Ottawa, ON—Darcy Wilson of Goodwood, ON won the individual gold medal on July 26 at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships. Presented by Gotham North, these Championships are being held July 22-26 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, also the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Riding Miss Cielo Chex, Tamalyn Wilson’s seven-year-old Quarter Horse mare, Wilson, 17, topped 2O competitors representing eight regions throughout Canada and the United States with a score of 217.0, edging out American Erin Duddy riding Too Busy Cashin Chex, who scored 216.5 for silver. The bronze medal was awarded to McKenzie Lantz of the United States riding Royalee Rowdy with 214.5.

“When Darcy started her pattern, it was obvious she meant business. With the confidence of a veteran, she had the stands whooping and whistling as she executed each element,” said Chef d’équipe, Wendy Dyer. “At the end of the run, there was a hush as we all waited for the score to be announced then the Canadian contingent in the crowd went wild. It was the highest score of the week.”

Amanda Antifaev, 21, of Calgary, AB, riding Whats Up Doc Cody, Dianne Clarke’s nine-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, scored 212.0 for fifth place.

“All the Canadian riders did a fantastic job at the Championships. We are very proud of all the riders who represented Canada so well. We are particularly lucky to have so much talent, great owners who loan their horses and generous sponsors,” continued Dyer.

“Canada should be proud of our Canadian riders. Not only did they represent Canada magnificently in the show pen, but I was personally told by many officials that our riders were a joy to have at the show,” said the chair of the Canadian Reining Committee (CRC), Bob Thompson. “As chair of the CRC, I congratulate not only Darcy Wilson on her Gold Medal Performance and the Alberta Team for their Bronze Medal, but every Canadian rider who competed.”        

Complete results are available at https://www.usef.org/_AUAIFrames/CompUp/Data/Result160.pdf.