US Equestrian, Equestrian Canada and the Mexican Equestrian Federation, in consultation with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), have announced the cancellation of the 2020 Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) for dressage and jumping. The 2020 NAYC for dressage and jumping was scheduled to run from Aug. 4-9 at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in Traverse City, MI.
The agreement to cancel the 2020 NAYC was made due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding international travel as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the significant reduction of qualifying opportunities for both dressage and jumping athletes in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The three national federations, collectively with the FEI, agreed that it is no longer feasible to host the championship this year, as horse and athlete combinations would not be able to properly prepare, qualify, or travel effectively for the event.
“The Canadian, Mexican and U.S. Federations are saddened to announce that we have reached the conclusion to cancel the 2020 NAYC,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian. “We understand the disappointment this will bring to young athletes across North America, as well as their parents, horse owners and trainers. The Federations would like to thank the Organizing Committee of Great Lakes Equestrian Festival who have worked extremely hard to make the 2020 NAYC a memorable and special Championship. We all look forward to heading to Traverse City for NAYC in 2021.”