s ability to retain the suppleness,
energy and obedience necessary for them to complete a jumping course consisting of
various colored, moveable obstacles without incurring penalties due to knockdowns,
refusals, falls or exceeding the time allowed, after their great efforts of the
previous day.
The overall winners of a Three-Day Event are determined by converting Dressage
scores to penalties, and adding the penalties incurred in Speed and Endurance and
Show Jumping. The competitor with the lowest number of penalties wins.
JUMPING
How It Works
Show jumping is easy to understand. The challenge is simple and straightforward; jump
a course of approximately 15 obstacles up to five feet in height and six feet in width
with no penalties. Penalties or faults are incurred if a horse knocks down, refuses to
jump or falls at an obstacle or jump. Each course has a “time allowed.” In addition to
jumping faults, penalties can also accumulate if riders fail to complete the course at
a certain speed or “within the time allowed.” Riders and horses must negotiate the course
at the correct angle, height, and speed to clear the fences without incurring faults.
Riders must also be mindful of the ever-ticking clock. The rider who races too fast may
grow careless and knock down a fence; an overly cautious rider may incur time faults.
The starting order of lineup is determined by a draw before the event so that each rider
has an equal chance of attaining a favorable position. Riders near the end of the starting
order have the advantage of seeing how the first riders complete the course.
Walking the Course
Riders preview the course by walking it on foot prior to the beginning of the competition.
This is the only chance the rider has to study the course "up close and personal."
Each rider knows the length of his horse’s stride, and walks the course accordingly,
pacing off the distance between fences and determining how best to adjust the horse’s
strides. Riders also take note of the different types of fences offered, their relationship
to one another, the footing and any other potential problem areas. They also try to find
where a tighter line can save vital time when jumping against the clock.
Scoring
All jumper classes are subject to the same scoring systems. Horse and rider must take
the course in a designated sequence. All obstacles are numbered. Each rider’s goal
is to cover the course with no faults within the allotted time period. Style is not
considered and doesn’t affect the scoring in jumper competition.
The first time a refusal occurs, the penalty is four faults; the second refusal constitutes
elimination. A penalty of four faults is incurred each time a fence is knocked down
and the penalty for the horse touching the water at a water jump is also four faults.
Penalties can also be incurred for exceeding the time allowed to complete the course.
The winner is the horse and rider combination with the fewest jumping and time penalties.
Frequently, several horses complete the course without penalty and advance to a
jump-off over a shortened course. In the jump-off, the same scoring rules apply,
except that in the case of equal faults, the horse with the fastest time will be
declared the winner.
Regulations Governing Show Jumping
International show jumping competitions are governed by the Federation
Equestre Internationale, which sets forth rules and regulations.
REINING
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type
horse in the confines of a show arena. In reining competition, contestants are
required to run one of several approved patterns. Each pattern includes small
slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks,
360 degree spins done in place and the exciting sliding stops that are the
hallmark of the reining horse.
NON-CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
Endurance
Endurance riding varies in distance of 50 to 100 miles. This event tests both the
rider’s horsemanship and their knowledge of their horse. The riders go out on "loops"
that range from 10 to 25 miles of cross country terrain, often including natural
obstacles such as creeks, ditches, and forests. At the end of every loop horses must
complete and pass a vet check. In order to be continue, horses must reach a pulse
criterion of between 60-68 beats per minute, and pass an examination for hydration,
gut sounds, lameness, metabolics, and overall appearance. The horse and rider then
get a rest period, between 30-60 minutes, and continue on their next loop.
2009 will mark the second North American Young Rider Endurance Ride (NAYRER) as a
demonstration event of the NAJYRC. The endurance ride will be offsite in Henryville,
Indiana due to the high quality of trails (Henryville was the site of the 2008
AERC/AHA National Championship.) The 75 mile CEI** endurance ride will run on
Friday with an endurance clinic on Thursday and Best Conditioned judging on Saturday.
The young endurance riders encourage everyone to come and experience this exciting
event. The website for the endurance ride is
www.nayrer.org.
Vaulting
Vaulting competition displays the unique harmony of horse and vaulter. It combines
colorful costuming, gymnastic and dance elements performed to music on a cantering
horse. Vaulters compete as individuals, pairs (Pas de Deux), and as teams. Both
horse and rider receive scores for their performance in each of the three phases
of competition (Compulsories, Freestyle and Technical Tests). Vaulter scores are
based on degree of difficulty, composition, presentation and accuracy of the
exercises. Their equine partner is scored on his way of going and can account
for up to 20% of the final score. The winners in each division will be the
horse/vaulter combination with the highest average score after scores in each of
the phases are combined and averaged.
This year’s NAJYRC will feature three of the four divisions, Individual Men,
Individual Women, and Pas de Deux, in a modified CVI. Hot off the AVA/USEF
National Vaulting Championships, which took place here at the Kentucky Horse
Park July 9-12, some of the nation’s best vaulters will exhibit their skills
and compete for top honors.
For more information please visit
www.americanvaulting.org.