Two Canadians Invited to 2009 FEI Children’s Jumper Final

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Georgia Young and Amanda Harris have qualified to compete at the 2009 FEI Children’s Jumping Final which will take place at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from December 11–18, 2009.

Young of Calgary, AB, won the FEI Children’s Jumping Final Qualifier held at the Rocky Mountain Classic Week II, from August 25–29. The 14-year-old posted four clear rounds aboard her horse, My Fair Lady, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare. In addition to winning the FEI Children’s Qualifier, Young also was victorious in the 1.10m Mini Prix at the Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament and the 1.15m Junior/Amateur Welcome at the Spruce Meadows “Canada One” Tournament this season.

“I am honoured to represent Canada at the FEI Children’s Jumping Final,” said Young, who is coached by 1986 World Show Jumping Champion Gail Greenough. “It will be such an amazing experience, one that I will always remember.”

Harris, 14, of Aurora, ON, won the second Canadian Qualifier for the FEI Children’s Jumping Final at the CornerStone Week 3 at Bronte Creek Equestrian Centre held in Milton, ON, from July 8–12. Riding Heidi Harris’ Carmina, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood/Holsteiner-cross mare, Harris was also fault-free over four rounds of qualifying competition to secure her spot at the FEI Children’s Final. Harris also won the $3,000 CornerStone Week 2 Mini Prix.

“I am really happy to attend,” said Harris, who trains with Lauren Hayes. “I am riding every night and catch-riding as many different horses as I can to prepare. I am thrilled to represent Canada.”

The FEI Children’s Jumping Final in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will feature a total of 32 riders, including four from the host country of United Arab Emirates and two riders from each of the countries of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. The remaining 16 riders selected to participate in the Final will be the best ten riders from the worldwide standings, plus the best rider from the remaining six FEI groups. Canada is in FEI Group IV. No country will be represented by more than two riders except for the UAE.

The worldwide standings include the final scores for each competitor from every FEI Children’s Qualifying Competition in the world held in 2009 before October 18th. The final score for each competitor is the total penalties of the four rounds and the total of time in the two second rounds.

Riders are considered children by the FEI from the beginning of the year they reach the age of 12 until the end of the year they reach the age of 14 for Children’s Category A.

For more information about the FEI Children’s Jumping Final in Abu Dhabi, UAE, please visit http://www.uaeequafed.ae/ShowJ_2009-2010/2009-12-11_FEI_Children_Schedule.pdf.