Press Releases

The AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge Announces Winners
and Awards Weekend at Capital Challenge

Behrenbeck and Myers with Scott Stewart, Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher and Holly Orlando (WCHR Professional Final four riders)

Jacqui Myers, age 15, of Lansing, Michigan and Laura Behrenbeck, age 14, of Rochester, Minnesota, were recently named Regional Champions in the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge. As part of their award, the two young riders were hosted to an entertaining, as well as educational, customized weekend at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Located just outside Washington DC, the Capital Challenge attracts over 1700 top horses and riders from across North America and is host to several national finals including the World Championship Hunter Rider Finals.

Behrenbeck and Myers with Olympian Maclain Ward walking the Grand Prix course.

To qualify for the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge awards, the young riders competed at horse shows participating in this innovative, new program located in their respective geographic areas. Designed to educate and recognize junior riders, who are competing at non-recognized United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) shows, the program offers a hunter-style class at numerous horse shows across the US. Now entering its third year, the program is jointly produced by Dover Saddlery and the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF).

During their weekend at the Capital Challenge, the two young riders were treated to several sessions with some of the country's leading riders, trainers, and professionals. The highlight of the sessions for the young riders was a personalized, private grand prix course walk with Olympians McLain Ward and Beezie Madden. Held just prior to the start of the Ariat Congressional Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifying class, Ward and Madden took time to guide the two young riders around the challenging course explaining the considerations in deciding how to ride a grand prix course and answering their questions. Other special sessions for the young riders included; Linda Andrisani on the criteria that judges use to score a hunter round, a private tour of the FEI barns with FEI steward, Glenna Wirtanen, accompanying veterinarian Robert Barber on rounds at the show, and a session with course designer, Michael Rheinheimer, on the elements of setting a good hunter course.

Behrenbeck and Myers with Geoff Teall, Cissy Meehan and Ringmaster Ed Nowak.

In the spotlight of the indoor area during the World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals at the Capital Challenge, Laura and Jaqcui were presented custom jackets and other gifts by Geoff Teall of the AHJF and Cissy Meehan of Dover Saddlery.

"I had no idea of the scope of the horse industry until I came here," explained Laura Behrenbeck, the Western Regional Champion, who has been riding for five years and qualified for the award riding her Appaloosa gelding. "There are so many possible careers with horses that I never imagined," added Behrenbeck, who trains with Vicki Holst of Turn Crest Stable in Kasson, MN. "These few days have really opened my eyes to many possibilities."

Eastern Regional Champion, Jacqui Myers, who qualified riding a Thoroughbred gelding she leases, trains with Amy Hayes at Fox Brush Farm. "It's been like a dream to meet all the top riders and have them take time out of their busy schedule to speak to us," Jacqui commented. "They have all been very encouraging." Summing up her experience at the Capital Challenge, Jacqui added, "This weekend was a lot of fun, and it really changed my perspective on what happens at a top horse show. I am inspired to be a better rider."

According to AHJF Executive Director, Michele Perla, the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge is immensely helpful in promoting hunters and providing encouragement for young riders. "Continuing to expand the number of shows as well as the number of youth participating in the national program is the goal," explained JHC Program Director, Christina Butkiewicus. "Each year, we add incentives and elements to the program that increase its appeal to show managers, riders and trainers."

For additional information on the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge, call 508-835-8813 or visit www.AHJF.org.