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Articles: Press Release
Olympic Medalists David and Karen O'Connor
to Speak at the North American Young Riders' Championships Presented by
State LineTack
Contact:
Beth Gold (847) 244-7249 phone
Hallie McEvoy haligator@aol.com
Wadsworth, IL- August 7, 2001 - The 2001 North American Young Riders'
Championships (NAYRC), Presented by State Line Tack, began today at Tempel
Farms in Wadsworth, IL with the veterinary examination of all the horses
scheduled to compete.
Tonight, 2000 Individual Eventing Olympic Gold and Team Bronze Medalist David
O'Connor, along with wife Karen, also a 2000 Eventing Team Bronze Medalist,
are scheduled to address the competitors. Over 200 of the nation's finest
young riders and horses arrived in the past days from throughout North
America for the world-class competition in show jumping, dressage, and
eventing.
The NAYRC is the premier competition for young riders, age 16 through 21, in
the Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage,and three-day
eventing. Riders are invited from each country's National Federation in
North, Central, and SouthAmerica, the Caribbean and Bermuda, as well as each
Province of Canada, eachUSA Equestrian Zone (show jumping), USDF Region
(dressage), and USCTA Area (three-day event) to compete. The NAYRC is
considered a USA Junior Olympic Equestrian event.
The broad range of nationalities and fierce competitors that attend the
Championships produce a mini Olympics atmosphere throughout the
competition week. For many riders, itis their first competition under
Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules, and their initial experience
of intense international competition.
The North American Young Riders' Championships began in 1974 as an eventing
challenge between the United States and Canada in Jokers Hill, Ontario.
Canada swept all three team medals in the competition that was then
known as the North American Junior Team Championships.
A dressage championship was added in 1981, and since that year the
Championships have been recognized by the FEI and are conducted in accordance
with FEI General Regulations. Show jumping made its debut in 1982 in British
Columbia, when the first complete Championships were held. In 1985, the
competition landed at Tempel Farms in Wadsworth, Illinois, setting the stage
for their continuing support of the Championships.
On Wednesday, August 8, equestrian action scheduled includes dressage and
show jumping beginning at 9:00 am. Admission is FREE on Wednesday and
Thursday. Tickets are available at the gate for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
at a cost of $7.00 a day, or $18.00 for a three-day pass. For further
information, please call (847) 244-9207.
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