2001 Northeast Junior/Young Riders Dressage Championships

An Unparalleled Format

Several aspects of the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Dressage Championships make it unique. This is a competition for junior riders up to age 21 only, and unlike any other equestrian competition or championship, includes riders from the various equestrian disciplines. In 1999, its inaugural year, slightly more than half the competitors were from dressage backgrounds, while the remaining competitors were hunter-jumper riders, event riders and Pony Club members. That year, both the Overall Champion and Reserve Champion were hunter riders.

Rarely is there an equestrian competition with a significant number of entries from foreign countries. The original expectation was to draw riders from the Northeast, and it was Lendon's fond desire that other regions in the country would follow suit with their own championships. Since its 1999 debut, the championship has been replicated in California and New Mexico. However, equally as rewarding for the organizers is the fact that the championship has attracted international competitors from three continents. In 1999, an Italian rider and a team of six Germans competed. Last year a team of riders from Argentina participated and gave the Americans a run for their money. In warm gestures of international friendship, Lendon's clients have hosted these foreign students in their homes. Scheduled to compete in this year's competition is a team from Mexico as well as riders from Lithuania, Austria, and South Africa!

The roster of past and present Officials is equally as eclectic and reads like a veritable who's who in the equestrian world, representing both young and veteran talent, with national and international competition and judging experience that is truly inter-disciplinary. Michael Poulin, 1992 Olympic Team Bronze medallist and proud father of two gold medallists at the 1999 North American Young Rider Dressage Championships, officiated at the inaugural event. The local and much beloved Dr. Max Gahwyler who has played a major role in the development and promotion of dressage in the United States and is a popular lecturer and clinician with a special interest in teaching and promoting sound basics in dressage, officiated at the first two championships.